Hi a friend forwarded this to me, it is american but holds a lot of relevence for uk and other countries. I especially was not aware of tomatoe plants!


----------------------------------------------------------



Summer Toxins Newsletter
Summer is finally here, and with that comes a myriad of fun outdoor
activities along with home and garden projects. While summer is meant for
relaxing at the lake with friends picnicking, watching fireworks, and
cleaning up and readying yards and gardens for the upcoming growing season,
it´s potentially fraught with toxic exposure to your pets! Summertime brings
new opportunities for potential pet exposures to harmful and dangerous
substances. During the summer months, Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) is inundated
with calls involving yard and garden products (including bone meal,
fertilizers, and insecticides), mulch and compost pile ingestions, and
exposures to outdoor plants and mushrooms.1 As with all poisonings, early
recognition and decontamination (including emesis induction and activated
charcoal administration) are keyCompost bins or piles: While we applaud you for composting, make sure to do
so appropriately - your compost shouldn´t contain any dairy or meat
products, and should always be fenced off for the sake of your pets and
wildlife. These piles of decomposing and decaying organic matter and molding
food products have the potential to contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which
are toxic to both pets and wildlife. Even small amounts ingested can result
in clinical signs within 30 minutes to several hours. Clinical signs include
agitation, hyperthermia, hyper-responsiveness, panting, drooling, and
vomiting, and can progress to serious CNS signs (including incoordination,
tremors, and seizures!). Rule outs for this include toxins that cause "shake
and bake," such as metaldehydes (snail bait), strychnine, organophosphates,
and methylxanthines. Prompt decontamination is the key if the patient isn´t
demonstrating clinical signs yet - this includes inducing
vomiting and giving activated charcoal. Once the patient is symptomatic,
aggressive supportive care includes the use of IV fluids, temperature
regulation, cooling methods (cooling down to a temperature of 103.5° F/39.7°
C), IV muscle relaxants (i.e., methocarbamol), and anti-convulsants (i.e.,
diazepam, phenobarbital).

Slug and Snail Baits: Slug and snail baits are commonly used on the West
coast and in warm weather conditions, and are available in a variety of
forms (pellets, granular, powder, and liquid). The active ingredient is
typically metaldehyde, which is toxic to all species (particularly dogs).2
When ingested, metaldehyde results in clinical signs that result in the
nickname "shake and bake." Within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion, clinical signs
of salivation, restlessness, vomiting, and incoordination are seen, which
then progress to tremors, seizures, and secondary severe hyperthermia.
Treatment consists of early decontamination, supportive care, temperature
regulation (cooling down to a temperature of 103.5° F/39.7° C),
anti-convulsants, and muscle relaxants. Generally, the prognosis is
favorable if treatment is quickly and aggressively implemented. to a successful outcome. Here is some basic
information for you to know about when dealing with these exposures.
Mole and Gopher Bait: Surprisingly, most veterinary professionals aren´t
very familiar with mole and gopher baits, which typically contain zinc
phosphide. Other types may contain bromethalin. Neither of these active
ingredients have an antidote and both can result in rapidly developing,
life-threatening symptoms. Zinc phosphide is often manufactured in a
poisoned "peanut" form but can also be found in a pelleted or powdered form.
When zinc phosphide combines with gastric acid, it results in rapid
phosphine gas formation within the stomach. This toxin is made worse by the
presence of food in the stomach, so make sure acutely poisoned pets aren´t
fed anything when this toxicity occurs! This gas causes severe
gastrointestinal inflammation, abdominal distension, and cardiovascular
insufficiency (similar to symptoms of a GDV or bloat). Pulmonary congestion
and edema may also occur.1 Clinical signs develop rapidly within 15 minutes
to several hours and include vomiting, salivation, abdominal discomfort,
bloating, depression, labored breathing, tremors, and weakness.1 Once
clinical signs have developed, the prognosis is guarded.2 A word of caution
to veterinary staff: second hand phosphine gas exposure can result in
significant health risks to healthcare providers working in unventilated
areas. By the time the phosphine gas odor has been recognized (which smells
like rotten fish and garlic), there has already been significant exposure to
staff.2 So, whenever inducing emesis in a patient with this toxicity, do so
in a well ventilated, outdoor area, and contact Pet Poison Helpline for
more information on treatment.

