Dogs Poisoned Research Articles

The Determination of the Prohibited Herbicide 4,6-Dinitro-Ortho-Cresol (DNOC) in Poisoned Domestic and Wild Animals in Italy.

This study reports the determination of DNOC in the baits and gastric contents of poisoned dogs and wild canids collected in the Abruzzo region between 2014 and 2022. A total of 663 samples of the baits and carcasses of domestic and wild animals were analyzed for the determination of DNOC through GC-MS. DNOC was found to be present in 58 cases from 663 analyzed samples, with 49 poison baits and nine gastric content samples from dogs and red foxes. This study confirms for the first time that the banned pesticide DNOC still poisons both domestic and wild animals in the Abruzzo region. It should be considered that this study was carried out on a population of animals from a regional geographical area, and more detailed country-wide studies need to be carried out to obtain the incidence of poisoning from this herbicide in Italy. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the importance of considering this chemical in differential diagnosis during toxicological investigations of animal poisoning.

USO IRRACIONAL DOS MEDICAMENTOS EM CÃES E GATOS

The irrational use of medicines is directly related to the establishment of the need to use the medication. Due to the growth of pharmaceutical industry, there is a very common problem in veterinary medicine: the increase in the number of cases of drug poisoning. Thus, the aim of the present study was to group toxicological characteristics of some of the main drugs usually available in the home of tutors, turning it into a booklet for dissemination to the general public. Made from the reading of scientific articles, doctoral theses, master’s dissertations, course papers and books that contained information on the subject in question, the booklet takes information to the tutor about medicines that can cause intoxication in dogs and cats in a didactic form and with accessible language, considering that this is a situation which commonly affects several animals in home environment. The expectation is that with the booklet, reports of cases of drug intoxication in companion animals may decrease gradually.

Intravenous lipid emulsion for the treatment of poisonings in 313 dogs and 100 cats (2016-2020).

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the effect and potential adverse effects of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) in poisoned dogs and cats over a 5 years period. Medical records of 313 dogs and 100 cats receiving ILE between 2016-2020 were analyzed for suspected toxicant, clinical signs, ILE dosages and frequency, the effect and adverse effects of ILE, and patient outcome. Dogs and cats were poisoned with mostly unidentified toxicants (48%), rodenticides (8%), recreational drugs and nuts (7% each) and other toxicants. Clinical signs included neurologic deficits (63%), cardiovascular signs (29%), thermoregulation (21%) or gastrointestinal abnormalities (17%). Treatment with ILE was initiated within a median of 6.0 h (1.0-91.0 h) after poisoning. Dogs and cats received a total amount of median 8.0 mL/kg (1.5-66.6 mL/kg) and 15.8 mL/kg (1.8-69.4 mL/kg) ILE, respectively. A positive effect was observed in 74% of the patients, whereas clinical signs worsened in 4% of the patients after ILE administration. No subjective effect was detected in 22% of the patients. Suspected or possible adverse effects of ILE occurred in 6% of the patients, including neurological signs (temporarily reduced consciousness and ataxia), bradycardia, hyperthermia, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, worsening of the general behavior, facial swelling, and thrombophlebitis. The overall survival rate was 96%. One dog who potentially experienced adverse events was euthanized. ILE treatment was successful in most patients but can be associated with adverse effects. Administration of ILE should be carefully selected on an individual basis after weighing the possible benefits against potential adverse effects.

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.

Dimethyl sulfoxide favors the emetic efficacy of lycorine in beagle dogs – a novel strategy for the treatment of poisoning

Poisoning in small animals represents an ongoing hazard and therapeutic problem in veterinary medicine. Therapeutic induction of emesis in time enables a fast elimination of a toxic compound resulting in a shortened course of poisoning and a higher safety level thereafter, which decisively improves prognosis and treatment. Lycorine is a reliable emetic drug in beagle dogs without serious side effects thought to be more beneficial in tolerability and efficacy than the rarely used apomorphine. Therefore, this study investigates efficacy and tolerability of differently composed potential drug formulations of lycorine hydrochloride for s.c. administration in dogs as an emetic principle.By emesis response analysis four dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-based active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) formulations were favored. Two of them (F5 and F6) qualified for further drug development. Both formulations ensure a safe pharmacologically induced emesis within about 30 min after injection, suitable for use as an in time decontaminant in acute poisoning of dogs. DMSO-based formulations were well tolerated and offer a novel promising strategy for treatment of poisoning.

