Super Glue Toxicosis in Dogs

Glue toxicosis is an uncommon condition in dogs.

The severity of the toxicosis in dogs varies depending on the type and amount of adhesive ingested. Ingestion of superglues typically does not lead to life-threatening symptoms, as most types of commercial superglues do not tend to cause serious illness.

Dogs that ingest expandable polyurethane glues, commercially referred to as Gorilla Glue, require prompt veterinary care, as these adhesives can expand in the animal's stomach and cause life-threatening complications such as gastrointestinal obstructions and stomach rupture.

In addition to toxicosis caused by ingestion, dogs can also suffer from other kinds of complications as a result of dermal, ocular, or aural contact with adhesive products. In the case of ocular contact, the adhesives can cause corneal damage and secondary bacterial infections that can lead to blindness.

Note: Induction of vomiting or administration of activated charcoal should only be performed by a veterinarian. There is no safe way to induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal at home

Note: Do not separate glued together tissues at home.

Symptoms of glue toxicosis can vary in accordance with both the type of glue and the kind of exposure. Generally, exposure is either through ingestion (eating), eyes, or inhalation. Skin contact on the ears and body may also have unique symptoms.

Symptoms of super glue ingestion generally occur 15 minutes after ingestion.

Symptoms of skin and ear exposure include:

• Pawing or scratching at the ears
• Presence of glue on fur
• White spots on the skin
• Unusual chewing or scratching at the skin

Super glue toxicosis is caused by the ingestion of adhesives. The following two main kinds of adhesive products are generally found in households:

• Superglues
• Gorilla glue (TM), or expandable polyurethane glue

Gorilla glue ingestion is particularly serious as it contains chemicals that expand and occupy any empty space. Expansion of this glue within the stomach can cause lethal intestinal blockages.

Adhesive products can also cause damage even as the result of inhalation, dermal, ocular, or aural contact.

Diagnosis of glue toxicosis is generally straightforward, even when not witnessed, as the ingested glue leaves evidence such as the presence of glue on the animal's skin, teeth, and paws. Dogs presenting symptoms of glue toxicosis undergo the following diagnostic tools to determine and severity of the toxicosis and the type of glue:

• Physical examination
• Abdominal diagnostic imaging: to confirm the presence of a glue mass in the animal's stomach
• Endoscopy: to confirm the presence of solidified glue in the stomach

Bringing the glue's container to the veterinarian or taking a photo of the list of ingredients can help expedite the identification process.

Once diagnosed, treatment is based on the kind of glue, type of exposure, and severity of symptoms.

Glue ingestion Treatment of glue toxicosis is focused on decontamination, prevention of secondary conditions, and supportive care. Treatment options include:

• Inducing vomiting Note: Induction of vomiting or administration of activated charcoal should only be performed by a veterinarian. There is no safe way to induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal at home.
• Supportive care, including IV fluids, pain medications, or GI protecting drugs
• Dietary changes: high fiber diets can facilitate the elimination of dried glue from the animal's digestive tract
• Separation of oral tissue: even though oral tissue generally separates spontaneously, it can take up to four days. The oral tissue can be separated via the application of lubricants (e.g., petroleum jelly and mineral oil) and must be performed under general anesthesia.
• Surgical removal of an expanding glue mass from the stomach or intestines

Ocular contact

• Gently washing eyes with a saline water solution.
• Antibiotics: ophthalmic antibiotics are administered to prevent possible eye infections
• Surgery: if the glue has entered into contact with the dog's cornea, the animal will need to undergo surgery under general anesthesia to remove the adhesive from the optic tissue

Aural or skin contact Note: Do not separate glued together tissues at home.

• Hydrogen peroxide: the application of hydrogen peroxide to the glued skin helps weaken the adhesive's bond
• Gentle washing of the animal's skin or ears

Inhalation exposure

• Adequate ventilation
• Supplemental oxygen

Prognosis varies greatly depending on the type of adhesive and the kind of exposure.

Ingestion of superglue generally carries a good prognosis as it does not tend to cause systemic or severe symptoms.

Ingestion of expandable glues is potentially life-threatening, and affected animals may die as the result of stomach rupture if the condition is not promptly treated.

Aural and dermal exposure tend to carry a very good prognosis. Nonetheless, the condition requires medical attention as the presence of glue on the animal’s skin can cause glue toxicosis as the result of self-grooming.

Ocular exposure to adhesives carries a guarded prognosis; if the glue enters into direct contact with the eye, it can cause severe ocular damage and the development of second eye infections that may lead to blindness.

Glue toxicosis is a non-contagious and highly avoidable condition prevented by ensuring that pets do not enter into contact with adhesives of any kind. Prevention strategies include:

• Keeping adhesive products out of reach of pets and children
• Keeping freshly glued objects out of reach of pets and children
• Proper disposal of glue containers
• Keeping animals and children away from areas where glue fumes may be present (e.g., sheds, workshops)
• Ensuring adequate ventilation when working with glues and other toxic substances

Even though glue toxicosis is uncommon, dogs are more likely to ingest toxic substances than other pets due to their indiscriminate eating habits.

Dogs diagnosed with pica (persistent chewing and consumption of non-nutritional substances) are more likely to ingest adhesives.

Antibiotics Surgery IV fluid therapy Washing the affected area Supportive care Pain medication