6 Poisons: Their effects on ferrets and treatment.

Here is 6 dangerous foods, along with their effects on the health of the animal and the treatment advised. This was partially written for an assignment that I did during 2016 Animal Studies. I hope that these are useful to any ferret owners reading, or pet owners in general. Take care!

Toxins:	Effects On Health:	Treatment:
Xylitol	This toxin is pretty universal, it can affect the health of multiple animals like dogs, cats, ferrets and so on. It is found in candy, sugar-free chewing gums, toothpaste and baked goods. In dogs, xylitol is a strong promoter of insulin release, which results in a rapid decrease in blood glucose. This can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar then results in depression, ataxia, seizures and collapse. It can cause liver (and other organ) damage, and death. Clinical signs of xylitol toxicity can develop in as few as 30 min.	Induced vomiting soon after ingesting before clinical signs develop. Frequent small meals or an oral sugar supplement to manage dogs who have not shown clinical signs. Intravenous dextrose to control hypoglycemia. Administration of fluids; plasma transfusions.
Nicotine	Nicotine is found in a variety of sources, primarily cigarettes, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, nicotine patches nicotine nasal spray and nicotine insecticides. Nicotine is toxic to cats and other animals. In cats, the toxic level is 5 mg per pound of body weight. May cause tremors, weakness, ataxia, depression, hyperactivity, lethargy (high doses), tachypnea/dyspnea, Drooling, dilated pupils, vomiting,diarrhea, possible seizures, collapse, bradycardia, tachycardia, and or cardiac arrhythmias.	Induced vomiting, bathing patient using mind dishwashing soap (if exposure is dermal), gastric lavage (for large doses), repeat doses of activated charcoal, Ventilator, Intravenous fluids, supportive care like oxygen, seizure control medications like diazepam (valium).
Chocolate, caffeine and other methylxanthines	Chocolate is derived from the roasted seeds of Theobroma cacao and its toxic principles are the methylxanthines theobromine (3,7-dimethylxanthine) and caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine). Theobromine is also found in tea, cola beverages, and some other foods. Clinical signs of toxicosis usually occur within 6–12 h of ingestion, e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, thirst, and increased urination. These can progress to dehydration, restlessness, hyperactivity, cardiac arrhythmias, internal bleeding, heart attacks, tachypnea, ataxia, tremors, seizures, weakness, coma, cyanosis, hypertension, hyperthermia, and eventually death. The high fat content of chocolate products may trigger pancreatitis in susceptible animals. Toxic to a majority of pets, cats, ferrets, dogs etc.	Administering medications to induce vomiting and administration of activated charcoal to block absorption of theobromine into the body.  Provide supportive treatments such as intravenous fluid therapy to help dilute the toxin and promote its excretion.
Grapes, raisins and sultanas	Ingestion of grapes or raisins has resulted in development of anuric renal failure in some dogs. Cases reported to date have been in dogs; anecdotal reports exist of renal failure in cats and ferrets after ingestion of grapes or raisins. It is not known why many dogs can ingest grapes or raisins with impunity while others develop renal failure after ingestion. The condition has not been reproduced experimentally, although raisin extracts have been shown to cause damage to canine kidney cells in vitro. The exact mechanism of toxicity is unknown, although the primary injury appears to be in the proximal renal tubular epithelium. Affected dogs develop anuric renal failure within 72 hr of ingestion of grapes or raisins. A clear dose-response relationship has not been determined, but as few as 4–5 grapes were implicated in the death of an 18-lb (8.2-kg) dog. Signs of toxicity: Vomiting is usually seen within 12 hours of ingestion. Other signs that may occur within 24 hours include: Diarrhoea, Lethargy, Lack of appetite, Decreased urination, Weakness, Abdominal pain, Possibly death. Grapes and raisins are delicious and healthy snacks for humans, but can be potential health threats for your pets. Eating grapes and/or raisins can cause the sudden development of kidney failure in some pets - particularly dogs - but also in cats and ferrets, too. Not every pet that eats grapes or raisins will show signs of kidney failure, but to be on the safe side, don’t offer grapes or raisins as treats and keep them out of your pet’s reach.	Emesis or gastric lavage. Emesis can be induced with 3% hydrogen peroxide (2 ml/kg; no more than 45 ml), followed by activated charcoal.  Aggressive i.v. fluid therapy for at least 48 h for rehydration and support of renal function is important
Alcohol (Ethanol is the mechanism of action, also can be found in various dyes, inks, disinfectants, mouthwashes, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, gasoline, and certain beverages.)	Alcohol is toxic to dogs, cats & ferrets. Exposure to seemingly harmless amounts of alcohol can kill a pet. As in humans, when a pet is exposed to alcohol it causes depression of their central nervous system. Its effects on a pet's nervous system are similar to those of humans in many ways. A pet begins to slow down, becomes drowsy and loses coordination. If they're exposed to higher levels of alcohol it can depress their nervous system to the point that their breathing and heart rate slow down. Their body temperature drops. Their blood chemistry is also altered, leading to a dangerous condition called metabolic acidosis where the blood becomes too acidic. At this point, without treatment, death soon follows usually due to cardiac arrest. Even if a pet doesn't die from the acute effects of alcohol poisoning, the toxin can still harm their kidneys and liver, reducing quality of life over time.	Intravenous (IV) fluids should be provided for dehydration, and medication may be administered to alleviate central nervous system depression, as well as to inhibit the metabolism of alcohol. In more severe cases, artificial ventilation can be used to aid breathing, such as with an oxygen mask. If a heart attack has occurred, cardiac therapy should be attended to first.
Avocado	Avocado fruit, pits, leaves and the actual plant are all potentially poisonous to dogs, along with other pets like cats, ferrets, mice, rats, birds, rabbits, horses, cattle and goats, among others. Avocados will trigger fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest, leading to difficulty breathing and death due to oxygen deprivation. Fluid accumulation can also occur in the heart, pancreas and abdomen (Buoro et al., 1994). High fat content of avocado can lead to pancreatitis in some animals. May cause myocardial damage in dogs.	Treatment is symptomatic and non specific.