Snail Bait Posioning In Dogs {PooR MisS MollY}

From the Best Friend Pet Care:

"Snail bait poisoning, also known as metaldehyde toxicity, is the most common form of poisoning in dogs. Snail bait is commonly comes in the form of pellets, which tends to resemble dog food. Further, the pellets are flavored with bran or molasses to attract snails which, unfortunately, also attacks dogs.

A small amount of snail bait can cause poisoning, less than one teaspoon per every ten pounds of body weight. Signs of poisoning occur fairly quickly after exposure. The most common signs are:

-Twitching--which lead to seizures and potential death.

-Diarrhea

-Racing heart rates

-Respiratory failure

-Rigidity

-Vomiting

Twitches, or muscle contractions, raise the body temperature which can result in brain damage.

Some dogs may also experience liver failure within a few days after poisoning.

Diagnosis is often made on signs of twitching alone, but the urine and stomach contents can also be tested for the presence of metaldehyde. If consumption of the snail bait has occurred within less than an hour, vomiting may be induced. Otherwise, the stomach may be pumper, activated charcoal may be given, or cathartics may be used to induce diarrhea. A muscle relaxant or diazepam may be given to control the twitching, and fluid therapy and body temperature monitoring will be needed as the dog recovers. Most dogs have a good chance of recovery with prompt treatment."

Update: Molly is doing much better and there is a good possibility that she can come home this evening.

Her temperature remained fairly low all night and this morning she no longer has a fever. YAY!

6 p.m. was the last time she had to have a muscle relaxant and Valium.

{Cute Side Note: The doctor said he gave it to her partly because she looked so uncomfortable--poor, poor Molly and then he said, she relaxed and went right to sleep.}