I Am Happy Today Because . . .

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Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
46,336
195,472
79
Just north of Duma Key
We're worried about that right now. Louie has been 'off' for the last three days, loose stools, and throwing up at least once a day. We don't use poison, but what if a mouse got in that went somewhere with poison and he got it? He's going to the vet in a few minutes, so good thoughts, please.
Since there are a variety of poisons each has different symptoms.
Good thoughts for Louie.
="Info on types of mouse/ rat poisons"Below are the four most common active ingredients in mouse and rat poisons along with their mechanism of action, signs of poisoning, toxic doses and treatment options. If a dog or cat ingests one of these poisons, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline immediately! Rapid action can often save a dog life and prevent the need for costly medical care.
LONG-ACTING ANTICOAGULANTS (LAACS):

Long-acting anticoagulants (LAACs) are the most common and well known type of mouse and rat poisons.
  • Mechanism of action: This type of poison prevents the blood from clotting, resulting in internal bleeding. Long-acting anticoagulants work similarly to the “blood thinner” medications that people take (e.g., warfarin or Coumadin®). When dogs or cats ingest LAACs, it typically takes 3-5 days before signs of poisoning are visible. However, if the pet has been chronically exposed to the product, the onset of clinical signs may be sooner.
  • Common signs of poisoning: Signs of internal bleeding include lethargy, exercise intolerance, coughing, difficulty breathing (due to bleeding into the lungs), weakness, and pale gums. Less common signs include vomiting, diarrhea (with or without blood), nose bleeds, bruising, bloody urine, swollen joints, inappetance, and bleeding from the gums.
  • Antidote and treatment: Fortunately, this specific type of mouse and rat poison does have a prescription antidote called Vitamin K1. Over-the-counter medications or food with high vitamin K content will not be sufficient substitutes. Most dogs need to be treated with Vitamin K1 for 30 days. Two days after the last dose of Vitamin K1 is administered, a blood clotting test called a prothrombin (PT) should be checked to make sure the clotting is normal.
  • Threat: The dose needed to cause poisoning from LAACs varies greatly between active ingredients. With some types (e.g., brodifacoum), it only takes a very small amount to cause poisoning. Other types have a wider margin of safety (e.g., bromadiolone) and it takes a larger amount to cause poisoning. The age and health of the dog may be another factor determining whether or not the amount ingested will be poisonous. Dogs with underlying liver or gastro-intestinal disease, as well as the very young or very old, are more at risk. Certain species, such as cats, are more resistant to the effects of LAACs and rarely suffer poisoning. Dogs, on the other hand, can be quite sensitive and often require veterinary intervention.
CHOLECALCIFEROL (VITAMIN D3):

This is one of the most dangerous mouse and rat poisons on the market and seems to be gaining in popularity.
  • Mechanism of action: This poison causes a very high calcium and phosphorus level in the body, resulting in severe, acute kidney failure.
  • Common signs of poisoning: Increased thirst and urination, weakness, lethargy, a decreased appetite, and halitosis (“uremic” breath). Acute kidney failure develops 2-3 days after ingestion. Often by this point, significant and permanent damage has already occurred to the body.
  • Antidote and treatment: This type of poisoning can be one of the most challenging to treat as hospitalization, frequent laboratory monitoring and expensive therapy is often required for a positive outcome. There is no specific antidote, but poisoning generally responds well to aggressive IV fluids (for 2-3 days) and specific drugs (e.g., diuretics, steroids, calcitonin and bisphosphonates) to decrease calcium levels in the body. Frequent monitoring of blood work (calcium, phosphorus, and kidney values) is often needed for a period of 2-6 weeks after ingestion.
  • Threat: Cholecalciferol has a very narrow margin of safety. Small ingestions of this poison may be fatal for any dog or cat; thus, almost all ingestions must be treated quickly and appropriately to prevent kidney failure.
BROMETHALIN:

