Poisoning, Chemical View In Cats

Condition Overview

Corrosive Household Products - Corrosive and caustic chemicals (acids and alkalis) are found in household cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, dishwasher detergents, anti-rust compounds, alkaline batteries, drain de-cloggers, and commercial solvents.

Symptoms

Signs of petroleum product toxicity include vomiting, rapid labored breathing, tremors, convulsions, and coma. Death is by respiratory failure.

All symptoms +

Causes

The ingestion of these toxic chemicals will cause sickness up to and including death.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by examining the symptoms.

Treatment

Corrosive Household Products - DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Vomiting can result in rupture of the stomach and burns of the esophagus. Rinse the dog's mouth immediately after contact and take him to the vet as quickly as possible. If you can't get to the vet quickly, give the dog water or milk (30ml per 6 pounds or 2.7kg of body weight) by plastic syringe to dilute the acid or alkali in the stomach.

The practice of giving an acid to neutralize an alkali and vice versa is no longer recommended, because it causes heat injury to the tissues.

With topical exposure, flush the area with water for 30 minutes. if the substance is in the dog's eyes, see Burns of the Eyes.

Petroleum Products - DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Treat as described above for corrosive products. Flush the mouth with water to remove the petroleum residue. Petroleum products are extremely irritating to the skin and must be removed as quickly as possible. Bathe the skin using warm, soapy water.

Prevention

Keep all toxic and poisonous chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

Support

Contact your veterinarian for detailed instructions or call on of the poison hotlines listed below:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (fee)
• Angell Animal Poison Control Hotline 1-877-226-4355
• Animal Poison Hotline operated by the North Shore Animal League and PROSAR International Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-232-8870