Posted by
Anh Tran on Thu, May 03, 2012 @ 01:30 PM
By: Dr. Lindsay Vaughn, DVM, Diplomate, ACVECC
A real case: *names have been changed
“Maizy*” came to the VESCONE emergency department today after accidentally drinking a glass of wine. After briefly leaving the room, Maizy’s owners returned and found an empty wine glass and their beloved Cockapoo displaying abnormal behavior. She was very sedated and appeared unable to walk.
Her owners immediately brought her into VESCONE for evaluation. On presentation, Maizy was neurologically inappropriate and depressed. She required hospitalization and supportive care treat her alcohol toxicity. After spending 24 hours in the hospital, Maizy is back to her normal energetic self and is ready to go home.
What is alcohol toxicity?
Alcohol toxicity can be associated with accidental ingestion of alcoholic beverages, alcohol-containing household products such as windshield wiper fluid, or uncooked bread dough.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms associated with alcohol ingestion can range from mild depression and disorientation to severe central nervous system depression. At higher doses, animals can develop respiratory depression, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms.
How is it treated?
Depending on the amount of alcohol ingested and the severity of the symptoms, the pet may require intestinal decontamination and supportive care. If the alcohol was recently ingested, vomiting can be induced. They may also require a medication (activated charcoal) to bind the toxins within the intestinal tract to prevent absorption. They also typically will receive intravenous fluid therapy supplemented with vitamins which aids in metabolism of the alcohol. With severe alcohol toxicosis, more aggressive therapy may be warranted. Most animals are expected to recover within 12-24 hours with treatment.
How do I prevent this?
To avoid alcohol toxicity in your pets, keep all alcohol containing substances out of their reach. If you think your pet is suffering from alcohol toxicity or may have potentially ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Thu, Apr 19, 2012 @ 08:28 AM
With the weather getting warmer, we're leaving the house with our dogs more. You may have seen dogs running in severe heat or dogs sitting in cars lately. We've asked Dr. Amy Goldstein, from the Emergency and Critical Care Department to tell us more about heatstroke in dogs and how to prevent it. Is your dog more at risk because of his breed?
Photo Credit: http://heat-exhaustion-symptoms.blogspot.com/2011/07/heat-stroke-can-cause-death-to-your-dog.html
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke starts when the body temperature goes above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The normal temperature for a dog is 100.5 to 102.5. When the body temperature goes above 109 degrees animals can develop organ failure and death.
Causes of heat stroke
The temperature in a parked car can go up to 160 degrees in the summer even with open windows. Exercise on very hot days can also lead to heat stroke. The main way that dogs dissipate heat is through panting. This is easily overwhelmed on hot days.
At risk breeds
Any dog can develop heat stroke when they are outside in extreme heat or they are shut in a car. Puppies, overweight dogs, dogs with other illnesses, dogs with heart disease, dogs with a thick hair coat and older pets are at a higher risk. Dogs such as pugs that have a short muzzle are much more likely to develop heat stroke.
Symptoms
The first sign of heat stroke is excessive panting. Their gums may become bright red. As their temperature continues to increase they will become weak and they can collapse. Some dogs will develop vomiting. When the temperature gets high enough you may notice red dots on their skin or gums. These are small areas of hemorrhage.
What to do
If you are concerned about heat stroke you should immediately bring your pet to a veterinarian. On the way you can cool your pet with wet towels or room temperature water.
What to expect at the vet
Once your pet’s temperature is taken and heat stroke is confirmed they will be cooled with a bath and intravenous fluids. Blood work will be performed to check your pet’s organ function. Most dogs with heat stroke will need to be hospitalized and they may need very intensive care depending on the extent of the organ damage.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.