Animal Poison Control Center Research Articles

Geographic Variability, Seasonality, and Increase in ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Harmful Blue-Green Algae Calls-United States and Canada, 2010-2022.

Harmful cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) exposures can cause illness or death in humans and animals. We characterized American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) harmful blue-green algae (HBGA) call data, compared it to a measure of harmful algal bloom public awareness, and considered its suitability as a public health information source. ASPCA APCC dog and cat "HBGA exposure" calls made 1 January 2010-31 December 2022 were included. We calculated annual HBGA call percentages and described calls (species, month, origin, exposure route). We characterized public awareness by quantifying Nexis Uni® (LexisNexis Academic; New York, NY, USA)-indexed news publications (2010-2022) pertaining to "harmful algal bloom(s)". Call percentage increased annually, from 0.005% (2010) to 0.070% (2022). Of 999 HBGA calls, 99.4% (n = 993) were dog exposures. Over 65% (n = 655) of calls were made July-September, largely from the New England (n = 154 (15.4%)) and Pacific (n = 129 (12.9.%)) geographic divisions. Oral and dermal exposures predominated (n = 956 (95.7%)). Harmful algal bloom news publications increased overall, peaking in 2019 (n = 1834). Higher call volumes in summer and in the New England and Pacific geographic divisions drove HBGA call increases; public awareness might have contributed. Dogs and humans have similar exposure routes. ASPCA APCC HBGA call data could serve as a public health information source.

Comparing the diagnostic performance of ordinary, mixed, and lasso logistic regression models at identifying opioid and cannabinoid poisoning in U.S. dogs using pet demographic and clinical data reported to an animal poison control center (2005-2014).

Researchers have begun studying the impact of human opioid and cannabinoid use on dog populations. These studies have used data from an animal poison control center (APCC) and there are concerns that due to the illicit nature and social stigma concerning the use of these drugs, owners may not always be forthcoming with veterinarians or APCC staff regarding pet exposures to these toxicants. As a result, models derived from APCC data that examine the predictability of opioid and cannabinoid dog poisonings using pet demographic and health disorder information may help veterinarians or APCC staff more reliably identify these toxicants when examining or responding to a call concerning a dog poisoned by an unknown toxicant. The fitting of epidemiologically informed statistical models has been useful for identifying factors associated with various health conditions and as predictive tools. However, machine learning, including lasso regression, has many useful features as predictive tools, including the ability to incorporate large numbers of independent variables. Consequently, the objectives of our study were: 1) identify pet demographic and health disorders associated with opioid and cannabinoid dog poisonings using ordinary and mixed logistic regression models; and 2) compare the predictive performance of these models to analogous lasso logistic regression models. Data were obtained from reports of dog poisoning events collected by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (ASPCA) Animal Poisoning Control Center, from 2005-2014. We used ordinary and mixed logistic regression models as well as lasso logistic regression models with and without controlling for autocorrelation at the state level to train our models on half the dataset and test their predictive performance on the remainder. Although epidemiologically informed logistic regression models may require substantial knowledge of the disease systems being investigated, they had the same predictive abilities as lasso logistic regression models. All models had relatively high predictive parameters except for positive predictive values, due to the rare nature of calls concerning opioid and cannabinoid poisonings. Ordinary and mixed logistic regression models were also substantially more parsimonious than their lasso equivalents while still allowing for the epidemiological interpretation of model coefficients. Controlling for autocorrelation had little effect on the predictive performance of all models, but it did reduce the number of variables included in lasso models. Several disorder variables were associated with opioid and cannabinoid calls that were consistent with the acute effects of these toxicants. These models may help build diagnostic evidence concerning dog exposure to opioids and cannabinoids, saving time and resources when investigating these cases.

