Hydrocarbons Poisoning in Dogs

Hydrocarbons, compounds that are organic and made of carbon and hydrogen atoms, are commonly found in natural gas and in crude oil. These simple compounds can be poisonous to dogs if consumed, namely the refined petroleum products. Refined petroleum products are the aliphatic hydrocarbons which include butane, gasoline, methane, and propane, and aromatic hydrocarbons which include xylene, toluene, and benzene. Hydrocarbons poisoning in dogs is a result of the ingestion and aspiration of the agent, with the most common being chemical pneumonitis. Each type of hydrocarbon has a different level of toxicity; a minuscule amount of kerosene gasoline can cause aspiration, and other types, such as methane and propane are toxic in greater amounts.

Hydrocarbons poisoning in dogs is the result of consuming petroleum products, such as natural gas products in crude oil products. Poisoning can occur after ingestion or inhalation of this toxic agent.

There are several different signs of hydrocarbons poisoning in dogs, and the severity of the symptoms depends on the type and amount ingested or inhaled. Symptoms can include:

• Drooling
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Gagging
• Coughing
• Bluish skin coloration
• Shaking of the head
• Pawing at the face
• Respiratory issues
• Confusion
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Pain in the abdomen
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty moving certain limbs or body parts
• Fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Arrhythmia
• Tremors
• Skin lesions or burns (if contacting the skin)
• Collapse
• Coma

Types

There are many types of common substances that dogs can easily come into contact with. Examples of hydrocarbons include:

• Glue
• Lacquer
• Paint thinner
• Fast-drying paint
• Bath oil
• Sunscreen
• Kerosene
• Gasoline
• Motor oil
• Mineral oil
• Crude oil
• Tiki torch fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid
• Fuel

The cause of hydrocarbon poisoning in dogs varies slightly, depending on the precise type of hydrocarbon. These specific causes lead to high levels of toxicity and a multitude of symptoms which must be treated immediately. Causes include:

• Red blood cell damage (benzene)
• Severe neurological damage (toluene)
• Lung tissue damage (gasoline and kerosene)

If you suspect that your dog has come into contact with refined petroleum products, also known as hydrocarbons, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will ask questions as to what type of substance he came into contact with; this will help the veterinarian make a diagnosis and to treat him quickly. If your dog vomited before the veterinary visit, it may help to take a sample so the veterinarian can test the substance.

The medical professional may test your dog’s blood for a complete blood count and a chemical blood test. He may also perform a urinalysis and test the dog’s electrolytes. He may also perform a chest x-ray to check lung function in the possibility of aspiration from the product. To further help the veterinarian in the diagnosis, he may be able to smell an odor that will give a clue as to what the dog came into contact with (if you are unsure of the product).

He will also take samples from the dog stomach and possibly do a fecal test. In addition to these samples, the physician may also collect samples from the kidneys, liver, lung for chemical testing.

Once the veterinarian has made the diagnosis, treatment will ensue. If the dog only came into contact with the poisonous agent on the skin, a thorough washing with cool water and a mild detergent is the preferred method of treatment. If ingested or inhaled, treatment may include:

Releasing Pressure

If the dog has bloating from the gaseous substance, the veterinarian may use a stomach tube to release the pressure. This is risky, however, and may not be performed for fear of the substance entering the peritoneal cavity or aspiration.

Activated Charcoal

Depending on the type of hydrocarbon the dog ingested, activated charcoal may be used. It is not always effective in absorbing specific types of gaseous substances, such as gasoline; however, depending on what the dog ingested, the veterinarian may choose to use this method of treatment.

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy may be given if the dog has inhaled or aspirated on the substance. If the lungs are affected and breathing is difficult this is an effective method of treatment.

Antibiotics

If the dog has aspirated, there is a possibility of pneumonia. Pathogens can enter the lungs from stomach contents that have been aspirated and a broad-spectrum antibiotic may be given to help combat any infection.

If your dog has been treated for hydrocarbon poisoning, the prognosis is good for recovery if the dog has shown no symptoms in 24 hours. Recovery depends on the severity of the poisoning and if the dog has suffered lung damage or other very serious issues due to the poisoning. Your veterinarian will communicate with you about your dog’s prognosis. Recovery also depends on how long the toxic substance remains in the tissues. Nervous tissue, liver, and fatty tissues will store the compounds, and this will depend on the amount ingested and the level of toxicity.

Your veterinarian will want to see your dog soon after he is released to recheck his vital signs and be sure he is recovering properly. If you have any questions about your dog’s recovery or any new symptoms he develops, it is very important to contact your medical professional.