Last Week: HOW TO Treat Foxtails on Your Dog
Have you begun to notice that your pooch is acting a bit strange? Does he seem to have less and less energy every day as well as a loss of coordination?
Carbon monoxide poisoning may be the culprit and it can be deadly to both you and your dog.
According to petmd.com, a few sources of carbon monoxide are unventilated kerosene or propane heaters, gasoline engines, automobile exhaust or fumes from carbon-based fuel heating systems.
Petmd.com also reports, “Most cases of carbon monoxide toxicity in dogs occur as a result of human error, such as when a dog has been left in an enclosed area where carbon monoxide is being released. A dog left in an enclosed garage with a running automobile can be exposed to toxic levels of carbon monoxide in about 10 minutes.”
What Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Petplace.com states, “Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, nonirritating gas, that when absorbed into the bloodstream, forms a compound that causes hypoxia (reduced oxygen supply) of the heart and brain. Some pets are predisposed to toxicity due to preexisting heart or lung disease. Dogs are more susceptible.”
Petmd.com adds, “Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide will lead to hypoxemia and eventually death.”
One telltale way of identifying whether or not your pooch has been poisoned is by examining his gums and skin – it will begin to take on a cherry-red hue.
What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
According to petmd.com, “Depending upon the concentration and duration of exposure of carbon monoxide, the symptoms may be acute or chronic in nature.”
If your dog begins to show several of these symptoms you must take him to the vet or emergency animal hospital immediately:
Sleepiness
Cherry-red skin and mucous membranes (e.g., nostrils, lips, ears and/or genitals), but this side effect is usually not visible in most animals.
Weakness
Lethargy
Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion in pregnant animals especially those in late gestation period
Deafness
Uncoordinated movements
Coma
Symptoms associated with chronic exposure to carbon monoxide include:
Nausea
Abnormally high levels of acids in the blood
Cough
Loss of exercise stamina
Disturbances in gait
How is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Diagnosed?
According to petplace.com, “Diagnosis is based on possible exposure to carbon monoxide, physical exam findings and supporting laboratory results,” including the following:
Routine baseline blood tests, to include a complete blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis are generally within normal limits, with the exception of an elevated creatine kinase (muscle enzyme).
Blood gas analysis usually reveals acidosis (low pH), related to poor oxygenation of tissues. Carboxyhemoglobin (hemoglobin with carbon monoxide attached) concentration in the blood is high.
Blood samples can be transported to and evaluated in human hospitals. This test is not available for all veterinary clinics.
Petmd.com states, “Carboxyhemoglobin levels rise in acute cases and drop within a few hours once exposure to the source of the carbon monoxide has been removed. Other diagnostic tools your veterinarian may use include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine whether the heart has also been affected.”
How is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Treated?
If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned by carbon monoxide, be sure to remove him from the source of the toxic gas of the toxic gas and then immediately take him to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian will start emergency treatment to restore adequate levels of oxygen to your dog’s vital organs.
According to Petmd.com, “Supplementation of 100-percent pure oxygen is the best method for initiating a quick recovery. Fluids will also be given to improve blood perfusion to vital organs like the brain, as well as to normalize the increased concentrations of acids in blood.”
Petplace.com also mentions that dogs that are severely poisoned may need respiratory support with a mechanical ventilator. Your vet may prescribe supportive fluid therapy, electrolytes and nutritional therapy.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Because carbon monoxide can be lethal to both you and your pooch, it’s important to install carbon-monoxide detectors to prevent accidental poisoning. Be sure to purchase a detector that will alert you and your pooch when there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home.
PHOTOS:Tobyotter, ehabkost, Victory of the People
Find A Vet HOW TO articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your veterinarian about any health issues affecting your dog.
Category : HOW TO
The Dog Park 
- Comment help
- Get Livefyre