A retrospective evaluation of hops ingestion in 177 dogs (2005–2018)

To describe the clinical signs and outcomes observed after Humulus lupulus (hops) ingestion in dogs. A secondary objective was to note any trends in the number of hops-related phone calls made to an animal poison control center over a 13-year period. Retrospective study (2005-2018). An animal poison control center. One hundred and seventy-seven dogs with known or suspected hops ingestion. None. A total of 177 calls were made to Pet Poison Helpline between 2005 and 2018 involving hops ingestion in dogs. Outcomes were determined in 83 cases; 79 of 83 (95.2%) survived. Clinical signs associated with hops ingestion were observed in 74.0% (131/177). Commonly observed clinical signs were tachypnea (98/131), hyperthermia (65/131), and vomiting (44/131). Severe hyperthermia (>41.4°C, [>106°F]) developed in 8 dogs and 3 of those dogs did not survive. A fourth nonsurvivor was found deceased at home. The majority of symptomatic dogs developed clinical signs between 2 and 8hours postingestion. Resolution of clinical signs occurred in less than 24hours in all survivors except in one. Cases consulted with Pet Poison Helpline related to hops ingestion increased from 2005 to 2018 relative to the total amount of cases managed overall. The most common clinical signs associated with hops ingestion include tachypnea, hyperthermia, and vomiting; however, not all dogs develop clinical signs. While prognosis is good with 95.2% of dogs in this population surviving, some dogs can develop a severe and fatal hyperthermia.

Investigating the distribution of calls to a North American animal poison control call center by veterinarians and the public in space, time, and space-time.

Health assessments via phone call or tele-triage have become very popular. Tele-triage in the veterinary field and North American context is available since the early 2000s. However, there is little knowledge of how caller type influences the distribution of calls. The objectives of this study were to examine the distribution of calls to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) by caller type in space, time, and space-time. Data regarding caller location were obtained from the APCC by American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The data were analysed using the spatial scan statistic to identify clusters of higher-than-expected proportion of veterinarian or public calls in space, time, and space-time. Statistically significant spatial clusters of increased call frequencies by veterinarians were identified in some western, midwestern, and southwestern states for each year of the study period. Furthermore, annual clusters of increased call frequencies by the general public were identified from some northeastern states. Based on yearly scans, we identified statistically significant temporal clusters of higher-than-expected public calls during Christmas/winter holidays. During space-time scans of the entire study period, we identified a statistically significant cluster of higher-than-expected proportion of veterinarian calls at the beginning of the study period in the western, central, and southeastern states followed by a significant cluster of excess public calls near the end of the study period on the northeast. Our results suggest that user patterns of the APCC vary by region and both season and calendar time.

A prospective study on clinical signs, management, outcomes, and delayed neurologic sequelae due to metaldehyde poisoning in 26 dogs.

Metaldehyde poisoning in dogs is well known and described issue. Several studies focused on the incidence, epidemiological features, and clinical and pathological findings associated with this intoxication. However, there are no prospective studies of metaldehyde poisoning and late-onset seizures. To prospectively describe clinical signs, therapeutic management, outcomes, and delayed-onset seizures due to metaldehyde poisoning in dogs. A 15-month prospective study on dogs with a diagnosis of metaldehyde poisoning, either via phone call to the animal poison control center or analysis at the toxicology laboratory in Lyon, France. Clinical signs, therapeutic management and outcomes, and the late onset of seizures were assessed for at least 3 years. Twenty-six dogs were enrolled in the study. The most prevalent clinical signs were ataxia (18 dogs), convulsions (17), hypersalivation (15), and tremors (15). Treatment was symptomatic (e.g., activated charcoal, emetic therapy, and intravenous fluids) with anticonvulsant therapy (mainly diazepam). The overall survival rate was 81% (21/26 dogs). All dogs that received active charcoal (11/11) or emetic therapy (4/4) survived. Twelve of 17 dogs had convulsions and survived; 9 were followed up for at least 3 years after poisoning, and none had any other seizure episode or neurological sequelae. This prospective study describes clinical signs, therapeutic management and outcome of metaldehyde poisoning in dogs, and late-onset neurologic sequelae. None of the nine cases that were followed for 3 years developed neurological signs after metaldehyde poisoning. Therefore, long-term antiepileptic therapy is not indicated.

Eyes Instead of Ears: Eye Injuries Following Ocular Exposure to Otic Medications.

To determine the epidemiology of ocular exposures and toxicoses in dogs and cats from otic products, 79 dog and cat cases with an ocular exposure to a topical otic medication were retrieved from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center database. Prescription products were involved in 75/79 (95%) of cases, and over-the-counter products in 4 (5%). Clinical signs included conjunctivitis, blepharospasm, epiphora, ocular discharge, and corneal ulceration. Medication error, specifically involving mistaken identification (i.e., an otic product confused with an ophthalmic product), occurred in 68/79 (86%) of cases. In 4 of these 68 cases, an otic instead of an ophthalmic medication was mistakenly dispensed to the pet owner. Unintentional delivery (i.e., accidental ocular exposure in the course of an otic application) occurred in 9/79 (11%) of cases, and 2 (3%) cases involved intentional delivery of otic products to the eyes. Because mistaken identification was the most common cause of ocular toxicoses from otic products, separate storage and/or distinctive packaging for ophthalmic versus otic products could reduce medication errors. Animal poison control center epidemiological data can be used as a source of information regarding veterinary medication errors.

