Laundry pods toxicity in pets

substance: Surfactants

categories:

Cleaning & Washing

symptoms:

Anorexia / Blepharospams / Coughing / Hypersalivation / Nausea / Stridor / Vomiting

# Description

Cleaning detergents are composed most of surfactants (anionic, cationic nonionic or amphoteric). They can also contain complex phosphates, sodium carbonate silicate. Detergents usually have low toxicity in veterinary species. Laundry pods are exception. Symptoms can vary from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling to more serious but uncommon complications like esophageal burns and GI bleeds, CNS depression, convulsions, coma and renal damage.

# How it works

Laundry pods are highly concentrated and packed under pressure, therefore they are more dangerous. Biting and rupturing the pods, leading to rapid expulsion and aspiration and/or swallowing of the product can cause severe gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms.

# Symptoms

Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastritis, which may cause corrosive injury leading to drooling, dysphagia, epigastric pain, and bleeding.

Dermal: dryness, dermatitis, and irritation.
Ocular: conjunctive erythema, irritation, pain, stinging, corneal ulcer may occur.
Respiratory: cough, dyspnea, stridor.

Cationic surfactants (severe poisoning):

- paralysis od breathing muscles

- hypotension and shock

- lethargy, CNS depression, coma and seizures

# Treatment

Emesis od not indicated.

Ocular: flush the eyes with saline or room temperature water.

Dermal: irrigate with room temperature water.

Secure and protect airway, supply oxygen, monitor and replace fluids and electrolytes when necessary.

Oral dilution with water mat be needed.

If bronchospasm occurs:

Prednizolon (po, 1 mg/kg a day), dexamethasone (iv) or fluticasone (inhalation)
Salbutamol (inhalation)

# Prognosis

An immediate visit to the veterinarian is essential.

Symptoms