This type of mouse and rat poison causes swelling of the brain. Because the ingredient name looks similar to many of the LAAC poisons, it can easily be mistaken for a LAAC.
  • Mechanism of action: Bromethalin works by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in the brain and liver mitochondria and can result in brain swelling (cerebral edema).
  • Common signs of poisoning: Incoordination (ataxia), tremors, seizures, paralysis, and eventually death. The more an animal eats, the more severe the clinical signs may be. Signs can develop within 2 hours, but may be delayed as long as 36 hours. Thus, medical monitoring for at least 24 hours after ingestion is often necessary.
  • Antidote and treatment: In-hospital care for a few days may be necessary because this poison has long-lasting effects. Treatment includes decontamination (administering multiple doses of activated charcoal to bind up the poison), IV fluids, and specific drugs to decrease brain swelling.
  • Threat: With bromethalin, cats are more sensitive than dogs. As this type of mouse and rat poison has a narrow margin of safety in all species, however, prompt therapy is needed.
ZINC AND ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDES:

These poisons are more commonly found in mole or gopher baits, but they also may appear in mouse and rat baits. This poison is of particular concern as inhalation of the fumes from a dog’s vomit may cause lung irritation to both the dog and the pet owner.
  • Mechanism of action: Once in the stomach, this poison releases phosphine gas. Food in the stomach will increase the amount of gas produced and, therefore, increase the toxicity of the poison. Therefore, feeding your dog after ingestion of this poison is never recommended.
  • Common signs of poisoning: The phosphine gas produced by this poison can result in stomach bloating, vomiting, abdominal pain, shock, collapse, seizures and liver damage.
  • Antidote and treatment: This poison also does not have an antidote and immediate therapy should be sought by calling Pet Poison Helpline and seeking veterinary attention. Administration of antacids (e.g., Maalox®) soon after ingestion may help to decrease the amount of gas produced. This is followed by decontamination of the stomach through inducing vomiting or performing gastric lavage (pumping the stomach). During decontamination, care needs to be taken to prevent hospital personnel from being exposed to the gas. Given the potential risk this gas poses for people, vomiting is best induced by veterinary professionals (not dog owners) in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
  • Threat: The toxic dose is very small and nearly all patients ingesting this poison need to be examined by a veterinarian to determine if treatment is necessary. If your dog vomits in the car while en route to the veterinary clinic, the windows should be rolled down to prevent inhalation of phosphine gas.
The best thing any dog or cat owner can do is to be educated on the household toxins (both inside the house and out in the garden!), that way you make sure how to pet-proof your house appropriately. Make sure to keep all gardening and lawn products in labeled, tightly sealed containers out of your dog’s reach. If you think your cat or dog has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 with any questions or concerns.
 
Mar 12, 2010
6,538
29,004
Texas
We're worried about that right now. Louie has been 'off' for the last three days, loose stools, and throwing up at least once a day. We don't use poison, but what if a mouse got in that went somewhere with poison and he got it? He's going to the vet in a few minutes, so good thoughts, please.

(((Louie))) I hope Louie just has minor tummy trouble that's cleared up easily. Get well soon, Louie!
 

danie

I am whatever you say I am.
Feb 26, 2008
9,760
60,662
60
Kentucky
danie

Know exactly what you mean, Danie, I am having the same problem. I just CANNOT settle and concentrate. I can edit but
to read for enjoyment seems to have been lost. Hope it comes back, I really miss it....
I'm so sorry, Sandy.

I know it's frustrating...to have something that's such a huge part of your life, something you count on for enjoyment and refuge, suddenly 'leave'...I have cried from the sheer heartbreak of not being able to keep the written word focused in my mind. I'm hoping, after I finish this book that I'm so enjoying, that I'll still be able to concentrate on the next one I try.