Can North American animal poison control center call data provide early warning of outbreaks associated with contaminated pet food? Using the 2007 melamine pet food contamination incident as a case study.

The 2007 melamine pet food contamination incident highlighted the need for enhanced reporting of toxicological exposures and development of a national quantitative disease surveillance system for companion animals. Data from poison control centers, such as the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), may be useful for conducting real-time surveillance in this population. In this study, we explored the suitability of APCC call data for early warning of toxicological incidents in companion animal populations by using a-priori knowledge of the melamine-related nephrotoxicosis outbreak. Patient and household-level information regarding possible toxicological exposures in dogs and cats reported to the APCC from 2005 to 2007, inclusive, were extracted from the APCC's AnTox database. These data were used to examine the impact of surveillance outcome, statistical methodology, analysis level, and call source on the ability to detect the outbreak prior to the voluntary recall issued by the pet food manufacturer. Retrospective Poisson temporal scan tests were applied for each combination of outcome, method, level, and call source. The results showed that month-adjusted scans using syndromic data may have been able to help detect the outbreak up to two months prior to the voluntary recall although the success of these methods varied across call sources. We also demonstrated covariate month-adjustment can lead to vastly different results based on the surveillance outcome and call source to which it is applied. This illustrates care should be taken prior to arbitrarily selecting a surveillance outcome and statistical model for surveillance efforts and warns against ignoring the impacts of call source or key covariates when applying quantitative surveillance methods to APCC call data since these factors can lead to very different results. This study provides further evidence that APCC call data may be useful for conducting surveillance in the US companion animal population and further exploratory analyses and validation studies are warranted.

Examining the differential use of a North American animal poison control call center by veterinarians and the public for dog-related calls.

Tele-triage, a subset of telehealth services, is becoming increasingly common, they offer users the ability to receive credible health advice from licensed professionals in the comfort of their own home. In the field of veterinary medicine, tele-triage services have been employed since the early 2000s, but there has been little examination of how these services are used by callers. The objectives of this study were to explore how the use of an animal poison control center (APCC) tele-triage service varied between veterinarians and the public in terms of toxicant type, animal demographics, availability of veterinary services, as well as seasonal and secular trends. Data regarding dog poisoning events were obtained from the APCC of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (ASPCA). We fitted a mixed logistic regression model with random intercepts for county and state and identified associations between caller type and the following: animal characteristics (i.e., age, weight, breed-class), type of toxicant, season, year, and access to veterinary services (i.e., veterinarians per capita in the county of the caller). The model included interaction effects between season and both plant and pesticide toxicants. There was also an interaction between year and access to veterinary care. Further investigations are needed to understand how the novelty of a toxicant and the severity of clinical signs associated with a toxicant predict the type of caller, if pet demographics are associated with the caller based on medical issues or owner attitudes, and how access to veterinary care influences the use of this tele-triage service.

Acute kidney injury in dogs following ingestion of cream of tartar and tamarinds and the connection to tartaric acid as the proposed toxic principle in grapes and raisins.

To (1) describe exposure history, clinical signs, treatment, and diagnostic findings in 4 dogs following ingestion of tamarinds, and in 2 dogs following ingestion of cream of tartar, and (2) discuss tartaric acid, the common denominator, as the proposed toxic principle in tamarinds and grapes. Reports in which dogs developed acute kidney injury following ingestion of cream of tartar or tamarinds were identified from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center electronic database. In these cases, decontamination was not performed, and treatments were delayed. Despite IV fluids and symptomatic and supportive care, 2 of the dogs became anuric and 1 became oliguric. Four dogs were euthanized, and the outcome is unknown for 2 of the dogs. Necropsies were performed on 3 of the dogs. Clinical signs, laboratory findings, and histopathologic lesions were similar to those reported in grape and raisin toxicosis. Acute kidney injury may develop following ingestion of cream of tartar or tamarinds in dogs. Connecting these reports with findings in grape and raisin toxicosis and the sensitivity to tartaric acid in dogs, tartaric acid is identified as the likely toxic component in grapes and tamarinds.