Retrospective analysis of forensic toxicology data from 2021 to identify patterns of various forensic cases

PurposeKnowing and analyzing the characteristics and trends of forensic toxicology cases in a certain area is particularly important for a local government to establish an effective prevention and control system. The purpose of this work was to summarize data from forensic toxicology cases received by the Academy of Forensic Sciences (AFS) in 2021. MethodsAs requested by the police or according to the details of cases, samples were systematically screened or analyzed by various methods. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to identify medicinal drugs, drugs of abuse, pesticides, poison gases, etc. ResultsAFS received a total of 17,758 cases in 2021, of which 314 cases underwent autopsy. The main cause of death was sudden death, and the manner of death was mainly accident. Among 13,744 drug abuse cases, the number of positive cases was 1721, with a positive rate of 12.5%, and synthetic cannabinoids were the most frequently detected substances. In 3640 traffic cases, 85.3% of drivers were suspected of drunk driving. In 103 poisoning cases, hydrogen sulfide poisoning and pesticide suicide account for a large proportion. In drug-facilitated crimes, zolpidem was the most frequently tested component. In 55 case of dog poisonings, the main poisons were cyanides and succinylcholine, and the main poisoning tools were poisonous baits and poisonous syringe darts. ConclusionsThis study profiles the toxicological characteristics of forensic toxicological cases conducted at the AFS in 2021 and provides a scientific basis for poisoning cases and drug abuse prevention.

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.

Bitter taste sensitivity in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and its relevance to bitter deterrents of ingestion.

As the most favoured animal companion of humans, dogs occupy a unique place in society. Understanding the senses of the dog can bring benefits to both the dogs themselves and their owners. In the case of bitter taste, research may provide useful information on sensitivity to, and acceptance of, diets containing bitter tasting materials. It may also help to protect dogs from the accidental ingestion of toxic substances, as in some instances bitter tasting additives are used as deterrents to ingestion. In this study we examined the receptive range of dog bitter taste receptors (Tas2rs). We found that orthologous dog and human receptors do not always share the same receptive ranges using in vitro assays. One bitter chemical often used as a deterrent, denatonium benzoate, is only moderately active against dTas2r4, and is almost completely inactive against other dog Tas2rs, including dTas2r10, a highly sensitive receptor in humans. We substituted amino acids to create chimeric dog-human versions of the Tas2r10 receptor and found the ECL2 region partly determined denatonium sensitivity. We further confirmed the reduced sensitivity of dogs to this compound in vivo. A concentration of 100μM (44.7ppm) denatonium benzoate was effective as a deterrent to dog ingestion in a two-bottle choice test indicating higher concentrations may increase efficacy for dogs. These data can inform the choice and concentration of bitter deterrents added to toxic substances to help reduce the occurrence of accidental dog poisonings.

Intoxicación por Dieffenbachia picta schott en un perro: Reporte de caso

Poisoning by ornamental plants is a situation commonly found in the routine of care in the medical clinic of small animals, but with difficult diagnosis. Poisoning by Dieffenbachia ssp (with-no-one- can) a plant easily found in home residences, has the toxic principle based on calcium oxalate leading to gastrointestinal and even neurological clinical picture. Thus, the present article has as objective to report the occurrence of the clinical picture of Dieffenbachia ssp poisoning (with me-no-can) in dogs. For this, a canine, female, Lhasa Apso, 9 months old, weighing 5.8 kg, arrived at the clinical emergency room presenting vomiting, intense sialorrhea, nystagmus and behavior change aimed at aggressiveness, later intake of the plant with me-no-nobody-can, according to information from its responsible. The patient presented with altered clinical parameters due to the clinical picture of intoxication, which was possible to observe aquipnea, shorty, increased capillary filling time, intense abdominal algia, among others. Due to the patient's clinical urgency and aggressiveness, intramuscular acepromazine and methadone-based sedation was performed, with subsequent venous access and initiation of clinical control therapy based on fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy, antiemetics and diuretics. The monitoring of clinical parameters and installed therapy was performed during the next 48 hours with satisfactory patient evolution and subsequent clinical release, absent from neurological clinical signs and control of gastrointestinal condition. Thus, it can be concluded that the clinical picture was an oral intoxication by ornamental plant Dieffenbachia ssp known as with meno-can.

