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SLUGS AND SNAILS are common in the yards and gardens of the Pacific Northwest and are among this area's most troublesome garden pests. Metaldehyde is a frequent ingredient in slug and snail baits ( molluscicides). These baits can seem to a dog like a kibbled food, and poisoning in dogs and cats as well as other animals and children is not unusual.

Molluscicides are usually spread on gardens and yards during spring, early summer and in the fall. They are available in granules (cereal form), powder and liquid. Those in the cereal form are more palatable. Less toxic alternatives are available. Check with your local garden center, extension office, or gardening club for their recommendations, but copper stripping around your vegetables will work, or you could try using beer to trap slugs.

Signs of toxicity in pets eating slug bait may be evident within an hour, or may be delayed for several hours. Early signs resemble those due to strychnine, and include:

• apprehensiveness
• nervousness
• lack of coordination
• muscle fasciculations (tremors)
• increased heart and respiratory rate
• salivation in some cases
• convulsions.

Diagnosis is made by the history of ingestion, clinical signs, analysis of stomach contents or blood metaldehyde testing. There is no specific antidote.

Treatment is directed toward removal of the compound from the stomach and treatment of muscle tremors and respiratory depression. Supportive care with IV fluids, and in some cases, general anesthesia may be required for control of convulsions. The prognosis, though guarded, is rather good.

As with all poisonings, if suspect your pet has ingested slug bait, please call us for advice.

In previous Dr's Bags:
• Zoonotic Diseases
  
• Renal Failure in Older Pets