The other toxin is bromethalin, a neurotoxin, which is found in a pelleted
grain or as a gummy worm-shaped strip. These lanced gummy worms are placed
underground as mole bait. Dogs can readily dig this product up and ingest
it. Because cats aren´t typically digging outside, there are fewer exposures
to cats - that said, cats are very sensitive to bromethalin also.
Bromethalin results in signs of cerebral edema (mentally obtunded, seizures,
abnormal pupils, etc.), incoordination, and paralysis. As no antidote is
available, treatment is centered around aggressive decontamination to limit
absorption, supportive care, and drugs to decrease cerebral edema (i.e.,
mannitol). The prognosis is based on the amount ingested and the severity of
clinical signs. The more severe the symptoms, the more guarded the prognosis
becomes.

Plants: Most garden and food producing plants are non-toxic to pets, and
only result in mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested. That said, here
are a few common summer plants that can cause concerns when eaten by pets:

Tomato plants are in the Nightshade family and contain tomatine. Tomatine is
found in concentrations of up to 5% in the leafy greens, the fruit blossoms,
and in small green tomatoes; this concentration rapidly decreases as the
tomato ripens. When stems, vines and green fruit are ingested, clinical
signs can include gastrointestinal irritation, ataxia, and weakness.
Treatment is purely supportive with an overall good prognosis.

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, calcium oxalate and potassium oxalate
and can result in oral and gastrointestinal irritation causing vomiting and
diarrhea.4 Treatment includes symptomatic and supportive care.

Onions and garlic, when ingested in large amounts, can result in Heinz body
formation and anemia. Cats are more sensitive than dogs to Allium
toxiciosis.5 Clinical signs are generally secondary to the anemia, with
resultant weakness, lethargy and pale mucous membranes.

Grapes (or raisins) grown in home gardens can present significant concerns
when dogs ingest them. Although the mechanism of action is not clearly
understood at this time, grapes can result in anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea,
and potentially severe acute renal failure. The toxicity is not necessarily
dose dependent, and symptoms can occur with even small ingestions.
Decontamination, aggressive supportive care, IV fluid therapy, and
BUN/creatinine monitoring is recommended.

Mushrooms: There are various types of mushrooms located throughout the
United States that may be non-toxic; however, other types of mushrooms may
be gastric irritants, hallucinogenic, or hepatotoxic (from cyclopeptides,
hydrazine toxins, isoxazoles, or psilocybin compounds).5 The frequency of
mushroom toxicity is low, but the lack of readily available identification
of mushrooms lands all ingestions in the category of toxic until proven
otherwise. With ingestion of any mushroom, immediate emesis is recommended,
provided the animal is alert, asymptomatic, and able to adequately protect
his or her upper airway. Gastric lavage may be necessary for animals already
exhibiting clinical signs. Clinical symptoms are dependent on the species of
mushroom ingested, the specific toxin within that mushroom, and the
individual´s own susceptibility. Early clinical signs include vomiting,
diarrhea, abdominal pain, ataxia, CNS depression, tremors, and seizures,
with liver and renal damage occurring later. One can collect all the pieces
of the mushroom in a paper towel, place them in a labeled (DO NOT EAT!
POISONOUS) paper bag, and refrigerate the sample for future possible
identification.

