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This month’s Case of the Month section of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) looks at Cody, a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who once didn’t feel good. See how Cody’s symptoms are troubling and how APCC helped in a scary situation.
On December 12, 2020, at 5:00 pm, Cody’s home parents notice that he has blue bowel movements and does not eat or drink. By 11:00 the next morning, Cody becomes noticeably lethargic, his eyes turn to blood, and he experiences diarrhea.
An hour and 15 minutes later, Cody’s home parents conclude that the color blue may be related to the rodenticide they recently placed around their property. Concerned about the well-being of their beloved pet, they quickly contact the APCC for advice.
Through a series of questions, APCC staff can confirm that Cody’s symptoms are consistent with home exposure to rodenticide. Dogs are attracted to rodenticide as much as rodents, as they both are interested in the smell and taste of the venom. These types of pet poisoning are common during the fall and winter months. They inform the parents of Cody’s pets that they need to see a veterinarian immediately.
A little less than an hour later, Cody and his home parents arrive at the emergency veterinary clinic. The vet examines Cody, and a blood test confirms that his body has lost the ability to clot blood. Without treatment, Cody could bleed and die. The veterinarian calls the APCC urgently and the treatment plan is put in place.
At night, Cody is given a vital plasma transfusion and begins to take medications that help him coagulate the blood.
At 10:35 am the next morning, Veterinarian Cody again approaches the APCC to discuss a treatment plan. Cody’s condition is stable and his goal is to continue taking medication and rechecking blood tests so he can return home.
Three hours later, after some additional discussion with the APCC, Veterinarian Cody decides he can be discharged and monitored at home.
Two days later, Cody returns to the clinic for blood tests, and they are all normal! Cody continues to take medication, but he is on the road to recovery.
Through the collaboration of Cody’s pets, his veterinarian, and the APCC staff, Cody’s life was saved and his family’s parents could love him for many more days.
Dr. Tina Wismer, Senior Director of APCC, reminds pet parents: “The use of poisons for rats and mice increases in cooler weather as rodents seek refuge from colder temperatures trying to move into homes. Rodenticides are very toxic to pets and can be fatal if swallowed. If you need to use these products, be extremely careful and keep them out of the reach of your pets. ”
If you think your pet may have swallowed rodenticide or other potentially toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435 for help.
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