Common Vet Emergencies

Blow Fish Toxicity

Blow fish ingestion is relatively common to this area, as many of these fish
are found on the river foreshore areas. If eaten in sufficient quantities, the
toxin (tetrodotoxin) in blow fish can lead to paralysis and death.
Symptoms of ingestion and toxicity include:
Vomiting and diarrhoea, mental dullness/depression, trembling and drooling,
your pet may be weak and wobbly on its legs, have difficulty breathing
or may be paralysed or comatose in advanced stages.
It is advised to seek veterinary attention immediately if your pet has eaten a blow fish... dont wait! 
The treatment given by a vet would aim to remove the toxin and provide supportive care
(such as intravenous fluids and breathing support) and monitoring.

Insect Bites and Stings

These are common in Perth especially in our warmer months. The effects on our pets from a sting or bite varies from
very mild to life threatening or even fatal.
Symptoms may include:
Sudden onset of pain (crying, limping etc), licking or chewing at the area which was bitten,
redness and swelling (including hives/welts which are lumps which suddenly appear on the body)
vomiting, coughing or difficulty in breathing, sudden collapse or unconsciousness.
If your pet shows any of these symptoms after being outside in the garden, he/she should be immediately examined by a
vet. If you are able to easily see and remove the stinger from your pet , you can do so
with some tweezers and place a cool compress on the area for comfort during transport to the vet.
Injectable medications (such as antihistamines and antiiflammatories) are routinely given by the vet in the case of insect
bites, and oxygen support, intravenous fluid therapy and adrenaline in more severe cases.

Rat Bait Poisoning

Rat bait ingestion is a common cause of pet poisoning. Most mouse and rat baits are anticoagulants
(they cause uncontrolled bleeding), and as they are designed to be quite tasty to rodents, unfortunately they can also be
quite attractive to your pet.
Toxicity after eating the bait is not immediate. In fact, it can take 2 to 5 days for symptoms to develop, and it can lead to fatality.
Symptoms can include: lethargy, collapse, pale or white gum colour, bleeding from the mouth or nose,
panting or coughing, distended abdomen or bruises on the mouth or skin.
If you suspect you pet has eaten rat bait, seek veterinary attention immediately. Even a very small amount
can cause toxicity. It is also useful to bring the packaging of the bait to the vet (if you have it)
for identification of the active ingredient, as there are many different types of bait on the market.
Treatment given by the vet would aim to remove the toxin , vitamin k supplementation (the antidote)
and may require oxygen, intravenous fluid support and blood and plasma transfusions in severe cases.
Blood tests may also be taken to assess the blood clotting status of your pet.

Chocolate Toxicity
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of these substances are toxic to dogs and cats.
Dark chocolate contains more cocoa and is more toxic than milk or white chocolate.
Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include: increased thirst or urination, hyperactivity,
lack of balance or coordination, vomiting and diarrhoea, racing heart beat, tremors, seizures and
sudden death in severe cases.
If you think your furry one got a bit too excited around the easter basket please seek veterinary care immediately.
Veterinary treatment aims to remove the toxin, and in some cases will also involve
intravenous fluids and medications to control seizures or muscle tremors or heart arrhythmias.

Snail Pellet Poisoning

Snail pellets come in 3 types:
Metaldehyde (green) and methiocarb (blue) are the main varieties. Note, there are also Iron EDTA (red or purple) pellets
available which are advertised as being safer for our pets, but these can still cause severe gastrointestinal signs and cause
red blood cell damage.
Snail bait toxicity can be fatal if left untreated, and the symptoms often advance very quickly. Veterinary attention
should be sought immediately for suspected or known snail or slug bait ingestion. The signs which are generally shown
include: panting and drooling, incoordination and loss of balance, vomiting and diarrhoea, muscle twitches and tremors,
seizures and depression and coma.
Veterinary treatment includes methods to remove the toxin, intravenous fluids to flush the toxins from the body and
medications to help control any seizure activity.

Traumatic Injuries (such as hit by vehicle accidents or animal attacks)

Veterinary attention should be sought immediately following trauma such as a motor vehicle accident or
injury from another animal. However, there are a couple of things that you can do to assist your pet during transport
to the vet.
1. Minimise movement to your pet : place your pet in a cage, crate or wash basket during transport
(larger animals can be placed on a large blanket which can be used later as a stretcher if required)

2. You can cover a wound which is actively bleeding with a clean cloth and apply firm pressure.


Even if your pet appears to be acting normally following an injury, many puncture wounds (especially from bites)
will require antibiotic treatment and the sooner these are started the better.
Animals which have sustained more severe injuries often require hospitalisation, and may require intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy, medications for shock and pain, and sometimes xrays or surgery. So if you are in any doubt at all please bring your furry one in straight away for medical attention and your own peace of mind.