Toxicities

First Aid Instructions following Toxic Exposure

Toxicities in Your Home ... Non-toxic Household Products

n a life-and-death situation when every minute counts for an animal, you can call the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour emergency information at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435). Website: National Animal Poisoning Control Center.

11%

27%

Plants

12%

25%

Other, including Heavy Metals: Lead can be found in curtain (drapery) weights, curtain pulls, leaded and stained glass, fishing sinkers and ammunition carelessly discarded in ashtrays or dropped on the floor, jewelry*, and in the lead wrapping around the tops of wine bottles, to name the most common sources.

25%

• Occur quickly after ingestion, usually within 15-45 minutes.
• Excitation, tachypnea, salivation and emesis.
• With severe cases, muscular weakness, twitching, depression, tachycardia,dyspnea, collapse, coma or cardiac arrest.
• Death occurs secondary to respiratory paralysis.

• Dermal exposure: erythema, edema, intense pain and ulceration.
• Ocular (eye) exposure: mild irritation to severe corneal injury.
• Oral exposure: tissue necrosis and inflammation of the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus

• Rales, dyspnea, ataxia, depression, restless behavior and acute death.

Small birds:

• respiratory distress, generalized congestion, hydropericardium,anasarca and death.
• Onset occurs after 12 hours of ingestion, with death occurring within 1-2 days of the time of exposure.

Large birds:

• nonspecific signs = reduced activity, fluffing of feathers and labored respiration

• Dysphagia, regurgitation, inappetence.
• If ingested, crystals can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of oral cavity.

Examples of Noxious Inhalants

• Some nonstick surfaces (irons and ironing board covers, pots and pans, woks, drip pans)
• Teflon / non-stick surfaces
• Carpet and upholstery fresheners
• Carpet and upholstery cleaners
• Gasoline fumes
• Smoke (any source)
• Automobile exhaust/carbon monoxide
• Self-cleaning ovens
• Insecticide sprays and foggers
• Chemical sprays (e.g., disinfectants, deodorizers, furniture polish)
• Glues, paints, nail polish
• Ammonia or bleach
• Mothballs
• Burning foods and cooking oils
• Fumigants (sulfuryl fluoride, aluminum phosphide)
• Aerosols

Common Toxic Plants

Inhalant Exposure

• Remove bird from source and supply fresh air immediately!

Your vet may choose the following therapies:

• Humidify oxygen therapy.
• Provide diuretics for pulmonary edema.
• Bronchodilators may be helpful.
• Give anti-inflammatory drugs* and broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Provide thermal regulation and nutritional support.
• Hydration therapy may be necessary

OcularExposure

• Gently flush eyes with tepid tap water or saline for 20-30 minutes.
• Use eyedropper to flush in small birds.
• Perform fluorescein staining and followup exams in cases of exposures to corrosive agents or if redness, pain or ocular (eye) discharge occurs

Dermal Exposure:

• Stabilize bird first!
• Do not remove toxicants from feathers if bird is seriously ill.
• With light dermal exposures, wash gently with solution of mild liquid dishwashingdetergent (e.g., Dawn) and warm water, rub gently, then rinse with plain warmwater to remove soap. Repeat if needed.
• With heavy dermal exposures, a thorough bath may be indicated. Pat dry, keep warmand monitor for signs of hypothermia.
• Because detergent may seep between the feather barbs, multiple rinses may be required
• An E-collar may be necessary to prevent ingestion of toxicant.