As with most other acquired conditions, it is always better to prevent a problem than to treat it later when the animal is sick.

Environmental Risks

String, Tinsel, Ribbon, Thread, and Yarn (Linear Foreign Body Syndrome)

During the holiday season, the use of sewing supplies, wrapping materials, and decorations expose our pets to many items that may tweak their curiosity and get them into trouble. Cats especially are often fascinated with linear objects that they chase and drag and very frequently consume. If only a small amount is consumed, it may pass without incident. If a large amount is ingested, it is more likely to form a wad or ball and become lodged in the stomach or intestine with part of the string trailing further into the intestine resulting in the intestine ‘telescoping’ onto the string causing an obstruction. The string can also become looped under the tongue or voice box trailing into the stomach and intestine causing the same obstruction.

Symptoms

• Gagging
• Pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Not eating
• Acute onset of the above symptoms

Diagnosis

A physical examination should be done as soon as possible if the above symptoms develop. This condition can be very difficult to diagnose without an accurate history. Additionally, if the string is not visible under the tongue, several diagnostic tests may be necessary such as blood tests, x-rays, GI series x-rays, or exploratory surgery.

Treatment

The string must be removed or released from its anchor point. This usually requires anesthesia and surgery.

Case Study

7-month-old neutered male Siamese with acute onset of vomiting for 2 days and not eating. Although there was no history of accessibility to string, thread or yarn, a string was visualized under tongue during routine physical exam.

Under anesthesia with a mouth gag in place, the string is evident under the tongue.

The String was looped under the tongue and fortunately was able to be slowly withdrawn from the intestine, stomach and esophagus. 24 hours later the cat was eating normally.

Removed Sting – Approximately 36” in length.

Electrocution

Typically, the holiday season elicits changes in the way our homes are decorated and often places electric cords in different locations. Combine this with a new puppy or kitten in the household and chewing of the electrical cord may ensue. This may result in electrical burns in the mouth or death. Attempt to bury electrical cords behind furniture and under rugs where they will be inaccessible to the pet.

Holiday Plants

• Mistletoe can cause vomiting and diarrhea if eaten. If large amounts are consumed, hallucinations and seizures may develop. It is best to consult your veterinarian if you determine your pet has eaten any mistletoe.
• Poinsettias are considered an irritant plant and if consumed, may cause vomiting and usually the plant is so offensive to the animal that only a small amount is eaten.
• Holly is also an irritant and may cause vomiting and diarrhea if consumed.
• Eucalyptus can cause vomiting and generalized joint pain with subsequent development of wobbliness, particularly in young animals. Most animals recover without treatment.

Fireplace Logs

Fireplace logs may contain metallic salts that produce colored flames when burned. If consumed even in small amounts, toxicity may ensue. Be sure such logs are kept away from your animals.

Antifreeze Poisoning (Ethylene Glycol)

As the weather becomes colder, animals’ water sources begin to freeze. Any water containing antifreeze subsequently may become the only non-frozen liquid available to drink. Conventional antifreeze is very toxic to dogs.

Symptoms

• Severe Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Wobbly gait
• Muscle twitching/tremors

Treatment

Successful treatment is time and dose related. The sooner an animal begins to receive medical attention, the better chances of survival. If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, get your animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Hospitalization is nearly always required.

Prevention

• An animal safe antifreeze is available
• Provide ample fresh non frozen water to the animal
• Properly cover and dispose of discarded antifreeze
• Soak up any antifreeze spills immediately

Food Risks

Chocolate Poisoning

Although chocolate can be a tasty treat and even is used in some animal treats as a flavoring, it is a very dangerous poison to a dog. It should never be given as a treat since some dogs may acquire a taste for it and engorge themselves when the opportunity presents itself. The degree of toxicity depends of the form of the chocolate. Sweet chocolate in candy is much less toxic than baking chocolate.

Product	Methylxanthines (Active Toxic Ingredient) (mg/ounce)
Cacao Bean	400-1500
Baking Chocolate	450
Semi-sweet chocolate	260
Milk Chocolate	60
Hot Chocolate	12
White Chocolate	1

One-quarter ounce of baking chocolate or 2 ounces of milk chocolate per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of body weight is a potential lethal dosage in dogs. Thus, 1 pound of milk chocolate or four ounces of baking chocolate could be fatal to a 16 lb. dog.

Symptoms

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Acting hyperactive
• Trembling
• Convulsions
• Death

The symptoms with chocolate poisoning are caused by the active ingredient theobromine and is similar to caffeine. Often times, the dog appears normal at first only to develop a crisis 6-12 hours later.

Treatment

• Contact your veterinarian as soon as you suspect chocolate poisoning and calculate the amount and type of chocolate the pet consumed.
• Induce vomiting with oral hydrogen peroxide or salt as directed by your Veterinarian if the chocolate was recently consumed.
• Transport dog to a veterinary facility for hospitalized care.

Bones

Bones that may be consumed should never be given to a dog or cat. Turkey and chicken bones can splinter and lodge in the mouth, neck, or esophagus. Some bones might be swallowed and enter the stomach without a problem only to become lodged in the intestine and cause an obstruction.

Symptoms

• Acute onset of difficulty swallowing.
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Not eating

Diagnosis

• Veterinary Physical Exam
• X-ray

Treatment: Drugs of Choice

• Consult with your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten a bone. It may be advisable to induce vomiting to attempt to bring the bone back up.
• Anesthesia and removal of the bone using an endoscopy.
• Surgical removal

Grease/Table Scraps

In addition to causing pancreatitis, grease can cause other life threatening problems.

Case Study

“Rosie”, an 11-year-old female Cairn terrier was presented the day after Thanksgiving with the symptoms of vomiting. Her abdomen was very tense and she had no interest in eating. Fat induced pancreatitis was suspected since “Rosie” had been seen eating turkey fat outside where it had been discarded. Her blood tests, however, were within normal limits.



An x-ray was taken of “Rosie’s” abdomen which demonstrated an intestinal obstruction caused by the sand she had consumed. Her symptoms were relieved within hours of surgery to remove the impacted sand.

Alcohol

Just three ounces of liquor in a 10-15 pound animal can depress its nervous system and halt breathing.

Holiday Risks for Birds

Birds are unusually susceptible to fumes and some other items that do not adversely affect other pets such as the use of Teflon-coated cookware, cigarette smoke, fumes from self-cleaning ovens, and cigarette butts. For more information on holiday hazards in birds, click here for more information.