My best advice is to tell yourself that you're just going to read one page...just one. I did that for several months when I went to bed...just the one page. It's difficult to keep up with the story line, but did seem to ease my frustration somewhat. (((Alexandra)))
 

Out of Order

Sign of the Times
Feb 9, 2011
29,007
162,154
New Hampster
You laugh, but Lulu really does try to talk :) She says 'Mom', 'walk', 'home', and 'no', and not just I can understand her. Her biggest word (and she only said it once) was 'Sarah'. She was bugging my younger daughter to get up and let her outside (like, made a point of ignoring everyone who was already upstairs, in favor of going to get Sarah). It came out something like "Air-RUH", but it made everyone laugh, and she got her way. Sarah got up and got Lulu a treat and let her outside :D

That is too cool...........I want a talking doggie!!
 

skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
92,168
USA
Since there are a variety of poisons each has different symptoms.
Good thoughts for Louie.
="Info on types of mouse/ rat poisons"Below are the four most common active ingredients in mouse and rat poisons along with their mechanism of action, signs of poisoning, toxic doses and treatment options. If a dog or cat ingests one of these poisons, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline immediately! Rapid action can often save a dog life and prevent the need for costly medical care.
LONG-ACTING ANTICOAGULANTS (LAACS):

Long-acting anticoagulants (LAACs) are the most common and well known type of mouse and rat poisons.
  • Mechanism of action: This type of poison prevents the blood from clotting, resulting in internal bleeding. Long-acting anticoagulants work similarly to the “blood thinner” medications that people take (e.g., warfarin or Coumadin®). When dogs or cats ingest LAACs, it typically takes 3-5 days before signs of poisoning are visible. However, if the pet has been chronically exposed to the product, the onset of clinical signs may be sooner.
  • Common signs of poisoning: Signs of internal bleeding include lethargy, exercise intolerance, coughing, difficulty breathing (due to bleeding into the lungs), weakness, and pale gums. Less common signs include vomiting, diarrhea (with or without blood), nose bleeds, bruising, bloody urine, swollen joints, inappetance, and bleeding from the gums.
  • Antidote and treatment: Fortunately, this specific type of mouse and rat poison does have a prescription antidote called Vitamin K1. Over-the-counter medications or food with high vitamin K content will not be sufficient substitutes. Most dogs need to be treated with Vitamin K1 for 30 days. Two days after the last dose of Vitamin K1 is administered, a blood clotting test called a prothrombin (PT) should be checked to make sure the clotting is normal.
  • Threat: The dose needed to cause poisoning from LAACs varies greatly between active ingredients. With some types (e.g., brodifacoum), it only takes a very small amount to cause poisoning. Other types have a wider margin of safety (e.g., bromadiolone) and it takes a larger amount to cause poisoning. The age and health of the dog may be another factor determining whether or not the amount ingested will be poisonous. Dogs with underlying liver or gastro-intestinal disease, as well as the very young or very old, are more at risk. Certain species, such as cats, are more resistant to the effects of LAACs and rarely suffer poisoning. Dogs, on the other hand, can be quite sensitive and often require veterinary intervention.
CHOLECALCIFEROL (VITAMIN D3):

This is one of the most dangerous mouse and rat poisons on the market and seems to be gaining in popularity.
  • Mechanism of action: This poison causes a very high calcium and phosphorus level in the body, resulting in severe, acute kidney failure.
  • Common signs of poisoning: Increased thirst and urination, weakness, lethargy, a decreased appetite, and halitosis (“uremic” breath). Acute kidney failure develops 2-3 days after ingestion. Often by this point, significant and permanent damage has already occurred to the body.
  • Antidote and treatment: This type of poisoning can be one of the most challenging to treat as hospitalization, frequent laboratory monitoring and expensive therapy is often required for a positive outcome. There is no specific antidote, but poisoning generally responds well to aggressive IV fluids (for 2-3 days) and specific drugs (e.g., diuretics, steroids, calcitonin and bisphosphonates) to decrease calcium levels in the body. Frequent monitoring of blood work (calcium, phosphorus, and kidney values) is often needed for a period of 2-6 weeks after ingestion.
  • Threat: Cholecalciferol has a very narrow margin of safety. Small ingestions of this poison may be fatal for any dog or cat; thus, almost all ingestions must be treated quickly and appropriately to prevent kidney failure.
BROMETHALIN:

