Page 10 - Let´s Make Waves - November 2018

P Eat This Time?
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T T

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What Did He

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I by: Richard Henderson, D.V.M

t still amazes me to hear the strange things our pets will
chew up or eat. Sometimes we just end up laughing when
the dog eats your entire steak as you take your eye off the
plate for just a few minutes. Other times there are flashes
of sheer terror when your pet swallows something that is poi-
sonous.
I remember well a big friendly Doberman, Max, who was drugs, insecticides and sago palm seeds. Some cats are particular-
drugs, insecticides and sago palm seeds. Some cats are particular-
dropped off at my clinic years ago because, as his owner ex-
ly fond of eating lily plants that can cause life threatening kidney
plained, he just wasn’t himself at home. I examined him head to ly fond of eating lily plants that can cause life threatening kidney
damage. If caught early, an injection can be given at the veteri-
damage. If caught early, an injection can be given at the veteri-
tail and could not figure out what was up with him. He didn’t
nary hospital to induce vomiting with the hope that most of the
have his normal energy level, but I had no diagnosis to share nary hospital to induce vomiting with the hope that most of the
substance will be eliminated. After the pet stops vomiting a liq-
substance will be eliminated. After the pet stops vomiting a liq-
with his person when she came to pick him up that evening.
uid medication called activated charcoal can be given. This helps
uid medication called activated charcoal can be given. This helps
As I sheepishly tried to explain to Max’s worried owner that I absorb any left-over poison before it is taken into the body.
absorb any left-over poison before it is taken into the body.
wasn’t sure what the cause was for him not being himself, my As an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it is im-
As an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it is im-
kennel attendant knocked on the door of the exam room and portant that pet owners anticipate what can get our furry friends
portant that pet owners anticipate what can get our furry friends
walked into the room with a big smile on his face. Minutes be-
fore, while Max was back in the kennel and I was speaking to his into trouble and keep potential trouble out of harm’s way. A
watchful eye and good housekeeping can prevent trouble before
owner, Max started coughing and gagging. Low and behold he
retched and out came a pair of black lace undergarments that the it strikes.
kennel attendant presented to us. Embarrassed owner, happy In a case of accidental ingestion, call your veterinarian or emer-
vet, cured patient. We all had a good laugh! gency clinic immediately. Another helpful resource is the
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. This
Unfortunately, not all cases resolve themselves so easily. Some center has an extensive data bank with information about the
ingested material can cause intestinal blockages that can be life effects of medications and unusual substances.
threatening and require surgery.
Dogs are more likely to eat dirty dish towels, socks, underwear, The best advice, however, is better to put it up so Rover won’t
eat it up.
corn cobs, small toys, baited fish hooks and coins. On the other
hand, cats are often attracted to string,
thread, dental floss and Christmas tin-
sel.
A pet with a blockage will have intense
vomiting, complete loss of appetite and
abdominal pain. These cases often fail
to respond to standard treatment for
vomiting and require radiographs and
exploratory surgery to make a proper
diagnosis. These patients can be criti-
cally ill and require intensive medical
care.

Pets can also ingest things around our Richard D. Henderson, DVM
homes that can be poisonous. Some of Galveston Veterinary Clinic
the more common toxins we treat in 2108 61st Street
the veterinary hospital are rat baits, Galveston, TX 77551
marijuana, sugar-free gum, prescription 409.356.9000

10 | Waves Magazine | November 2018 Issue