Mulch Products: Cocoa bean mulch, a byproduct of chocolate production, is
the discarded hulls or shells of the cocoa bean. This mulch is frequently
used for home landscaping and is often very fragrant, especially when first
placed in the yard and warmed by the sun. This tempting smell of warm
chocolate often attracts and encourages dogs (Labradors!) to ingest the
mulch. Through the processing procedure of creating cocoa bean mulch, much
of the methylxanthine poison is removed, but still potentially contains
0.19% to 2.98% theobromine and 0.5% to 0.85% caffeine.2 All animals can be
affected by methy-xanthylates, but dogs tend to have more frequent exposure
opportunities to the chocolates, coffee beans and cocoa mulch that contain
them. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors,
tachycardia, tachypnea, and potential seizures.1,2 Symptoms are
dose-dependent and an accurate dose is very difficult to determine because
of the
variation of the concentration of methyxanthylates from one mulch product to
the next.
There have been anecdotal reports of a dog dying after ingesting
cocoa bean shell mulch, and this has been rapidly circulating on the
Internet. That said, how toxic is this stuff, really? The first report of
this poisoning was actually reported by Pet Poison Helpline's Drs. Lynn
Hovda and R. Kingston at the 1993 International Congress of Clinical
Toxicology. Dr. Steve Hansen from ASPCA published this again 10 years later
(Clin Tox 2003; 41:5). Recently, Dr. Hansen stated that the cause of the
one fatality (a young Labrador) was "highly suspect." While theobromine and
caffeine (methylxanthines) can be toxic, clinical signs are usually more
PROGRESSIVE such as vomiting, diarrhea, more vomiting, trembling, a racing
heart rate, and then seizures in very high doses. Cocoa bean mulch is very
unlikely to result in sudden death without showing other signs.
Nevertheless, play it safe and don´t allow pets to ingest this
product! Typically, after a first rain, the smell dissipates, making the
mulch less attractive to pets.

Salt water toxicity: While it´s probably not at the top of your toxin
lists, salt water is a dangerous poison, particularly if you take your dog
to the beach! If your dog loves to play on the ocean beach, heed caution.
Dogs don´t realize that salt water is dangerous, and excessive intake can
result in severe hypernatremia, or salt poisoning. While initial signs of
hypernatremia include vomiting and diarrhea, salt poisoning can progress
quickly to neurologic signs like walking drunk, seizures, progressive
depression, and ultimately, severe brain swelling. Hypernatremia needs to be
treated very carefully with IV fluids and aggressive sodium monitoring. Pet
owners can help avoid this problem by carrying a fresh bottle of tap water
and offering it frequently to their pet while they are playing on the beach.

Fertilizers: Fertilizers come in a variety of forms from granular to water
soluble - and are soil amendment products routinely used in lawn, garden and
farming. There are virtually hundreds of products and product formulations
or mixes out there, and most contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in
various concentrations. The three numbers that you see listed behind a
fertilizer name (i.e., 10:20:10) represent the concentration of these three
elements. Typically, limited ingestions of these ingredients generally do
not result in significant concerns and are a relatively low level toxicity
risk. With most cases of fertilizer ingestion, clinical signs are limited to
gastrointestinal irritation and foreign body obstruction risk (particularly
if organic compounds such as bone meal are mixed in, adding in a risk for
pancreatitis). Keep in mind that there are some fertilizers that contain
iron, along with other herbicide and pesticide additives, and
these pose additional concerns and can result in significant health
concerns.

Herbicides: Herbicides rarely result in concerns when used and applied
according to the label directions, provided pets have been kept off the
treated surfaces until the applied product has dried completely. However,
when applied inappropriately, or when pets chew containers of concentrated
product, there is a significant increase in the likelihood of potential
toxicity. Clinical signs are dose and product dependent. Glyphosate and
2,4-D are two of the most commonly used herbicides.3 Ingestions of
glyphosate concentrates can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea,
anorexia and lethargy.1,2 With ingestion of concentrated 2,4-D, clinical
signs include vomiting and weakness.3 While there are no antidotes for these
products, prompt, supportive care (including IV or SC fluids and
anti-emetics) generally provide a good prognosis.

Pesticides: Today´s pesticides are much safer than products used 30 years
ago. Examples of newer pesticides include fipronil, imidicloprid,
sulfuramide and hydramethylnon. Many of these products have very low
percentages of the active ingredient and are poorly absorbed systemically in
mammalian species. Pesticides typically have wide margins of safety and are
relatively low risk to pets. Like herbicides, when these products are
applied appropriately and according to the label directions, these are
minimal concern to pets. That said, these products often are mixed with bone
meal, which makes it attractive and palatable to dogs. While the bone meal
does not pose a significant toxicity concern, it can result in
gastrointestinal irritation, severe pancreatitis and a possible foreign body
obstruction (as it creates a big "ball of bone" in the stomach). More
importantly, this increase in palatability can greatly increase the amount
of the pesticide
ingested.