This type of mouse and rat poison causes swelling of the brain. Because the ingredient name looks similar to many of the LAAC poisons, it can easily be mistaken for a LAAC.
  • Mechanism of action: Bromethalin works by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in the brain and liver mitochondria and can result in brain swelling (cerebral edema).
  • Common signs of poisoning: Incoordination (ataxia), tremors, seizures, paralysis, and eventually death. The more an animal eats, the more severe the clinical signs may be. Signs can develop within 2 hours, but may be delayed as long as 36 hours. Thus, medical monitoring for at least 24 hours after ingestion is often necessary.
  • Antidote and treatment: In-hospital care for a few days may be necessary because this poison has long-lasting effects. Treatment includes decontamination (administering multiple doses of activated charcoal to bind up the poison), IV fluids, and specific drugs to decrease brain swelling.
  • Threat: With bromethalin, cats are more sensitive than dogs. As this type of mouse and rat poison has a narrow margin of safety in all species, however, prompt therapy is needed.
ZINC AND ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDES:

These poisons are more commonly found in mole or gopher baits, but they also may appear in mouse and rat baits. This poison is of particular concern as inhalation of the fumes from a dog’s vomit may cause lung irritation to both the dog and the pet owner.
  • Mechanism of action: Once in the stomach, this poison releases phosphine gas. Food in the stomach will increase the amount of gas produced and, therefore, increase the toxicity of the poison. Therefore, feeding your dog after ingestion of this poison is never recommended.
  • Common signs of poisoning: The phosphine gas produced by this poison can result in stomach bloating, vomiting, abdominal pain, shock, collapse, seizures and liver damage.
  • Antidote and treatment: This poison also does not have an antidote and immediate therapy should be sought by calling Pet Poison Helpline and seeking veterinary attention. Administration of antacids (e.g., Maalox®) soon after ingestion may help to decrease the amount of gas produced. This is followed by decontamination of the stomach through inducing vomiting or performing gastric lavage (pumping the stomach). During decontamination, care needs to be taken to prevent hospital personnel from being exposed to the gas. Given the potential risk this gas poses for people, vomiting is best induced by veterinary professionals (not dog owners) in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
  • Threat: The toxic dose is very small and nearly all patients ingesting this poison need to be examined by a veterinarian to determine if treatment is necessary. If your dog vomits in the car while en route to the veterinary clinic, the windows should be rolled down to prevent inhalation of phosphine gas.
The best thing any dog or cat owner can do is to be educated on the household toxins (both inside the house and out in the garden!), that way you make sure how to pet-proof your house appropriately. Make sure to keep all gardening and lawn products in labeled, tightly sealed containers out of your dog’s reach. If you think your cat or dog has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 with any questions or concerns.
Thank you, Spidey! That is very helpful :) Our vet thinks Louie might have pancreatitis (apparently common in Yorkies). He gave him an anti-nausea shot, and sent him home with prescription for an anti-diarrheal and a few doses of another anti-nausea med, mixed with an antibiotic. And no people food, ever. He currently doesn't get much-I'll have to emphasize to BH that he can't 'share' with his little buddy at all anymore. Vet said to keep an eye on Louie; if he does get sick on this med, it's a bad sign. If he's not significantly better within a few days, they'll run more tests and consider if he needs to be hospitalized. BUT, that is not what he expects to happen. So. Better :)
 

king family fan

Prolific member
Jul 19, 2010
33,133
117,741
south
Thank you, Spidey! That is very helpful :) Our vet thinks Louie might have pancreatitis (apparently common in Yorkies). He gave him an anti-nausea shot, and sent him home with prescription for an anti-diarrheal and a few doses of another anti-nausea med, mixed with an antibiotic. And no people food, ever. He currently doesn't get much-I'll have to emphasize to BH that he can't 'share' with his little buddy at all anymore. Vet said to keep an eye on Louie; if he does get sick on this med, it's a bad sign. If he's not significantly better within a few days, they'll run more tests and consider if he needs to be hospitalized. BUT, that is not what he expects to happen. So. Better :)
praying louie gets all better.
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
46,336
195,472
79
Just north of Duma Key
Thank you, Spidey! That is very helpful :) Our vet thinks Louie might have pancreatitis (apparently common in Yorkies). He gave him an anti-nausea shot, and sent him home with prescription for an anti-diarrheal and a few doses of another anti-nausea med, mixed with an antibiotic. And no people food, ever. He currently doesn't get much-I'll have to emphasize to BH that he can't 'share' with his little buddy at all anymore. Vet said to keep an eye on Louie; if he does get sick on this med, it's a bad sign. If he's not significantly better within a few days, they'll run more tests and consider if he needs to be hospitalized. BUT, that is not what he expects to happen. So. Better :)
Prayers to St Francis. Watch the fats-
 