Retrospective analysis of hops toxicosis in dogs (2002-2014): 71 cases.

To describe a population of dogs with hops toxicosis, including clinical signs observed, treatments performed, patient outcome, and overall prognosis. Clinical findings and treatment interventions were evaluated for their potential effects on outcome. This study also aims to review hops toxicosis and treatment options. Retrospective observational study. Poison Control Center. Seventy-one dogs presenting for hops ingestion. None. Records of 71 dogs with known hops ingestion from the ASPCA - Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA-APCC) database and the Tufts University medical record system were reviewed. Fifty-nine (77%) of the dogs survived. The most common clinical signs on presentation were hyperthermia and tachycardia, with presenting temperatures and heart rates significantly higher in nonsurvivors. There was no significant difference between survivors and nonsurvivors in regard to signalment. Time to presentation was shorter in survivors (5.0vs 5.5 h; P<0.0001). The median amount of hops ingested was higher in nonsurvivors (2vs 2.5 oz; P<0.0001). Hops ingestion caused hyperthermia in 96% (68/71) of dogs. The median time to death in the nonsurvivor group was 10.7hours (2-30 h). None of the decontamination, cooling, or treatment measures (dantrolene, cyproheptadine, sedatives) evaluated in this population were associated with improved survival. After adjusting for cooling, time to presentation, and dantrolene administration, every degree of elevation in temperature was associated with a 78% increased chance of death. All dogs that survived to discharge had complete resolution of clinical signs. Hops toxicosis can result in significant hyperthermia, tachypnea, and tachycardia. Seventy-seven percent of dogs survived with intensive treatment. Continued education of the potential for hops toxicosis is advised.

Topical Minoxidil Exposures and Toxicoses in Dogs and Cats: 211 Cases (2001-2019).

Topical minoxidil is a medication for hair loss, initially available in the United States by prescription only and available since 1996 as an over-the-counter product. To determine the epidemiology of minoxidil exposures and toxicoses in dogs and cats, 211 dog and cat cases with topical minoxidil exposure were identified from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center database. In 87 cases with clinical signs of toxicosis (62 cats, 25 dogs), case narratives were reviewed and coded for exposure-related circumstances. Unintentional delivery, especially while pet owners applied minoxidil for his/her own hair loss (e.g., pet licked owner's skin or pillowcase, pet was splashed during a medication spill), was the most common cat exposure circumstance. Exploratory behavior (e.g., searching through trash) was the most common dog exposure circumstance. Clinical signs occurred in dogs and cats even with low exposure amounts, such as drops or licks. In patients that developed clinical signs, most developed moderate or major illness (56.0% dogs, 59.7% cats). Death occurred in 8/62 (12.9%) cats that developed clinical signs after the pet owner's minoxidil use. Pet owners should be educated on the risk of dog and cat toxicosis from accidental minoxidil exposure.

The impact of state cannabis legislation, county-level socioeconomic and dog-level characteristics on reported cannabis poisonings of companion dogs in the USA (2009-2014).

With current trends in cannabis legalization, large efforts are being made to understand the effects of less restricted legislation on human consumption, health, and abuse of these products. Little is known about the effects of cannabis legalization and increased cannabis use on vulnerable populations, such as dogs. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different state-level cannabis legislation, county-level socioeconomic factors, and dog-level characteristics on dog cannabis poisoning reports to an animal poison control center (APCC). Data were obtained concerning reports of dog poisoning events, county characteristics, and state cannabis legislation from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) APCC, the US Census Bureau, and various public policy-oriented and government websites, respectively. A multilevel logistic regression model with random intercepts for county and state was fitted to investigate the associations between the odds of a call to the APCC being related to a dog being poisoned by a cannabis product and the following types of variables: dog characteristics, county-level socioeconomic characteristics, and the type of state-level cannabis legislation. There were significantly higher odds of a call being related to cannabis in states with lower penalties for cannabis use and possession. The odds of these calls were higher in counties with higher income variability, higher percentage of urban population, and among smaller, male, and intact dogs. These calls increased throughout the study period (2009–2014). Reporting of cannabis poisonings were more likely to come from veterinarians than dog owners. Reported dog poisonings due to cannabis appear to be influenced by dog-level and community-level factors. This study may increase awareness to the public, public health, and veterinary communities of the effects of recreational drug use on dog populations. This study highlights the need to educate dog owners about safeguarding cannabis products from vulnerable populations.

