Page 69 - Canine-Diseases

variabilis (the American dog tick) are the most common causes. the administration of the incorrect dose of aspirin.
The toxin directly affects the nervous system, leading to a group
of nervous symptoms in the affected animal. This toxicity is Toxicity – Black Widow spider bites: Pets most commonly are
unique, because it is a pulsed toxin flow associated with repeat bitten by black widow spiders when they are curious and invade
tick feeding over a set period of time. There is a gradual onset a nest. Both the male and female spiders are poisonous, but only
of signs, which include incoordination progressing to paralysis, the female is large enough and has enough venom to affect a pet.
paresis (partial loss of muscle movements), hypotonia (low muscle
tone), dysphonia (disordered voice), megaesophagus (enlarged Toxicity – Botulism: Is a rapidly fatal disease resulting from nerve
esophagus), asphyxia (the body is deprived of oxygen) due to toxin produced by Clostridium bacteria. Dogs generally come in
respiratory muscle paralysis, mydriasis (excessive dilatation of contact with the bacterial toxin is by consuming dead animals that
pupil in the eye), excessive drooling and difficulty eating. contain the toxin.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN): Is a rare and life-threatening Toxicity – Brown Recluse spider bites: Brown recluse spiders
cutaneous drug hypersensitivity (92% of canine patient cases), tend to hide in dark, secluded areas and usually bite when they feel
traditionally has been described as full-thickness devitalization they are threatened or their area is invaded. Bites often occur when
of the epidermis with minimal dermal inflammation. TEN is spider is trapped in bedding.
characterised by an acute onset of systemic signs (pyrexia, Toxicity – Carbamate and Organophosphate: Are two
anorexia, lethargy and depression) and multifocal or generalised chemicals and are found in flea collars, fly, ant and roach baits as
skin lesions. Vesicles and bullae, necrosis and ulcers with well as topical flea products. The majority of toxicities related are
epidermal collarettes may be found on the head, footpads, and due to improper use of the chemical and overdosing.
mucocutaneous junctions (the area between the skin and a
mucous membrane). The greatest threat to patients with TEN is Toxicity – Chocolate: Chocolate, in addition to having a high fat
the risk of infection. Additionally, the continual seeping of plasma content, contains caffeine and theobromine, two compounds that
from the ulcers may cause an electrolyte imbalance. The loss of are nervous system stimulants and can be toxic in high amounts.
electrolytes can lead to dehydration, which can affect the heart and The levels of caffeine and theobromine vary between different
kidney function. Medications implicated in triggering TEN are types of chocolate.
levamisole, cephalexin, 5-fluorocytosine, sulfonamides, penicillin,
aurothioglucose, griseofulvin and ampicillin. Other causes of Toxicity – Cocoa mulch: Most types of mulch are safe if ingested
toxic epidermal necrolysis can include flea dips (organophosphate by a dog but there is one potentially toxic type of mulch made
dip and D-limonene dip), vaccine reaction (rabies, DHLP- Parvo), from the hulls of cocoa beans. This is especially dangerous to dogs
and metabolic disorder. that like to eat or chew on mulch.

Toxicity – Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Dogs most commonly Toxicity – Ecstasy (MDMA): Unfortunately, as popularity of
receive toxic amounts of acetaminophen when owners medicate ecstasy grows, so does the incidence of pet exposure to the drug.
them without consulting a veterinarian. They also consume tablets When ingested in high enough quantities and when medical
that are dropped on the floor or left lying around. Prompt treatment treatment is delayed or withheld, pets often die of ecstasy ingestion.
is the key to survival.
Toxicity – Efudex® (Fluorouracil): Also known as
Toxicity – Amitraz: Is an effective insecticide used in some brands 5-flouorouuracil or 5-FU, is a common prescription medication
of dog tick collars and topical solutions. It readily kills ticks and for humans used to treat actinic keratoses (also known as solar
mites, but it is also used to treat demodectic mange. Most often keratoses) and superficial basal cell carcinoma. It is classified as
toxicity is due to ingestion by the pet. an anti-cancer or anti-neoplastic drug.

Toxicity – Amphetamine: In humans amphetamines are used Toxicity – Estrogen: Estrogen toxicity is a condition in which a
as appetite suppressants, mood elevators and as treatment for group of estrogen compounds (female hormones), either produced
attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. Pets, most commonly in excess within the body or administered from the outside,
young dogs, are usually exposed to amphetamines by accident. become poisonous to the body.

Toxicity – Antidepressants drug: Due to the availability of Toxicity – Ethanol: Ethanol is an alcohol that is used commonly
antidepressants drugs and potential for exposure, accidental as a solvent in medications and is the major ingredient of alcoholic
animal toxicities have increased. beverages. Toxicity occurs when an excessive amount of ethanol
is ingested and can cause a wide variety of signs, including death.
Toxicity – Arsenic poisoning: Arsenic is a common poison used
in murder mysteries but is not common as a poison in animals. Toxicity – Ethylene Glycol: Ethylene glycol toxicosis occurs after
Years ago, arsenic poisoning was more common. ingestion of anti-freeze or other fluids containing the ingredient
ethylene glycol. It is not toxic, but it is metabolized in the animal’s
Toxicity – Aspirin: Also known as salicylate toxicity is poisoning body to several extremely toxic chemicals.
that occurs following the ingestion of aspirin or aspirin-containing
products because of the ingestion of improperly stored drugs or

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