morgan

Well-Known Member
Jul 11, 2010
29,353
104,579
North Dakota
Thank you, Spidey! That is very helpful :) Our vet thinks Louie might have pancreatitis (apparently common in Yorkies). He gave him an anti-nausea shot, and sent him home with prescription for an anti-diarrheal and a few doses of another anti-nausea med, mixed with an antibiotic. And no people food, ever. He currently doesn't get much-I'll have to emphasize to BH that he can't 'share' with his little buddy at all anymore. Vet said to keep an eye on Louie; if he does get sick on this med, it's a bad sign. If he's not significantly better within a few days, they'll run more tests and consider if he needs to be hospitalized. BUT, that is not what he expects to happen. So. Better :)
My Sadie suffered from recurring pancreatitis for 8 1/2 years of her life, so it can be managed for many years. When she had to be hospitalized (probably five times total) the biggest part of the treatment was withholding food for 12 hours to reboot her pancreas.

Many, many prayers for Louie, Mouse and all the precious critters. They are such a blessing. Their unconditional love is the most wonderful gift.
 

Alexandra M

Well-Known Member
Mar 12, 2015
3,678
21,844
Kelowna, B. C., Canada
I'm so sorry, Sandy.

I know it's frustrating...to have something that's such a huge part of your life, something you count on for enjoyment and refuge, suddenly 'leave'...I have cried from the sheer heartbreak of not being able to keep the written word focused in my mind. I'm hoping, after I finish this book that I'm so enjoying, that I'll still be able to concentrate on the next one I try.

My best advice is to tell yourself that you're just going to read one page...just one. I did that for several months when I went to bed...just the one page. It's difficult to keep up with the story line, but did seem to ease my frustration somewhat. (((Alexandra)))


Okay, one page a night. I will give it a try. Thank you (((Danie)))
 

CoriSCapnSkip

Well-Known Member
Jan 16, 2015
1,735
7,765
61
I'm so sorry, Sandy.

I know it's frustrating...to have something that's such a huge part of your life, something you count on for enjoyment and refuge, suddenly 'leave'...I have cried from the sheer heartbreak of not being able to keep the written word focused in my mind. I'm hoping, after I finish this book that I'm so enjoying, that I'll still be able to concentrate on the next one I try.

My best advice is to tell yourself that you're just going to read one page...just one. I did that for several months when I went to bed...just the one page. It's difficult to keep up with the story line, but did seem to ease my frustration somewhat. (((Alexandra)))

