#FurbabyFridays: Snail Bait Toxicity

Some parts of the United States see this toxicity more than others simply because of the climates in those specific areas. Southern US, Pacific Coast states and the Hawaiian Islands all have issues with the slippery, slimy garden creatures that are the reason for using this toxin.

A common ingredient in the baits used to kill off snails and slugs is metaldehyde. This is also found in some brands of solid fuel for camp stoves. If ingested, prompt veterinary intervention is needed to save these animals. The longer the delay in treatment, the worse the prognosis and the risk for death is ever so much higher.

Why is this attractive to domestic animals?

To make the baits appeal to the snails and slugs, bran and molasses are often added. These ingredients are very tasty and appeal to our furbabies as well as other wildlife. So if you live in an area where you have to battle the slippery creatures, it's best to find alternatives to the baits that are commonly used. If you rent, or are in a community that happens to hire a gardener/grounds keeper make sure you ask what they use to get rid of the pests. 

Why is it so toxic?

Metaldehyde is a neurotoxin, which means the primary symptoms tend to be associated with the nervous system such as tremors, hyperexcitability and seizures. Other symptoms include:

1. anxiety
2. vomiting
3. diarrhea
4. excessive drooling
5. uncoordinated walking
6. hyperthermia (increased body temperature)
7. tachypnea (increased respiratory rate)

How does it cause the neurotoxicity and why is it so deadly?

The exact mechanism of action is of course unknown, just like with many of the toxins we've discussed over the last few weeks. It's believed the acidity of the stomach enhances the affects but no studies have found this conclusively. Metaldehyde can cross the blood brain barrier easily, to it does interfere with the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin. When this occurs, the overall effect is to lower the seizure threshold making it easier for a seizure to occur.

The tremors induced by metaldehyde interference with the neurotransmitters will ultimately cause the animal's body temperature to rise. Temperatures over 107 degrees will cause all organ systems to experience damage at the cellular level.  Metaldehyde also interferes with electrolyte and acid/base balance in the body which leads to CNS depression and tachypnea. Liver failure can occur in within 2 or 3 days of ingestion.

How is it treated?

There is NO antidote! Treatment is early, aggressive supportive care with your veterinarian or at an emergency veterinary hospital. If the ingestion took place less than 30 minutes prior to presentation to the vet, they can induce vomiting. After that point, your pet may already be experiencing some symptoms that would make vomiting contraindicated. The stomach will need to be decontaminated by a different route..stomach tube and lavage. This is basically what they do in hospitals when a human has to have it's "stomach pumped."

The rest of the therapy includes many of the same elements as with the other toxins. Activated charcoal is used in multiple doses to help bind the toxin and prevent it from resorbing as it passes through the intestines. Intravenous fluids are used to help keep the liver and kidneys happy during the decontamination process. Medications are given to control tremors, seizures and correct any electrolyte imbalances that may be evident based on blood work results.  It's imperative that the liver and kidney function tests are monitored closely with repeated lab tests.

Recovery depends on how much of the bait was ingested and how quickly therapy was initiated. The general health of the patient BEFORE the ingestion also plays a big role in how fast they recover. As little as one teaspoon of the pellet form for a 10 pound animal can be deadly. For some pets, just licking it off their paws after walking through areas where the baits have been distributed is enough to make them quite ill.

Do yourself a favor. If you have a snail or slug problem, look for alternatives to get rid of them. A few examples include

1. pet and human hair
2. egg shells
3. salt
4. beer

Here's some links to articles that are great resources for you. Check them out. You won't be sorry you did!

How to Get Rid of Snails Naturally

Veterinary Partner article on Snail bait toxity

ASPCA Poison Control

Murdoch Unversity Snail Bait Article

#FurbabyFridays: The Dangers of Potpourri

Liquid Potpourri: Good for the House. Bad for the Felines!

