Common Emergencies
Acetaminophen toxicity (Tylenol)
Tylenol is very toxic in cats; one adult tablet is very poisonous and ingestion of two tablets is fatal. Clinical signs of weakness, pale gums, swelling of the face and red colored urine are common signs that may occur within 4 hours of ingestion. Read more: Acetaminophen toxicity (Tylenol)
Chocolate toxicity
Poisoning is common in dogs because of their habit of rapid consumption of unusual foods. It is important to remember to keep chocolate, cakes and chocolate-coated goodies safely away from your pets. There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. The patient needs to be hospitalized for supportive treatment and observation. Read more: Chocolate toxicity
Ethylene glycol toxicity (Antifreeze)
Exposure (known or suspected) warrants immediate veterinary emergency assessment! Most exposures occur in the fall and spring. Antidotes can be administered to your pet to help prevent permanent kidney damage caused by ethylene glycol. Prognosis directly correlates to the amount of ethylene glycol ingested and time of treatment administrate. Read more: Ethylene glycol toxicity (Antifreeze)
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is a condition that occurs after exposure to excessive heat or inadequate or impaired heat dissipation. If your pet has been exposed to excessive heat, such as being locked in a car on a hot day, consultation with a veterinarian should be sought. Prognosis is highly dependant on the amount of time that the pet has been exposed to severe heat and its body temperature. Read more: Heat stroke
Lily plant toxicity
Diagnosis of lily ingestion is based solely on the history of witnessing the ingestion of a portion of the plant, or seeing part of the plant in their vomit. It is imperative to seek emergency medical treatment as soon as possible to ensure proper treatment. In approximately 2-4 days after ingestion of the plant, signs of kidney failure may begin which can include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, and lack of urination. If enough toxin is absorbed to cause acute kidney failure, then the prognosis is guarded to poor. Read more: Lily plant toxicity
Marijuana toxicity
Pets are most frequently exposed when they ingest baked products with this drug as an ingredient, eat the remains of marijuana cigarettes, or otherwise get into somebody's "stash". Almost all exposed animals will exhibit neurological signs (depression or alternating depression and excitement, falling over/incoordinated, hallucinations with barking or agitation, seizures or even coma). Read more: Marijuana toxicity
Paintball toxicity
Paintballs are very attractive to animals and they will readily consume them.
Clinical signs can occur shortly after ingestion. Treatment involves supportive care which will help stabilize the abnormal electrolyte and fluid balance. Paintball toxicosis can be potentially fatal, however most animals will recover within a 24-48 hours period (if supportive treatment has been implemented). Read more: Paintball toxicity
Parvovirus infection
Parvovirus is one of several viruses that cause diarrhea in dogs
Puppies become infected with the virus when contaminated feces are ingested or inhaled. Treatment of the disease is primarily supportive, while the immune system clears the viral infection. Treatment in a hospital is essential in most cases, as this infection can be fatal. Affected animals that survive the first few days of a parvovirus infection usually recover completely. Read more: Parvovirus infection
Snail bait toxicity
Unfortunately, snail bait generally comes in pellets which may mimic dog food and it is flavored which may entice consumption. A small dose of this poison can elicit toxic effects on your pet. Once it is known or suspected that your pet has consumed snail bait it is imperative that the animal be brought to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Read more: Snail bait toxicity
Strychnine toxicity
Strychnine is a neurotoxin which exerts most of its toxic side effects on the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may occur within 15 minutes to two hours of ingestion of strychnine. These signs can include twitching and seizures. Treatment consists of controlling the seizures, removal of the toxin and supportive care. Read more: Strychnine toxicity
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