Intoxicación de perros con Cannabis sativa: Revisión

Recreational drug poisonings such as Cannabis sativa, popularly known as marijuana, are increasingly present in veterinary care clinics. The dog has been the most affected animal species. Cannabis sativa contains over 500 different clinical compounds and over 80 known cannabinoids; of these, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most psychoactive and is responsible for most symptoms of intoxication. Clinical signs of marijuana poisoning in dogs appear 30-60 minutes after exposure, requiring the action of the veterinarian.

THE MOST COMMON INTENTIONAL POISONING OF DOGS AND CATS ON THE TERRITORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

The paper presents the most common toxic substances used in malicious poisoning of dogs and cats in the territory of the Republic of Serbia, mechanisms of their action, symptoms that occur in poisoned animals, antidote therapy and in the case of death, pathomorphological changes. The understanding of the mechanisms of toxic action of the most common substances used and the clinical symptoms in poisoned dogs and cats contribute to a faster diagnosis and the prompt suitable therapy application. The participation of forensic veterinarians in official procedures prior to criminal proceedings is necessary, considering its importance in the recognition and prosecution of acts defined in Article 269 of the Criminal Code (Official Gazette of RS, No. 85/2005, 88/2005 - amended, 107/2005 - amended, 72/2009, 111/2009, 121/2012, 104/2013, 108/2014, 94/2016 and 35/2019).

Prevalence of exogenous intoxications in dogs and cats in the municipality of Fortaleza and metropolitan region

Animals with animal poisoning are seen with increasing frequency in the country's veterinary clinics and represent a clinical emergency in most cases. To determine the main toxic agents and the frequency of poisoning in dogs and cats in the city of Fortaleza and its metropolitan area, this epidemiological study focused on the cases of intoxication in dogs and cats that occurred between January 2015 and December 2020 and was carried out in 100 veterinary clinics with 100 veterinary medical professionals. The number of registered cases was 9,951. Of these, 7,039 were cases of intoxication in dogs (70.7%), and 2,533 were cases of intoxication in cats (25.5%). The main categories of intoxicating agents in decreasing order of prevalence were food (31.7%), pesticides (25.5%), medicines (16.2%), poisonous and venomous animals (14.5%), toxic plants (4.6%), cleaning products (3.7%) and drugs of abuse (2.9%). Therefore, we concluded that cases of exogenous intoxication remain frequent in medical clinics for small animals. In this context, it was possible to create an alert profile about cases of intoxication in dogs and cats, and the importance of practicing methods of preventing poisoning in domestic animals is emphasized.

Incidence of Clinical Signs in Poisoned Pets of Thailand: A Retrospective Study

Clinical signs appear immediately or gradually in poisoned pets. Poisonous agents in pets, especially dogs and cats, have been reported to include human medications (acetaminophen), pesticides (organophosphate and carbamate), insecticides for veterinary use (ivermectin), and food (methylxanthines). The current study investigated the incidence of poisoning in dogs and cats residing in Rayong and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces as well as Bangkok, Thailand, during 2016-2020. The study found a total of 102 poisoned cases of dog and cat, including 58 dogs (56.86%) and 44 cats (43.14%). The poisoned dogs included 39 males (67.24%) and 19 females (32.26%), while poisoned cats consisted of 29 males (65.91%) and 15 females (34.09%). Poisoning was highly diagnosed in mixed breed dogs and domestic short-haired cats. The average age of poisoned dogs and cats was reported as 3.67 ± 1.92 and 3.02 ± 1.72 years, respectively. The most common poisonous agents found in dogs and cats were organophosphate-carbamate groups and acetaminophen. Tachycardia, hypersalivation, dyspnea, and facial swelling were the most common clinical signs observed in poisoned dogs and cats.