This week's post on common pet toxins focuses on liquid potpourri. Whether it's the concentrate you leave in a diffuser (decorative vase with bamboo sticking out of it) or in a warming pot, these concoctions are highly toxic for your pets, especially cats.

What makes these oils so toxic? There are actually two culprits. Both are dangerous on their own, but together they pack a heck of a wallop and can even lead to death in some cases.  The worst of the toxicities involve ingestion of these substances directly from the simmer pots, from spills or even from brushing up these items or the containers the oils are stored in getting the residue on their skin. What do cats do regularly? That's right. They spend many an hour licking and grooming their coat including their feet. If these oils are present, they will ingest them and within hours can exhibit some of the worst symptoms associated with potpourri toxicity. Let's take each of the two main components separately.

Essential Oils

These are volatile oils that are extracted from plants and are found in many different products from fragrances to cleaners. A common misunderstanding is that since essential oils are a "natural" substance, they are "safe" or nontoxic. While it's true that some grades of essential oils have been used to treat medical conditions, not all are created equal and you should NEVER use them without direction from a holistic VETERINARIAN who has experience using them. 

Cats are extremely sensitive to the toxicity of these oils because they are readily absorbed through the mucous membranes like the gums and conjunctiva and the the skin. That's why it's IMPERATIVE that when you discover that your pet has come in contact with these oils, you immediately wash them in hand/dish soap to try to remove as much of the oil as possible. It's not an easy task and while you are trying to remove it, the oil continues to do damage leading to burns, itching and even ulceration. Ingestion of these oils can lead to irritation of the mouth, tongue, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. You may see vomiting, hypersalivation, and severe burns in the mouth within hours of contact.  If your cat is exposed to these in the potpourri oils or the essential oils themselves, contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. 

Cationic Detergents

These are what cause the worst symptoms. They are quaternary ammonium compounds most commonly used in fabric softeners and sanitizers. Skin exposure to these detergents will cause reddened areas, edema, intense pain and ulceration. If the eyes are exposed, it can lead to severe corneal injuries like ulceration and scarring.

Ingeston of these detergents can lead to tissue necrosis (death of the tissue), inflammation of the mouth, tongue, pharynx and esophagus. Physical symptoms include vomiting, pulmonary edema, low blood pressure (hypotension), CNS depression, hypersalivation and dyspnea (difficulty breathing).  Severe cases will have the mucosal ulceration or even perforation, lethargy, persistant vomiting, anorexia and hyperthermia.

Treatment

So with the two of these combined together in one oily substance, the toxicity and the danger to our pets is even greater. If you have these oils in your home, keep them locked up and out of reach of all furry creatures. If there is exposure involving ingestion, treatment can include several days in the hospital. NEVER induce vomiting in these cases as the caustic nature of the oils can do double the damage if brought back up the same way they went down. Activated charcoal doesn't help either.

I personally had a feline patient who came to me three days after ingesting some of the liquid potpourri concentrate. His entire mouth was ulcerated: tongue, hard palate, soft plate, and the back of his throat. Besides the oral lesions, he had multiple burns between his toes and his pads. At this point there were also areas that were infected and sloughing away. He was too far gone for me to do much of anything but we tried anyway. Unfortunately, after two days it was evident he wasn't getting better, but worse and his owner had him euthanized.

The take home message here is to simply keep your furbabies safe by preventing any exposure to these substances. If you or another family member are using medical grade essential oils, please keep them out of reach of your pets as you would any other medication. DO NOT use them on your pet or in their foods. If you want to know more about how essential oils may be used safely in pets, please consult with a veterinarian who is board certified in practicing holistic veterinary medicine. Remember, cats are not little dogs and our animals are not little humans when it comes to what they can and cannot have by way of medications. This includes herbals and other supplements. 

One more thing...in order for a veterinarian to accurately diagnose your pet and recommend any treatment using medications of any kind including supplements, they must do a PHYSICAL EXAM on your pet and discuss all options with you. That is the LAW throughout the United States. There are no exceptions.

~Dr. Tammy