It seems to me I have passed through several reading phases. From when I could first read to myself, around age five, until about age eleven it was just a fun activity among a number of others. From eleven to eighteen there was an element of doing "important work," as I had decided I must be a successful author or perish in the attempt. If anything, this made me a more enthusiastic and even better reader. After age eleven I mostly went off toys, and at thirteen I mostly went off TV, and read even more. Then from senior year in high school till fourth year of college I suffered a blow with rejections, struggles, and difficulties. In my last year of college I read as much for entertainment as assigned reading and research, enjoying fairly good success on and off until 2004 when I suffered another severe blow on realizing I had Asperger's Syndrome. Well, no wonder I have problems writing fiction--it's awfully hard to comprehend character motivation when you don't understand how 95% of people think or why they would think that way. From 2004-2006 while awaiting a formal diagnosis I kept trying to regroup and couldn't, just learned I was incurable and there was no help. I continued to try, at least on non-fiction or something. Even after Ray Bradbury died in 2012--and he was my permission and excuse to remain in existence on this earth and keep trying--I thought, well, if I can't do fiction I'll try non-fiction, and did write several books. Also in 2013 due to an elbow injury I cut way back on my house and yard work, stepped up my reading, and did almost as well at it as back to "normal" good old days. After my uncle (who also had writing aspirations) passed away in 2014, everything just stopped. Now it's like a sign is being held between my eyes and the page saying, "WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO READ, TURKEY? YOU ARE GOING TO DIE!!! YOU WON'T LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO REMEMBER ANY OF THIS, SO WHY BOTHER?"
This holds for a lesser extent to audiobooks and was made worse when Ray Bradbury's house was torn down in January 2015 and I realized "my kind" was being "phased off" this earth in favor of "superior beings" who have deemed themselves more worthy and have the clout to back it up. The whole thing is very bothersome and renders it near-impossible to read. Also there is the matter that from the early 1970s till the early 2010s I read voraciously hoping to find the "breakthrough book," that is the one which would inspire me to proceed in the right direction with my own writing to result in success. This went on till 2013 or 2014 when it quite suddenly disappeared in a puff of smoke, so I lost much of the motivation which had kept me going since around 1972.
 

AnnaMarie

Well-Known Member
Feb 16, 2012
7,068
29,564
Other
I must turn off iPad after this post. I have to finish baby proofing and setting up beds etc.

But, as some of you know, I have a granddaughter who loves monsters. It started when I read her Where the Wild Things Are.

Yesterday I went searching through OnDemand and they have My Pet Monster and Seven Little Monsters. :D
 

CoriSCapnSkip

Well-Known Member
Jan 16, 2015
1,735
7,765
61
Accomplished wonders! Cleaned out the corner where the first particle board shelf, of the two which were done wrong, was to go, including vacuuming and scrubbing. Thought it might be possible, JUST, to move the smaller shelf myself, so went to the garage and came back with a piece of cardboard long enough to slide the whole thing onto. Wrestled it into the room, even pushing the desk, which is heavy solid wood with no wheels with two heavy computers on it I hadn't a prayer of lifting so had to leave there, an inch or more to fit the shelf into the space while leaving space for things there before, then moved objects back--enough torture for one day!
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Accomplished wonders! Cleaned out the corner where the first particle board shelf, of the two which were done wrong, was to go, including vacuuming and scrubbing. Thought it might be possible, JUST, to move the smaller shelf myself, so went to the garage and came back with a piece of cardboard long enough to slide the whole thing onto. Wrestled it into the room, even pushing the desk, which is heavy solid wood with no wheels with two heavy computers on it I hadn't a prayer of lifting so had to leave there, an inch or more to fit the shelf into the space while leaving space for things there before, then moved objects back--enough torture for one day!
Be careful - don't hurt yourself!
 

Alexandra M

Well-Known Member
Mar 12, 2015
3,678
21,844
Kelowna, B. C., Canada
I'm so sorry, Sandy.

I know it's frustrating...to have something that's such a huge part of your life, something you count on for enjoyment and refuge, suddenly 'leave'...I have cried from the sheer heartbreak of not being able to keep the written word focused in my mind. I'm hoping, after I finish this book that I'm so enjoying, that I'll still be able to concentrate on the next one I try.

My best advice is to tell yourself that you're just going to read one page...just one. I did that for several months when I went to bed...just the one page. It's difficult to keep up with the story line, but did seem to ease my frustration somewhat. (((Alexandra)))

danie
Now its 2 pages a night :smile:
 

do1you9love?

Happy to be here!
Feb 18, 2012
9,284
70,566
Virginia
Yes, I am happy today and to all of you out there it is going to seem ridiculous.
I get my first Costco membership today! That means I can finally get pictures
reprinted. (Costco in Kelowna do the best reprints I have ever seen). :add:
Something that makes you happy is never ridiculous. Glad you got your membership!