Organophosphates and carbamates are dangerous pesticide exposures because
they are competitive inhibitors of acetylcholinesterae. These pesticides are
easily and rapidly absorbed from a variety of routes.4 The
anticholinesterase properties result in clinical signs with an
easy-to-remember acronym SLUDGE: salivation, lacrimation, urination,
defecation, and gastroenteritis. Other clinical signs include weakness,
bradycardia, mydriasis or miosis, ataxia, paralysis, and respiratory
depression. Death typically occurs from severe bronchial secretions,
resulting in the patient drowning in their lungs and secondary, severe
hypoxemia. The two antidotes are pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM) and high dose
atropine.2 These antidotes must be given rapidly for the best prognosis.
Rapid decontamination in asymptomatic animals includes inducing emesis,
gastric lavage, and activated charcoal. Once patients are clinically
symptomatic, aggressive supportive care, oxygen saturation monitoring,
anti-convulsant therapy, diphenhydramine for tremors, IV fluid therapy, and
intensive monitoring is necessary.

Fireworks: These can result in burns; injury to the mouth, eyes, or paws;
and possible heavy metal toxicity if ingestion. Fireworks can contain iron,
copper, barium, mercury, phosphorus and magnesium in the coloring agents.1
The amount of heavy metal varies widely, depending on the type of fireworks,
quantity ingested, and coloring agent used.1 Clinical symptoms seen with
fireworks ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, tremors and
seizures. Induction of emesis and activated charcoal are not recommended and
animals should be immediately evaluated at a veterinary clinic for injury.

Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria: Growth of toxic algae can be found in
both fresh and salt water throughout the warm regions of the world.
Blue-green algae becomes concerning when algae accumulates on the surface
of the water during hot, dry weather with wind that can shift concentrated
algae mats along the shorelines.1 Affected water may have the appearance of
pea soup with thick layers of algae on the surface. Blooms of blue-green
algae can contain hepatoxins and/or neurotoxins, depending on the species.
Exposures occur when dogs ingest or swim in water that contains the
cyanobateria. Clinical signs with the hepatoxin variety are vomiting,
diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, shock, icterus, and potentially death within
24 hours to several days. Clinical signs seen with ingestion of the
neurotoxic species occur acutely with onset of tremors, lethargy, seizures
and respiratory distress and death within a hour.3

Spring and summer preventative wellness visits to the clinic are the perfect
time for client education - these visits also serve as an opportunity to
reminder pet owners about potential hazards that may have been out of sight
during the colder months of the year. Education of staff and pet owners has
proven to be the best method of preventing exposures to potentially harmful
substances in animals. This coupled with information on when to seek prompt
veterinary intervention and care will help keep your patients happy and
healthy through the busy summer months ahead!

Resources: Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) is an Animal Poison Control that
provides treatment advice and recommendations relating to exposures to
potential dangerous plants, products, medications, and substances, to
veterinarians, veterinary staff and pet owners 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Please be aware there is a $35.00/per case consultation fee. Pet
Poison Helpline is located in Bloomington, Minnesota. The Helpline number
is 1-800-213-6680. For further information regarding services, visit the PPH
website at Pet Poison Helpline.

Fantastic post!

Please also be aware that Cyanobacteria (blue/green algae) can also grow in cold water and can be found in many stagnant puddles, pond and ditches in the UK.

Its that green slimy carpet like stuff you see in puddles that have been in fields for a long time.

__________________

"Because I be what I be. I would tell you what you want to know if I could, mum, but I be a cat and no cat anywhere ever gave anyone a straight answer."

~The Paw Relations Blog~
~Nikki~
Owned by :-
Izzy - Congo African Grey
Missy - Galah Cockatoo
Shen - Black Labrador
Thomas, Charlie and Lola - Cats
Honey and Mustard - Rabbits
Gill and Rocket - Goldfish
~ Rest in Peace ~
Deedee - Timneh Grey 31.05.01 - 22.06.06