Risks of exposure to liquid laundry detergent pods compared to traditional laundry detergents in dogs

To calculate risk differences of traditional laundry detergents as compared to pods, describe clinical signs expected from exposure, and outline commonly employed treatment options. Retrospective review of cases reported to Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) from the dates of March 1, 2012 to March 1, 2015. The computer database of the PPH, an international animal poison control center. Four hundred and forty-three dogs (294 exposed to liquid pods; 149 exposed to liquid or powder laundry detergent) were included in this study. None. The database for Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) was searched for all dog exposures to "laundry detergent." Each case was checked for known or suspected exposure to any brand of laundry detergent either as a bulk package of liquid or powder or when packaged as a pod that included the word "pod," "packet," "pac," "pocket," "sachet," or other terms that were indicative of a single-use contained portion of concentrated liquid laundry detergent. Dogs that were exposed to the detergent in a liquid-pod form were 1.8 times more likely to develop clinical signs, 1.3 times more likely to develop emesis, and 1.8 times more likely to develop a cough than those exposed to the traditional form. Dogs are almost twice as likely to develop emesis and coughing after being exposed to pods of laundry detergent compared to the traditional form. These signs can result in a more severe and acute emergency situation. With symptomatic and supportive care, the prognosis is good for these patients.

Companion animal exposures to potentially poisonous substances reported to a national poison control center in the United States in 2005 through 2014.

To evaluate data concerning suspected companion animal exposures to possibly hazardous substances reported during telephone calls to the US Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) for characterization of dog and cat exposures to potentially toxic substances in the United States. Household-level poisonings events involving dogs and cats in the United States that were reported to the APCC in 2005 through 2014. Substances involved in reported poisonings of dogs and cats were classified into 20 general categories, and descriptive statistical analysis was used to examine the most common categories. Case fatality ratios were estimated for all exposure categories for which a final outcome status of the affected animal was documented. Over the 10-year study period, 241,261 household-level poisoning events were reported to the APCC from across the United States, of which 86.0% and 14.0% involved dogs and cats, respectively. The most common agent categories reported for dogs included human medicines, foods, and pesticides. The most common agent categories reported for cats included human medicines, plants, and veterinary medicines. Chocolate and Lilium plants were the most commonly reported exposures of dogs and cats, respectively. Fluorouracil (65.2%) and bifenthrin (66.7%) were found to have the highest case fatality ratio for dogs and cats, respectively. The APCC call data can be used to identify the most common toxicological exposures of dogs and cats, understand the epidemiological aspects of these poisonings, and inform education programs for owners and veterinarians. Data from the APCC may be suitable for surveillance of toxicological exposures of companion animals in the United States.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

This is about dogs, but there are human implications — read on. Small size, youth, not being neutered or living in a county with a high opioid prescription rate are associated with a higher risk of someone calling a poison control center about a dog's accidental opioid poisoning. Researchers analyzed 189,594 phone calls made to the Animal Poison Control Center (operated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) between 2006 and 2014. They also found that calls were more likely to be made by a veterinarian than anyone else, including the owner. Possible explanations suggested by the researchers include this interesting concept: Owners who neuter their dogs have different drug‐use habits than those who do not neuter. The researchers also looked at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, noting that where there are more opioids per capita there were higher odds of opioid poisoning in dogs being reported. “This might suggest a possible ‘spill‐over’ effect of human opioid use on pet dogs, but alternative hypotheses concerning pet owner reporting behaviour need to be considered,” they conclude. The likelihood of a call being related to opioid poisoning went down significantly from 2008 to 2014, the study, published in PLOS ONE last month, found. (For the abstract, go to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31995582).

The identification of risk factors contributing to accidental opioid poisonings in companion dogs using data from a North American poison control center (2006-2014).