Incidence of organophosphate and carbamate poisoning in dogs within Maiduguri, North-eastern Nigeria

The persistent application of chemicals in pest control and agricultural processes possess a public health concern as their use are often associated with acute or chronic poisoning cases in both humans and animals. In veterinary medicine, pesticides such as organophosphates and carbamates are exclusively used in ectoparasitic control through pour on, tick bath and fumigation. The incidence of organophosphate or carbamate poisoning in dogs within Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria was assessed using three government approved and licensed veterinary centres. Data were obtained through the review of three years (2016-2018) retrospective cases of organophosphate/carbamate poisoning and administration of questionnaires to actively practising veterinarians. Investigation revealed that organophosphate/carbamate poisoning in dogs within Maiduguri metropolis constituted 37% of poisoning cases and was on the increase in recent years with 22.96% of the total cases reported in 2016, 34.08% in 2017 and 42.96% in 2018. The case was most prevalent at the peak of the rainy season around July and August. The common clinical signs observed include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle spasms, severe weakness and paralysis. Management was usually supportive and symptomatic while antidotal therapy revolved on atropine sulphate only. The effect of ageing in organophosphate poisoning was neglected by most of the clinicians as more than 50% would administer atropine sulphate without considering the duration of the onset of poisoning. It was concluded that the incidence of organophosphate and carbamate poisoning in dogs in Maiduguri constituted 37% of all poisoning cases where 22.96% and 42.96% of it were reported in 2016 and 2018, respectively. Enlightenment programmes for the public and professionals are recommended on the increased cases of poisoning and proper use of antidote in the treatment of chemical toxicosis.

Mushroom poisoning in dogs, cats and pigs

This datasheet on mushroom poisoning in dogs, cats and pigs covers Identity, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis.

Revealing and identification of isoniazid metabolites in beef meat in case of poisoning of service dogs

Relevance. Every year, dog breeders are faced with the problem of acute poisoning of dogs. Various toxic compounds can be the cause of dog poisoning. The huge variety of potentially toxic substances makes it difficult to identify the source of poisoning. Service dog breeding also faces this problem, as a result of which it is necessary to have information about the possibility of poisoning service dogs, as well as methods for detecting toxic substances and preventing further poisoning. In service dog breeding, they mainly use feed made by cooking gruel soup in boilers in the feed kitchens of nurseries. Due to the fact that there were cases of poisoning of service dogs in the Vyborg district of the Leningrad region, we conducted research to identify toxic compounds in beef from which feed was made in the feed kitchens of nurseries.Methods. The studies were carried out at the Institute of Toxicology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency using an Acguity UPLC I-class ultra-performance liquid chromatograph with a spectrophotometric detecto and an Acguity UPLC H-class ultraperformance liquid chromatograph with a Xevo TQD tandem mass spectrometer. Sample components were identified by electronic spectra and mass numbers.Results. According to the results of the study, the presence of isoniazid metabolic products in the form of isonicatinic acid, as well as conjugates of isoniazid with sulfuric, acetic and glucuronic acids, was found in beef meat.The obtained results of the study of the chromatographic profiles of aqueous extracts and the chemical identification of their components in the products that are used for the preparation of food for service dogs make it possible to accurately determine and identify toxic substances with a wide variety of them. Thus, in order to prevent the loss of service dogs, it is necessary to control the newly received food and feed in order to prevent poisoning.

Abnormal Prothrombin (PIVKA-II) Expression in Canine Tissues as an Indicator of Anticoagulant Poisoning.

Simple SummaryPIVKA-II is an aberrant form of vitamin K that has been demonstrated to be increased in human coagulation disorders and in some neoplastic diseases. In veterinary medicine, PIVKA-II levels have been demonstrated to be useful for distinguishing anticoagulant poisoning from other coagulopathies. In forensic pathology, there is the need to distinguish malicious poisoning from other causes of death and, in some cases, identifying poisoned dogs from dogs that died as a result of other coagulative disorders can be challenging. This study evaluated the usefulness of the immunohistochemical expression of PIVKA-II in hepatic and renal tissues in order to identify patients with coagulative disorders due to clinical condition or the ingestion of anticoagulants substances.PIVKA-II is an aberrant form of vitamin K that has been demonstrated to be increased in human coagulation disorders and in some neoplastic diseases. In veterinary medicine, PIVKA-II levels have been demonstrated to be useful for distinguishing anticoagulant poisoning from other coagulopathies. In forensic pathology, there is the need to distinguish malicious poisoning from other causes of death and, in some cases, identifying poisoned dogs from dogs that died as a result of other coagulative disorders can be challenging. In this study, dogs that suddenly died underwent necropsy, histological examination, and toxicological analysis to establish cause of death. PIVKA-II immunohistochemical expression was evaluated on hepatic and renal tissues, and on neoplastic lesions when present. A total of 61 dogs were analyzed and anticoagulant substances were identified in 16 of the 61. Immunolabelling for PIVKA-II was observed in 27 of 61 cases in the liver and in 24 of 61 cases in the kidneys. Among the poisoned dogs, the PIVKA-II expression was present in the liver in 15 of 16 cases and in the kidneys in 16 of 16. Neoplastic lesions represented mainly by haemangiosarcomas were negative. This study highlights how the immunohistochemical expression of PIVKA-II in hepatic and renal tissues can be useful to identify patients with coagulative disorders due to clinical condition or the ingestion of anticoagulants substances.

