morgentaler
Well-Known Member
Since it was mentioned in another post today that a user's dog got into his stash, I thought I'd put the information I posted out here in it's own thread so the information is more visible.
Toxin
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Source
Hashish, marijuana, and hemp, Cannabis.
General Information
Pets are more commonly poisoned from marijuana through ingestion other than inhalation. THC is the toxin that causes the symptoms and is absorbed quickly after ingestion. THC has strong antiemetic effects which make it difficult to successfully induce vomiting to remove the toxin from the pet. Most animals will recover, but it may take 1-3 days.
Toxic Dose
Depends on the concentration of THC and the form of marijuana ingested.
Signs
Ataxia, dilated pupils, 'glazed' eyes, drop in body temperature, increase or decrease in heart rate, bizarre behavior, hyperesthesiajavascript:popupWin1('/dictionary_term.cfm?term=hyperesthesia',%2050,%2050,%20350,%20300), disorientation, somnolencejavascript:popupWin1('/dictionary_term.cfm?term=somnolence',%2050,%2050,%20350,%20300), depression (may last 18-36 hours), comajavascript:popupWin1('/dictionary_term.cfm?term=coma',%2050,%2050,%20350,%20300), excitation is seen occasionally, drooling, tremors, respiratory depressionjavascript:popupWin1('/dictionary_term.cfm?term=respiratory%20depression',%2050,%2050,%20350,%20300), or death.
Immediate Action
Induce vomiting. Seek veterinary attention.
Veterinary Care
General treatment: The induction of vomiting may be continued, gastric lavage is performed, and activated charcoalhttp://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=1369 is administered.
Supportive treatment: The temperature, pulse, and respiration are monitored and different medications are given depending upon the signs present. A safe environment should be provided where the pet cannot hurt itself or others while disorientated.
Specific treatment: Unavailable. To confirm the diagnosis, urine levels of THC can be determined in the laboratory.
Prognosis
Fair
How to induce vomiting
Provided you act quickly enough, you can easily induce vomiting in your pet with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide.
The appropriate dose of hydrogen peroxide is one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. If you have an oral syringe, one teaspoon equals 5 cc or 5 ml. Once given, walk your dog around or gently shake the stomach area to mix the peroxide with the stomach contents. Vomiting should occur within 15 to 20 minutes.
Visiting your vet
Your vet is concerned with the well-being of your animal. In a typical situation the vet is not concerned with where it came from, only what it was and how much. Don't let paranoia get in the way of saving your pet's life.
Stay safe!
Toxin
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Source
Hashish, marijuana, and hemp, Cannabis.
General Information
Pets are more commonly poisoned from marijuana through ingestion other than inhalation. THC is the toxin that causes the symptoms and is absorbed quickly after ingestion. THC has strong antiemetic effects which make it difficult to successfully induce vomiting to remove the toxin from the pet. Most animals will recover, but it may take 1-3 days.
Toxic Dose
Depends on the concentration of THC and the form of marijuana ingested.
Signs
Ataxia, dilated pupils, 'glazed' eyes, drop in body temperature, increase or decrease in heart rate, bizarre behavior, hyperesthesiajavascript:popupWin1('/dictionary_term.cfm?term=hyperesthesia',%2050,%2050,%20350,%20300), disorientation, somnolencejavascript:popupWin1('/dictionary_term.cfm?term=somnolence',%2050,%2050,%20350,%20300), depression (may last 18-36 hours), comajavascript:popupWin1('/dictionary_term.cfm?term=coma',%2050,%2050,%20350,%20300), excitation is seen occasionally, drooling, tremors, respiratory depressionjavascript:popupWin1('/dictionary_term.cfm?term=respiratory%20depression',%2050,%2050,%20350,%20300), or death.
Immediate Action
Induce vomiting. Seek veterinary attention.
Veterinary Care
General treatment: The induction of vomiting may be continued, gastric lavage is performed, and activated charcoalhttp://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=1369 is administered.
Supportive treatment: The temperature, pulse, and respiration are monitored and different medications are given depending upon the signs present. A safe environment should be provided where the pet cannot hurt itself or others while disorientated.
Specific treatment: Unavailable. To confirm the diagnosis, urine levels of THC can be determined in the laboratory.
Prognosis
Fair
How to induce vomiting
Provided you act quickly enough, you can easily induce vomiting in your pet with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide.
The appropriate dose of hydrogen peroxide is one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. If you have an oral syringe, one teaspoon equals 5 cc or 5 ml. Once given, walk your dog around or gently shake the stomach area to mix the peroxide with the stomach contents. Vomiting should occur within 15 to 20 minutes.
Visiting your vet
Your vet is concerned with the well-being of your animal. In a typical situation the vet is not concerned with where it came from, only what it was and how much. Don't let paranoia get in the way of saving your pet's life.
Stay safe!