In the last decade, there has been a marked increase in opioid-related human deaths in the U.S. However, the effects of the growth in opioid use on vulnerable populations, such as pet dogs, are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate potential risk factors at the dog, county, and state-levels that contributed to accidental dog opioid poisonings. Dog demographic information was collected during calls to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), operated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about pet dog exposures to poisons from 2006–2014. Data concerning state-level opioid-related human death rates and county-level human opioid prescription rates were collected from databases accessed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A multilevel logistic regression model with random intercepts for county and state was fitted to explore associations between the odds of a call to the APCC being related to dog opioid poisonings with the following independent variables: sex, weight, age, reproductive status, breed class, year, source of calls, county-level human opioid prescription rate, and state-level opioid human death rate. There was a significant non-linear positive association between accidental opioid dog poisoning calls and county-level human opioid prescription rates. Similarly, the odds of a call being related to an opioid poisoning significantly declined over the study period. Depending on the breed class, the odds of a call being related to an opioid poisoning event were generally lower for older and heavier dogs. The odds of a call being related to an opioid poisoning were significantly higher for intact compared to neutered dogs, and if the call was made by a veterinarian compared to a member of the public. Veterinarians responding to poisonings may benefit from knowledge of trends in the use and abuse of both legal and illegal drugs in human populations.

Duloxetine ingestion in 364 dogs.

To describe abnormal clinical signs following duloxetine ingestion in dogs. 364 client-owned dogs that ingested duloxetine. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Poison Control Center electronic database was searched for records of dogs with duloxetine ingestion between January 2012 and December 2016. Data collected included age, body weight, breed, duloxetine exposure and dose, clinical signs, and overall outcome. Clinical signs were categorized as either neurologic, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic and endocrine. Outcomes were categorized as no clinical signs, fully recovered, died, or unknown. Clinical signs developed in 55 of the 364 (15.1%) dogs with known ingestion of duloxetine. The most common clinical signs were lethargy (22/55 [40%]), mydriasis (18/55 [33%]), vomiting (11/55 [20%]), and trembling (6/55 [11%]). Dogs that ingested an estimated dose of duloxetine ≥ 20 mg/kg (9.1 mg/lb) were more likely to have had abnormal clinical signs than were dogs that ingested < 20 mg/kg. Findings indicated that most dogs in the present study did not have clinical signs associated with ingestion of duloxetine and that development of clinical signs varied by individual dog. Further information is needed to determine toxic dose ranges for duloxetine ingestion in dogs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019;255:1161-1166).

Dermatological topical products used in the US population and their toxicity to dogs and cats.

Many dermatological topicals are available for human use and may be toxic to dogs and cats. No epidemiological studies have been performed in the US population on the use of dermatological topical prescription drugs, and their toxicosis to dogs and cats. Summarize the variety of dermatological topical prescriptions potentially used by pet owners in the United States (US), and describe the epidemiology of dog and cat exposures and toxicities. A dataset of 10,170 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) representative of 311,065,381 US residents. There were 61,169 dog and cat cases with exposure to dermatological topicals from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) database. Prescription medication data were analyzed from NHANES 2011-2014 survey respondents. The APCC database was searched for records of dermatological topical drug cases between January 2001 and January 2018. Prescription dermatological topical medications were used by 1.33±0.21% of the US population. Dermatological topical products (177, veterinary and human) resulted in 61,169 exposure calls to the APCC. Clinical signs developed in 38% (22,910). A human-labelled product was involved in 15% (3,463) with 74% (2,545) involving a prescription product. Pets in households with humans receiving dermatological prescription topicals may be at risk for toxicosis. Multiple human-labelled dermatological topicals can cause death or major illness to dogs and cats at low dosages. Increased public awareness, especially attention to home storage practices for human-labelled dermatological topicals, may reduce the risk of exposure and toxicosis to dogs and cats.

Marijuana intoxication in a cat

BackgroundCannabis from hemp (Cannabis sativa and C. indica) is one of the most common illegal drugs used by drug abusers. Indian cannabis contains around 70 alkaloids, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) is the most psychoactive substance. Animal intoxications occur rarely and are mostly accidental. According to the US Animal Poison Control Center, cannabis intoxication mostly affects dogs (96%). The most common cause of such intoxication is unintentional ingestion of a cannabis product, but it may also occur after the exposure to marijuana smoke.Case presentationA 6-year-old Persian cat was brought to the veterinary clinic due to strong psychomotor agitation turning into aggression. During hospitalisation for 14 days, the cat behaved normally and had no further attacks of unwanted behaviour. It was returned to its home but shortly after it developed neurological signs again and was re-hospitalised. On presentation, the patient showed no neurological abnormalities except for symmetric mydriasis and scleral congestion. During the examination, the behaviour of the cat changed dramatically. It developed alternate states of agitation and apathy, each lasting several minutes. On interview it turned out that the cat had been exposed to marijuana smoke. Blood toxicology tests by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry revealed the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 5.5 ng/mL, 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC at 1.2 ng/mL, and 11-carboxy-delta-9-THC at 13.8 ng/mL. The cat was given an isotonic solution of NaCl 2.5 and 2.5% glucose at a dose of 40 mL/kg/day parenterally and was hospitalised. After complete recovery, the cat was returned to it’s owner and future isolation of the animal from marijuana smoke was advised.ConclusionsThis is the first case of a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol intoxication in a cat with both description of the clinical findings and the blood concentration of delta-9-THC and its main metabolites.