Histological and histochemical changes in the peripheral organs of the immune system of dogs in cases of isoniazid poisoning

Most publications on isoniazid poisoning in dogs are devoted to clinical diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of the disease. Histological and histochemical changes are not fully described, though they are important in assessing the toxic effects of isoniazid. Isoniazid is used to treat tuberculosis in humans. Dogs are hypersensitive to this drug. The article highlights the results of macroscopic, histological, and histochemical studies of the dogs’ lymph nodes and spleen in cases of isoniazid poisoning. A pathological examination of 19 corpses of dogs of different ages was performed, during which isoniazid poisoning was posthumously diagnosed, based on anamnesis, clinical signs, pathological autopsy, histological, and histochemical examination. Samples of lymph nodes and spleen were fixed in a 10% aqueous neutral formalin solution, Carnoy’s solution, and Bouin’s fixative. Histoсuts were prepared using a sled microtome and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Staining was also performed according to the techniques suggested by McManus, Brachet, and Perls. The pathomorphological changes in lymph nodes and spleen were characterized by disorganization of vascular walls and connective tissue fibers of the stroma, dilatation of veins, their overflow with hemolyzed blood, and, in cases of the long clinical course, thrombosis of small vessels. Intravascular hemolysis of erythrocytes resulted in an excessive formation of hemosiderin. Histochemically, the spleen and lymph nodes showed a significant increase in the number of hemosiderophages in the spleen’s red and white pulp and the lymph nodes’ central sinuses and pulp cords. In the spleen, mucoid swelling and necrobiotic changes in the wall structures of the arterioles and arteries progressed with a narrowing of their lumen in dogs suffering from the long clinical course. Increased permeability of the microcirculatory tract vessels of the spleen and lymph nodes, transudate formation, and the destructive changes in the reticular skeleton accompanied hemodynamic violations. A sharp change in blood rheology caused the violation of trophism and metabolism in the immune system. Lymphoid elements of the lymph nodes and white pulp of the spleen were in a state of karyorrhexis and karyolysis. The morphological study of the immune system’s peripheral organs suggests that dogs poisoned by isoniazid demonstrate hemodynamic disorders, changes in the physicochemical properties of blood (hemolysis of erythrocytes and thrombosis). This is the basis of trophic disorders, metabolic malfunctions, and the development of dystrophic processes in all structural elements of the spleen and lymph nodes.

Vitamin-mineral supplements do not guarantee the minimum recommendations and may imply risks of mercury poisoning in dogs and cats.

Given the importance of using the vitamin-mineral supplements to guarantee the minimum nutritional recommendations for pets in homemade foods, and hypothesizing that these products may contribute to toxic metals contamination, the present study aimed to determine the concentrations of essential minerals and toxic metals in vitamin-mineral supplements available in the Brazilian market and calculate if the amount recommended by the manufacturer guarantees the minimum recommendations of NRC (2006) and FEDIAF (2020), as well as calculating the amount of toxic metals that animals would consume, according to the amounts recommended by the manufacturer. Seven vitamin-mineral supplements were analyzed. The determination of essential minerals and toxic metals was performed using ICP-OES. Comparisons were made with the minimum recommendations for essential minerals, and with the maximum tolerated levels of toxic metals established by the FDA (2011), descriptively. Most of the vitamin-mineral supplements, in the quantities recommended by the manufacturers, do not guarantee the minimum recommendations of NCR (2006) and FEDIAF (2020) for the following elements: calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. Only one supplement had detectable selenium concentrations. Three supplements provided more than 0.02mg of mercury/kg of body weight, the safe upper limit used to establish the maximum tolerated level of this element. It is concluded that most vitamin-mineral supplements do not meet the minimum recommendations for most essential minerals and, if formulated by untrained professionals, even with supplementation, homemade foods may still be nutritionally deficient. Furthermore, some vitamin-mineral supplements analyzed may imply risks of mercury poisoning in pets.

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.