We received a
call from Dozer’s foster
home letting us know
that he ate a full
bottle of
prescription medication
that was left on the
counter. This
medication suppresses
the
immune system and
can be deadly at the
dosage he consumed (70
to 75 pills). We
instructed them to
immediately take Dozer
to the nearest emergency
hospital for treatment.
The foster home was
unsure about when he had
ingested the pills and
we were hoping that it
was recent.
Unfortunately, when the
doctors induced vomiting
no whole pills were
found which meant the
medication had already
dissolved into his
system. Dozer was in
grave danger. The
effects of the toxicity
of the medication has a
delayed response and the
main concern is liver
and
kidney failure as
well as
bone marrow suppression.
The ER vets
contacted
Poison Control
and the doctors followed
the overdose protocol
for this particular
drug. Dozer had
his stomach emptied and
was given two doses of
charcoal. He was
placed on continuous
intravenous therapy
to help his liver and
kidneys flush the
toxins. Amazingly,
Dozer has not been
exhibiting any horrible
outward symptoms
however, his blood needs
to be taken every 48
hours to monitor the
damage to his organs.
The most concerning
result of the blood work
so far has been the
continuing elevation of
his
liver enzymes so
he has been started on a
liver protecting
supplement called
Denamarin.
After five days
in the ER Dozer has
finally been released
from the hospital but he
must be watched
carefully for any signs
of illness. He is
also required to return
to the hospital every 48
hours for a complete
blood work-up until his
blood levels are better.
The doctors are
coordinating closely
with Poison Control and
we are hoping his blood
levels start to turn
around. Dozer
needs to be monitored
for any signs of
lethargy, decrease in
appetite, vomiting,
diarrhea or any other
abnormal symptoms.
If he shows any signs
that his health is
deteriorating he will
need to return to the
hospital for further
treatment.
Dozer is not
yet out of danger and
needs your good thoughts
and prayers.
Please use his story as
a reminder to properly
store all medications
out of the reach of
animals and small
children.
11-20-09
Dozer is a young
male, approximately two
years old, who was a
stray in a small town
pound. The
animal control officer
called and asked if we
would be willing to help
this poor boxer.
According to the
shelter, he was too good
a dog to lose his life
for being unclaimed.
He had ten days to be
claimed according to
this State’s statutes
and no one came to get
him.
We made
arrangements to have him
transported to a vet
hospital to be neutered,
heartworm tested,
vaccinations, “the
works”. He was
then placed in a foster
home. He is
housebroken, knows basic
commands and is
adjusting and doing
well. He becomes
your shadow, and loves
to shower affection on
anyone that shows him
attention. He is a
good kisser. He enjoys
going for car rides,
loves to play/exercise
and is good with other
dogs. We cannot
place him with young
children since we have
no previous history.
We are also unsure of
his reaction to cats.