Epidemiology of Suspected Pesticide Poisoning in Livestock

ObjectiveThis study characterizes the epidemiology of suspected pesticide poisoning in livestock in the United States (U.S.) and Canada using data from calls to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC).IntroductionPesticides are used in agriculture and in the home to control pests such as insects, weeds, fungi and rodents. Pesticide poisoning in animals is usually due to misuse or accidental exposure1. Information on poisonings in livestock in North America is largely lacking2. Examples of hotlines in the U.S. for animal poisoning consultations include the APCC ($65.00 fee) and the Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) ($59.00 fee). The APCC fields calls 24 hours/day, 7 days/week about animal poisonings from the U.S., its territories and Canada. Using data from almost 4 years of APCC calls we describe the occurrence, category and class of pesticides involved, and outcomes of suspected pesticide exposures in livestock. This information is useful to raise awareness, encourage the proper use of pesticides and identify specific pesticides with negative impact on livestock health.MethodsAPHIS contracts with the APCC to receive de-identified data weekly on livestock calls for the purpose of conducting surveillance. This retrospective study used data from all calls concerning bovine, camelid, caprine, equine, ovine, porcine and poultry species from 10/1/2013 to 9/2/2017, where the caller reported suspected pesticide exposure. There were 1,025 calls regarding 3,028 animals meeting this criteria, representing 52% of all livestock calls with any type of toxic exposure. Caller type was 80% animal owners, 10% veterinarian or veterinary staff, and 10% other types. Most callers (92%) provided their zip code, with 96% of calls from the U.S. and 4% from Canada. Variables used for descriptive analysis were: species; APCC staff assessment that illness was due to pesticide exposure; severity of illness; clinical signs; first, second and third ingredients of the pesticide, and pesticide ingredient class (e.g. pyrethrin). Pesticides were grouped based on the first active ingredient into fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, and rodenticide categories.ResultsThe proportion of calls by species was equine (33%), poultry (26%), bovine (25%), caprine (8%), porcine (6%), ovine (2%), and camelid (0.5%). Some animals were exposed to &gt;1 pesticide product and some pesticide products had &gt;1 ingredient class. The pesticide category with the highest number of exposed animals was insecticides (2,151), followed by herbicides (839), rodenticides (765) and fungicides (286). The treemap below illustrates the number and proportions of animals exposed to the 4 pesticide categories and the top 3 pesticide classes within each category based on the first active ingredient. For all pesticide exposures in all species, no illness was reported in 68% of animals. According to assessment by APCC staff, only 35% (333) of animals showing clinical signs were considered with confidence (medium or high likelihood) to be due to pesticide exposure. For these 333 animals, severity of illness was mild for 80% (266 animals), moderate for 18% (61 animals), major for 1% (3 animals) and caused death in 1% (3 animals). Among animals with confidence that clinical signs were due to pesticide exposure the most frequent syndrome was dermatologic.ConclusionsSuspected pesticide exposure was the most frequent reason a call concerning livestock was made to the APCC. Callers reported that most animals showed no illness, and major illness or death was rare. Livestock were most frequently exposed to the insecticide category, and 46% of the animals with exposure to insecticides were exposed to the pyrethrin class. This is consistent with the phasing out of organophosphate insecticides for residential use since 2000 and the increasing use of pyrethrin insecticides3, which are considered less toxic. Limitations of this study include: 1) data from only one major animal poison control hotline was available for analysis and people may call their veterinarian directly or use the internet 2) calls regarding specific ingredients may be over represented due to corporate client relationships with the APCC 3) illness may have occurred after the call was made, therefore the proportion of animals with illness following suspected exposure may be an underestimate.