Useful Information

2009

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Zinc Toxicity in Cats

Toxin - Zinc

Source - Pennies made since 1982, zinc oxide skin preparations such as Desitin, and galvanized metal such as nails and staples. Other sources include calamine lotion, suppositories, shampoos, zinc undecylenate (Desenex), sunblock containing zinc oxide, fertilizers, and paint.

General Information - Zinc oxide is an irritant to the stomach. Systemic signs depend on the rate of absorption. Zinc is believed to interfere with certain enzymes and may cause direct damage to cell membranes. Chronic zinc toxicosis interferes with the absorption and utilization of copper and iron.

Toxic Dose - Varies depending on form of zinc and time period of exposure.

Signs - In cases of short-term exposure or when smaller amounts are ingested, signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, and generalized depression. With long-term exposure or when large quantities are ingested, signs also include severe intravascular hemolytic anemia, blood in the urine, jaundice, weakness, multiple organ failure, and death.

Immediate Action - Seek veterinary attention.

Veterinary Care

General treatment - The zinc is removed from the GI tract through induction of vomiting and gastric lavage, endoscopy, or surgery depending on what the pet ingested.

Supportive treatment - Oxygen and blood transfusions are administered if the patient is anemic. IV fluids are given to prevent dehydration due to the vomiting and diarrhea. The pet is monitored for early signs of kidney failure and treated as necessary. Glucocorticoids may help to stabilize the cells.

Specific treatment: Calcium EDTA is administered to chelate the zinc.

Prognosis - Variable. Response to treatment is generally poor, if the patient is experiencing a severe hemolytic crisis.

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FLEDGLINGS – Leave That Baby Alone! More info from our pals in the DSPCA

Baby birds that are heavily feathered but are not yet very mobile and certainly can’t fly are known as fledglings. It’s perfectly normal for them to be out of the nest and on the ground so if you come across them, leave them be. They haven’t fallen, they’re not orphans, nor are they abandoned or injured.

Fledglings can often remind us of human baby toddlers. They have the ability to hop around and flutter a little bit but they need a few days to hone their flying skills. It’s actually cruel to remove a healthy baby bird from its family just because it’s on the ground because while there, it’s learning all the time. It needs to learn about the dangers of day to day life as an adult bird. Things like keeping out of the way of domestic pets and how to source food.

Many birds will leave the nest when they are branchers or half grown. They have the ability to walk and even climb but cannot yet fly. At this stage their parents continue to feed them so they are not starving.

If you happen across an owl or a hawk that’s on the ground, is alert, is standing and has feathers, even a few feathers, don’t approach him. His parents are more than likely nearby and are teaching him to hunt for ground insects. However, if he hasn’t moved by the following day, there is a possibility that something is wrong.

If you notice any grounded waterfowl – geese, ducks – that’s also normal. They are ready to head off within a few hours of hatching, so it’s normal to see little downy baby geese and ducks running around.

What if the bird is in obvious danger?
First of all, remember what we said above…fledglings should be left with their parents. To remove them will diminish their chances of long term survival and should only be done as a last resort.
If the fledgling is in the roadway, or in an exposed location, and, is in danger, then it makes sense to pick it up and move it to a safer place; but please make sure you move it only a short distance, within hearing reach of its parents because they will be looking for it.

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Thinking about giving a pet for Easter?…think again!, Listen to what the DSPCA have to say

The Dublin SPCA is urging people not to give chicks, ducks or bunnies as Easter presents.
While owning a pet is certainly a very rewarding experience, getting one as a gift for someone else is a bad idea.
Firstly, giving a so called, seasonal, novelty pet at Easter such as a rabbit may seem like a good idea at the time, but, once Easter is over, the poor bunny could easily become neglected; especially when the new owner realises that rabbits take a lot of care and attention, and, can the expensive to keep.

Some Facts About Rabbits:
A rabbit can live for approximately 12 years and will require food, bedding, spaying/neutering, food dishes, water bottles, brushes, wood shavings and annual veterinary costs.
Although cute and cuddly, they require a lot of care and commitment of the same type as a cat or a dog. If purchasing a rabbit for a child, a parent needs to remember that they, the mum or dad, will end up being the primary care givers. Rabbits need exercise, daily grooming, a diet of fruit and vegetables and plenty of chews to keep the bunny’s constantly growing teeth worn down.
Parents also need to remember, that, while cuddly, rabbits don’t actually like to be cuddled. So, not the best pets for children then. Cuddling for a rabbit initiates the feeling of being caught be a predator; and, sometimes when a rabbit is held, they try to escape and this often results in serious injury for the animal and for the child who can become injured by the rabbit’s powerful hind legs.?

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Love and Sorrow... Felt by all God's Creatures

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Foods HAZARDOUS to your Pets

There are a number of common 'human' foods that can be toxic for your pets... The important thing is to know exactly what to
avoid. Here is a complete list.

Alcoholic beverages

It is often sweet - attracting dogs and cats, but can cause serious and fatal intoxication. Don't ever offer this to your pets.
Here are some of the signs and side effects:
- Incoordination/ataxia
- Excitement
- Depression
- Excessive urination
- Breathing rate is slowed
- Cardiac arrest and death

Avocado

Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety is most toxic - but all
have toxic potential. They cause vomiting/diarrhea - primarily gastrointestinal distress.

Chocolate (all forms)

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.
Signs:
Initial excitation.
Increased drinking and urinating.
Vomiting and Diarrhea.
Theobromine causes an increased heart rate and arrhythmia -.
Seizures can then be seen.
Death is then possible.
ACTION PLAN: Induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, and go to the Vet if depression and seizures begin. Baker's chocolate and high cocoa content chocolate is the most toxic; the toxic dose is 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog. Regular chocolate bars have little real chocolate and are seldom toxic.

Coffee (all forms)

Coffee contains dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation

Fatty foods

The primary concern here is severe gastrointestinal upset- and In some cases pancreatitis. This can be fatal in some pets- and it is ALMOST always triggered by a High Fat Meal, such as gravy or bacon.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the Digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs. This has
Lead to paralysis. A small number of nuts and even the butter Can cause this.

Moldy or spoiled foods

Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin. This is thought to be a common cause of "compost toxicity". Signs include GI (Vomiting/Diarrhea), muscle tremors, in-coordination, elevated temperature, excessive salivation, and liver damage. Avoid feeding ANYTHING moldy to your dog or cat.

Onions, onion powder

Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate.
Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia. 1 onion can Ccause this. Fortunately ALL dogs recover once they are stopped from ingesting onions.

Raisins and grapes

As few as 6 grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure In some dogs.
The toxic ingredient is not yet known.
There is no treatement.
AVOID feeding ANY grapes or raisins to your dogs.

Yeast dough

The yeast dough/uncooked bread dough will rise in your pet's stomach causing severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea), bloating, and signs of alcohol toxicity.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a artificial sweeter found in "SUGAR FREE" Products, Such as gum, candy etc.
Signs relate to a sudden drop in glucose (blood sugar), In-coordination, collapse and seizures.
Avoid feeding any gum/candy to your pets.

Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums.

Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds and leaves of these fruits can be toxic.
They contain a cyanide type compound and signs of toxicity include apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation and shock.
Note - it's the seeds and stems that contain the toxic component, not the fruit itself.

Potato peelings and green looking potatoes

Potatoes and other solanum species, including the tomato, are members of the nightshade family of plants.
These plants contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids which, if eaten in large enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe
gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils and slowed heart rate.

Nutmeg

High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal. The toxic component is unknown. Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities or death.

Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)

The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce
significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects.

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