Alita’s Poisoning Diagnosis

Second in a series

“Alita”, the spaniel mix on the treatment table, wore the expression of a dog who knew she needed help while wishing she were anywhere but in a hospital.

Her deeply reddened gums, heavy salivation, back-and-forth eye movements, and trembling suggested the correct answer to last week’s quiz. I instructed Amos and Dougie to put Alita in the tub and rinse her mouth with a gentle stream of cool water.

Why not break out the firehose and eliminate the oral irritant ASAP? Or make it more comfortable for the poor dog by using warm water? Any toxin remaining in Alita’s mouth would absorb into her system faster across blood vessels dilated by warm water. And with neurologic symptoms, she could inhale water into her lungs. Better to stay cool and go slow.

When my good staff had our patient over this first hurdle I asked them to start an IV catheter for fluid administration. We treated the fever with alcohol-soaked gauze sponges between her foot pads. Amos and Doug moved carefully and efficiently, allowing me a few minutes to talk with Alita’s family.

I knew Andrea and Tom; they’d brought Alita to me for vaccinations and spaying. On this day they were clearly distraught. I invited them to sit with me in my office.

I explained that while Alita had a strong chance of survival she wasn’t out of the woods. I needed some history. Did they have lily of the valley plants? No, they did not. Had Alita ever had a seizure? Nope. Were there toads in the yard? “Oh yes!” Andrea, the avid gardener cried. “I love toads. They eat slugs, snails, and cutworms that destroy my vegetables.” Ahhh. We had a diagnosis.

There would not be neurologic signs from biting a rose bush or eating lily of the valley. Epilepsy was ruled out, and while there are canine drama queens, their shenanigans usually involve stealing laundry, not feigning a near death experience. We treated Alita for Bufo toad toxicity.

Next week: Why would anyone kiss, lick, or eat a toad?

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Email pet behavior or physical questions to or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.