scott@vtx-cpd.com

A bit more information about this sort of toxicity from Kerry!

Cannabis toxicosis in seen in dogs more than cats. The sources of marijuana can be:
– in the house after use
– garbage
– waste as parks etc.
– human faeces
– oils

Clinical signs can include:
– ataxia
– mydriasis
– absent palpebral response
– hyperaesthesia
– urinary incontinence
– dull mentation seen as obtundation, stupor and coma.

How do we diagnose this toxin?
– sometimes our owners know and tell us
– urine drug screening test
– testing of vomitus

Which of the products are actually toxic though?
– The chemical that causes the drug and clinical signs is delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – very toxic.
– Cannabidiol (CBD) is more medicinal.
– There are many oils that have unclear products in them and very commonly used in humans and animals therapeutically – find out if there is THC in it!

The onset of clinical signs is very rapid (about 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion). Duration of effects is LONG as the THC is stored in body fat so it can last days!

Treatment:
1. Decontamination – if the product has been ingested within 30 minutes then emesis can be induced and further decontamination can be performed with activated charcoal. Enterohepatic circulation is unclear but the half-life seems long based on clinical signs so charcoal tends to be given for 48h.
2. Symptomatic therapy – fluids may be indicated if hospitalised due to clinical signs such as ataxia, vomiting and obtundation.
3. Antidote – there is some good evidence that the use of intralipid emulsion (ILE) increases elimination.

Overall the prognosis is very good.

Replying to Claire G. 07/12/2023 - 10:07

Hello Claire!

Me again. I think the antibiotic discussion is a great one generally!

We can possibly expand a bit more on this topic at the live Q&A.

Hope you have had a lovely weekend.

Scott 🙂

Replying to Scott M. 06/12/2023 - 22:43

Totally agree.

It was not something I was aware of, and certainly nothing I thought would be a thing!

I was even more aware as I was covered in the stuff trying to create a space rocket at the last minute for my 8 year olds school project. I was very surprised how much is swells when dry… I can image it forming a big mass in the intestine!

Hope you have had a lovely weekend.

Scott 🙂

Replying to Scott M. 06/12/2023 - 22:38

Hey Scott.

It is an interesting side effect. I think it is best to avoid enrofloxacin altogether.

It is well times that I am replying to this thread… I took a picture today that reminded me of another way we can make cats blind…

The use of spring-loaded mouth gags in cats can be associated with the development of central neurological deficits, including blindness. In cats, the maxillary arteries are the main source of blood supply to the retinae and brain. We were not using a spring gag in this case, but even plastic gags have been associated with alterations in blood flow:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24685098/

Sorry to continue the blindness theme!

Scott 🙂

Replying to Cristina M. 04/12/2023 - 22:18

Hey Cristina.

Thank you for the question. I will pass this on and we will get back to you ASAP!

Scott 🙂