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.
Liver damage and cirrhosis are often a result, and may lead to delayed death
(within 2-3 days) after apparent recovery from the initial attack. If death occurs,
it is usually from respiratory failure and takes place from 4-24 hours after exposure.
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 at (503) 234-9229.
A list of Plants Slugs Don't
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