Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut) in Dogs

The signs of garbage toxicosis depend on what kind of bacteria is involved, but the most commonly reported side effects are:

• Diarrhea (may be bloody or watery)
• Vomiting (can be projectile vomiting with or without blood)
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Appetite loss
• Sleepiness
• High body temperature
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Panting
• Flatulence (gas)
• Weakness
• Shock (cold extremities, weak pulse, inactivity, respiratory failure)
• Seizures (rare)
• Death (rare)

 Types

Garbage toxicosis is possible in any breed of dog at any age, both male and female, but there are certain high-risk categories, which are:

• Outdoor dogs
• Small and toy breed dogs (Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Pinscher, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier)
• Young dogs under five years old

The cause of garbage toxicosis is eating food, waste, feces, or carrion that is infected with bacteria, such as:

• Bacillus
• Clostridium botulinum
• Clostridium perfringens
• Escherichia coli
• Penitrem-A (a neurotoxin)
• Salmonella
• Staphylococcus
• Streptococcus

Most cases of garbage toxicosis are mild, but some can be serious, especially in a small breed, young, or older dog. Since two of the most common side effects are diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration is a serious worry in garbage toxicosis. The bacteria involved is also a concern because some types of bacterial infections may cause central nervous system symptoms such as loss of muscle control and seizures. The only way to determine which type of bacteria is involved is to take your pet to a veterinary professional. If you cannot get an appointment to see your veterinarian within 24 hours, you should go ahead and take your dog to a veterinary clinic or animal hospital.

The veterinarian will do a physical examination on your dog to check reflexes, temperature, body weight and height, breath sounds, pupil reaction time, abdominal palpation, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. Afterward, the veterinarian will need to perform some laboratory tests.

A CBC (complete blood count) will show a decreased plasma volume and increase in red blood cells and neutrophils (certain white blood cells). A biochemical profile may show low glucose, sodium, chloride ion, albumin, potassium, globulin, and protein levels consistent with electrolyte disturbances. The PCV (packed cell volume) will be 55% or higher in most cases due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

A stool sample will be taken for a bacterial culture in order to determine the bacteria that is involved. A urinalysis may show decreased glucose and concentrated urine due to dehydration. Abdominal radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasounds will also be performed and may show a partial or complete diffusion of the intestine and fluid in the loops of the bowel. If necessary, the veterinarian may need to get an MRI or CT scan for a better look at the intestinal tract and stomach.

Treating garbage toxicosis in dogs is similar to treating a patient who has been poisoned. The best course of treatment will ultimately depend on the symptoms and health of your dog, but most often include getting the toxins out of the system and treating the symptoms.

Evacuation

If your dog has been vomiting already, there is usually no need to give an emetic, such as ipecac syrup, apomorphine, or hydrogen peroxide. In addition, activated charcoal will probably be given to absorb the excess bacteria or toxins.  

Detoxification

Intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes will be given to rehydrate and flush the kidneys.

Medications

Some medications that the veterinarian may give your pet are muscle relaxants to control seizures, H2 blockers for gastric upset, and antibiotics for infection.

Observation

The veterinarian may want to keep your dog overnight for observation and fluid therapy.