Bloat is the common terminology for Gastric Dilatation/Torsion. This is most common in larger - deep chested dogs. Gastric dilatation is the enlargement of the stomach beyond its normal dimensions. Gastric dilatation volvulus is when the stomach actually rotates on itself. This is a life threatening situation. |
Signs/Symptoms |
- Breathing difficulty
- Unusual actions
- Digestive upset
- Irregular heart, rapid, or weak
- Shivering
- Convulsions
- Salivation
There are many different types of poisoning, each will affect your dog differently. Many do not produce immediate symptoms. Find out what your local poison control number is and call them. Keep 1-800-548-2423 with you. Do not make the dog vomit if it is a caustic poison or you do not know what kind of poison the dog has consumed. Consult poison control or a veterinarian for further instructions.
Types of poisons and a brief reaction description are: |
Anti Coagulant Rodenticides
Warfarin |
These rodenticides will cause the dog's blood to stop clotting in hours or a day. This does not show immediate signs like other poisons. Make your dog vomit, further veterinary care is necessary for survival. Seek immediate veterinary care bringing the box of poison with you. |
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Other Rodenticides
ANTU
Thallium
Pindone
Strychnine
Sodium Floro-acetate (1080)
Zinc Phosphide |
May cause fatal pulmonary edema, seizures, liver or kidney destruction, or severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. If the dog is conscious, induce vomiting, give Toxiban, collect the product label, and transport to the veterinarian. |
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Pesticides
Arsenic
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Organophosphates
Carbonates
Rotenone
Metaldehyde |
The signs are more immediate for most of these. General profuse salivation, stomach pain and cramps, labored breathing, bluish mucous membranes, seizures/convulsions, rigidity, extended legs and many other signs. IMMEDIATELY SEEK VETERINARY CARE. |
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Glycol's
Antifreeze |
Signs may not be readily apparent. The dog may actually appear a bit "drunken". The fatal effect of ethylene glycol occurs hours later and is irreversible at that point. Immediately rinse the dogs mouth, feet and any other points of contact. Induce vomiting if conscious and give Toxiban. Transport immediately to veterinarian. |
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Miscellaneous poisons |
- Acid - Clean off what you can see, do not induce vomiting, transport to vet.
- Alkalies - Clean off what you can see, do not induce vomiting, transport to vet.
- Garbage - Remove what you can, induce vomiting, give activated charcoal.... do not give lomotil.
- Toxic plants - Take a sample of the suspected plant to a local veterinarian.
- Chocolate - If more than 1 oz/kg of baking chocolate is consumed, or 2 oz/kg of semi-sweet chocolate, or 4 oz/kg of Milk chocolate, induce vomiting, give activated charcoal and transport to vet. (note, the fat content of some milk chocolate products can cause life threatening pancreatitis).
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