Dog toxin ingestion

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, are a group of bacteria that produce a toxin that is often lethal to dogs when consumed. Cyanobacteria proliferate and form blooms when temperatures rise or when levels of nitrogen in the water exceed normal levels, and dogs are exposed when they swim or drink.

Esophagitis is inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. The first and most common sign of esophagitis is regurgitation, which is a passive process. Inflammation of the esophagus can have many different causes such as reflux during anesthesia, persistent vomiting, ingestion of caustic or abrasive foreign material...

The color of a dog's gums is an indicator of general health. Healthy dogs have pink to light red gums; normal pigmentation can cause gums to appear darker in certain spots. 

Gagging (retching), or dry heaving in dogs describes an active process that appears like the initial stages of vomiting. Gagging is either non-productive, or produces small amounts of white froth and bile.

The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa), is commonly found in the south central and southwestern United States. Envenomation by a brown recluse spider is also known as loxoscelism.

Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides are commonly used in agricultural and gardening products as well as older generation flea and tick control products. Organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CM) toxicosis results from exposure to a toxic dose of these chemicals. 

Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that can be found in paints, fishing tackle, ammunition, drapery weights, and old toys produced prior to the late 1970s. When lead is ingested or inhaled it damages blood cells and circulates throughout the body where it causes widespread damage.

Botulism is a rare and potentially life-threatening form of paralysis caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, commonly found in decomposing meat and plants. Symptoms of botulism generally develop within 24 to 48 hours after ingestion and include vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and progressive ascending motor paralysis that starts in the rear limbs.

Ataxia describes abnormal movement control of the limbs and body. Dogs with ataxia present with poor coordination while walking, loss of balance, and often appear dizzy.

Facial nerve paralysis describes the inability of a dog to move the muscles in its face because of a dysfunction in the nerves. This appears as ‘droopiness’ or sagging of the facial muscles, lips, ears, and eyelids.

Ethanol or ethyl alcohol is an organic compound formed as the result of sugar fermentation and is toxic to dogs. Common sources of ethanol include alcoholic beverages, rising raw bread dough, fermenting or rotting fruits, and household cleaning products

Cyanosis in dogs is the blue to purple discoloration of mucous membranes (particularly gums) and/or skin caused by poor oxygenation of the tissues. Cyanosis is a medical emergency as it is linked to potentially life-threatening heart and respiratory system conditions

Macadamia nut poisoning in dogs is caused by ingestion of a toxic dose of macadamia nuts. No other species of companion animals appear to suffer from this kind of toxicosis.

Cholecalciferol or vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble steroid needed to absorb a number of chemicals and phosphates. Ingestion of rodent poison and vitamins high in Vit D3 content are the most common causes of vitamin D3 toxicosis in dogs.

Limping, also known as lameness, is when a dog is walking abnormally, unevenly, or with difficulty.

Weakness is a symptom where dogs move slowly, struggle to rise from rest, are reluctant to exercise, and sometimes have muscle shaking.

Zinc is commonly found in household metal objects, as well as in batteries, vitamin supplements, paints, and certain ointments (e.g. sunscreen and diaper rash cream).

Pale gums are when the normal pink color of the gums turns pale or white, usually due to a serious underlying health problem.

Grape toxicosis is poisoning caused by the ingestion of a toxic dose of grapes, raisins, or currants.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) toxicosis is the ingestion of a toxic or lethal dose of a NSAID.

If a dog tilts his head involuntarily or chronically, especially when along with other symptoms like ear pain or lack of balance, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition

Glow stick ingestion is an uncommon, but alarming toxicity that occurs when glow in the dark products such as sticks or jewelry are eaten by a dog.

Collapse in dogs is generally defined as when a dog falls and cannot get back up.

Rodenticide poisoning in dogs is caused by ingestion of a toxic dose of rodent poison either directly or by consuming poisoned rodents.

Ptyalism is the term for excessive drooling. All dogs drool from time to time under normal circumstances, but increased salivation is an indicator for a variety of medical problems

Anticoagulant poisons are commonly used for pest control. Dogs are exposed when they eat rodenticide bait or other poisoned animals.

Bromethalin toxicosis in dogs is caused by ingestion of a toxic dose of bromethalin-based rodent poison.

Yellow pigmentation of the eyes, gums, nostrils, and ears is called jaundice or icterus. Jaundice occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin, a yellowish pigment released during red blood cell breakdown and normally excreted in bile

Mushroom poisoning occurs as the result of ingestion of a toxic dose of a poisonous mushroom.

When dogs eat garlic, onions, or other *Allium* species, red blood cell damage results. This is often called onion toxicosis, no matter what type of allium plant was consumed. **Onion toxicosis is potentially life-threatening**.