An Overview of Trends in Animal Poisoning Cases in the United States: 2011 to 2017.

Each year the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals receives thousands of reports of suspected animal poisonings. By using an electronic medical record database maintained by the Animal Poison Control Center, data on current trends in animal poisoning cases are mined and analyzed This article explores recent trends in veterinary toxicology including the types of animals and breeds that are most commonly exposed to different toxicants, seasonal and geographic distribution of poisoning incidents, the therapies that are most commonly administered, and trends in agents that are most frequently involved in poisonings.

Toxicology of Newer Insecticides in Small Animals.

In the broadest definition, a pesticide (from fly swatters to chemicals) is a substance used to eliminate a pest. Newer insecticides are much safer to the environment, humans, and nontarget species. These insecticides are able to target physiologic differences between insects and mammals, resulting in greater mammalian safety. This article briefly reviews toxicity information of both older insecticides such as organophosphates, carbamates, permethrins, and pyrethroids, as well as some newer insecticides.

Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of erythritol in Beagle dogs.

Polyols, also known as sugar alcohols, are widely used in the formulation of tooth-friendly and reduced-calorie foods. Considering the significant health benefits of polyols in products formulated for human use, there is increased interest in evaluating potential uses in companion animal applications. Erythritol and xylitol are two polyols which are currently widely used in products ranging from reduced-sugar foods to personal care and cosmetics. Published studies have shown that both of these compounds are well-tolerated in rodents. Their toxicity profiles differ when comparing canine safety data. Doses of xylitol as low as 0.15 g/kg-BW in dogs can result in life-threatening hypoglycemia and acute liver failure, whereas erythritol is well-tolerated in dogs with reported No Adverse Effect Levels upwards of 5 g/kg-BW/day in repeat-dose studies. While pivotal studies substantiating the safe use of erythritol in humans have been published, there are limited published studies to support the safe use of erythritol in dogs. Here we present the results of an acute oral and a sub-chronic oral toxicity study in Beagle dogs. Given the potential health benefits of oral products formulated with erythritol and the data presented herein substantiating the safe use in dogs, erythritol can be safely used in products for canines.

Dexmedetomidine to control signs associated with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate toxidrome in a cat.

A 5-month-old intact female domestic shorthaired cat had mydriasis, agitation, and increased locomotion after ingestion of lisdexamfetamine, 10.3 mg/kg body weight (BW). Despite treatment with IV fluids, IV acepromazine, oral cyproheptadine and intravenous lipid emulsion the patient's clinical signs worsened. Dexmedetomidine administered at 2 µg/kg BW and continued at 0.5 µg/kg BW per hour rapidly controlled the patient's signs. An episode of vomiting and hematuria developed. Follow-up 5 days after discharge revealed that the cat appeared normal.

Dexmédétomidine pour contrôler les signes associés à la toxidrome à la lisdexamfétamine dimesylate chez une chatte. Une chatte domestique intacte âgée de 5 mois présentait de la mydriase, de l'agitation et une locomotion accrue après avoir ingéré de la lisdexamfétamine, 10,3 mg/kg poids corporel (PC). Malgré le traitement à l'aide de solutions intraveineuses, d'acépromazine intraveineuse, de cyproheptadine orale et d'émulsion de lipides intraveineux, les signes cliniques de la patiente s'étaient aggravés. La dexmédétomidine administrée à 2 µg/kg PC et maintenue à 0,5 µg/kg PC l'heure a rapidement contrôlé les symptômes de la patiente. Un épisode de vomissements et d'hématurie s'est développé. Un suivi 5 jours après le congé a révélé que la chatte semblait normale.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Toxicology of newer insecticides in small animals.

In the broadest definition, a pesticide (from fly swatters to chemicals) is a substance used to eliminate a pest. Newer insecticides are much safer to the environment, humans and non target species. These insecticides are able to target physiologic differences between insects and mammals, resulting in greater mammalian safety. This article briefly reviews toxicity information of both older insecticides like organophosphates (OPs), carbamates, pyrethrins, and pyrethroids, as well as some newer insecticides.

Selected herbal hazards.

One of the most important considerations in treating herbal ingestions is product quality assurance. Although most herbal companies are reputable, there are numerous reports of adulterated products (addition of substances not noted on the label). This has been particularly true of Chinese herbal products, which frequently contain pharmaceutical agents. Plant identification errors occur, and entire batches of product have been mixed using the wrong herb. In some cases, labels are written in a foreign language or only contain directions for mixing, making interpretation difficult. In cases where a known ingestion produces unexpected clinical signs, the potential for adulteration or other errors should be considered. When a product is not standardized, a consumer cannot be sure what dose of active constituents has been used or how bioavailable the product may be. Standardization also provides assurance that the actual herb is in the product [26]. Clients who use herbal products should be advised to treat them as a medication and to keep them away from pets. Specifically, ask clients if they take or use any natural or herbal products. Many people do not consider these substances drugs or assume, "If natural, it is harmless." Clients should be encouraged to learn about the herbal and neutraceutical products they are taking or giving their pets. Owners need to discuss the proper use of herbal products in pets with their veterinarian. Clients can be encouraged to discuss alternative therapies by discussing a pet's diagnosis and suggested treatments thoroughly. Discuss the client's expectations and opinions of alternative and conventional medicine. Issues of safety and efficacy must be fully explained to clients. Clients should be encouraged to report potential adverse reactions or to discuss different routes of therapy if a pet's medical condition is not improving. Clients who want to use alternative medical treatments should obtain a thorough medical workup so as to make a correct diagnosis and be referred to a veterinarian trained in alternative medicine. In choosing an alternative medicine practitioner, the same criteria would be used as for any other specialist: education, training, and professionalism [14].