Leeks Poisoning in Dogs

Leeks Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Leeks Poisoning?

Many foods that are safe for us are toxic to dogs, so you have to be careful what you feed them. The leek, which is part of the allium family, causes moderate to severe gastrointestinal upset (abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting), respiratory problems, and major damage to your dog’s red blood cells. Even though people may be able to enjoy the health benefits of leeks, certain proteins in your dog’s blood are unique and leeks can have a serious negative impact on their system. If you believe your dog has eaten some kind of leek, whether it is from your vegetable bin or the garden, see a veterinarian immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

The leek (Allium ampeloprasum) is a type of vegetable responsible for poisoning in dogs, similar to its relatives the onion, garlic, and chives. Even a small portion of leeks are dangerous for your dog and causes damage to the red blood cells, producing hemolytic anemia. Because of this, your dog’s bone marrow cannot work fast enough to replace the damaged blood cells and eventually will decrease the oxygen levels in the blood. Respiratory arrest and organ damage are also likely to follow, and this is fatal if treatment is not started right away.

Leeks Poisoning Average Cost

From 380 quotes ranging from $200 - $500

Average Cost

$250

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background

Symptoms of Leeks Poisoning in Dogs

The symptoms of leek poisoning depend on the number of leeks consumed and the size of your dog. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  • Appetite loss
  • Blue or white gums
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Dark urine
  • Dehydration
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive drooling
  • Extreme weakness
  • Fast heart and respiratory rate
  • Foul breath
  • Inflammation of the spleen and liver
  • Loss of muscle function
  • Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Stomach pain and cramping
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Yellowing of the eyes and skin 

Types

The leek (Allium ampeloprasum) is part of the Amaryllidaceae family in the asparagales order of the allium genus. Leeks are also a member of the onion genus that originated in Western Asia and Southern Europe. The plant became popular when cultivated in the United States and now it can be found all over the world. Leeks have flowers that are shaped like an urn and can be red, pink, or white with purple or yellow stamens. There are several types of leek which are:

  • Allium ampeloprasum (wild leek, broadleaf wild leek)
  • Allium porrum
  • Allium tricoccum (wild leek, ramp, spring onion, wood leek, wild garlic)
  • Allium ursinum

Causes of Leeks Poisoning in Dogs

The cause of leek poisoning is the organosulfate compounds which cause oxidative hemolysis. This is a life-threatening condition which is also known as hemolytic anemia and destroys the red blood cells faster than the bone marrow can make new ones. A decreased red blood cell count reduces the oxygen in the blood, causes respiratory distress, and may eventually lead to organ damage.

Diagnosis of Leeks Poisoning in Dogs

If you can bring a sample of the leek plant that your dog ate, this will help determine the type eaten. This is important because not all leek types have the same toxicity rate and it helps get the diagnosis more quickly. The faster the veterinarian can get a diagnosis the sooner the treatment can begin. Leeks poisoning is not difficult to diagnose, but your veterinarian will want to rule out any possible underlying disease. Be sure to provide your dog’s medical health records, recent injury or illness, and vaccination records. The veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination which will include your dog’s weight, height, body temperature, reflexes, respiration rate, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry (blood oxygen level). Laboratory tests will be done including blood glucose levels, arterial blood gas, complete blood cell count, and chemistry profile. Additionally, a urinalysis will show hemoglobin casts and the blood tests should show damage and defects in the blood cells. Abdominal x-rays, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound can show the condition of your dog’s kidneys, spleen, and liver.

Treatment of Leeks Poisoning in Dogs

Your veterinarian will start your dog on intravenous (IV) fluids right away. Decontamination is the next step which includes encouraging your dog to vomit with a hydrogen peroxide solution, a warm water lavage (stomach flush), and administering activated charcoal to absorb the remaining toxins. Your dog may be admitted to the hospital overnight for observation and to provide supportive treatment such as oxygen therapy, blood transfusions, and medication for the anemia.

Petted logo

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

background

Recovery of Leeks Poisoning in Dogs

Even though leek toxicity can be serious, it is rarely lethal if your dog is healthy and if treatment is started right away. You can take your dog home once the toxins are out of your dog’s system. Iron supplements will need to be continued for about a month until you return for a follow-up blood test. Antibiotics may also be prescribed for 7 to 10 days. Do not hesitate to call your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

Leeks Poisoning Average Cost

From 380 quotes ranging from $200 - $500

Average Cost

$250

arrow-up-icon

Top

Leeks Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

dog-breed-icon

American Bulldog

dog-name-icon

dog-age-icon

Seven Years

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea, Puking
I caught him eating leeks outside and my other dog too after changing their food. I think they thought it was grass. She had some yellow throw up but he ( bull dog) started with diharea and that went away now he had been getting sick off and on for a few days. I put them both on white rice and chicken only diet and he stayed to get better but after I gave him a chicken tart last night he just puked it all up.

Sept. 24, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

0 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.

Oct. 25, 2020

Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon

Border Terrier

dog-name-icon

Alfie

dog-age-icon

12 Years

thumbs-up-icon

5 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

5 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
None At The Moment
We bought some sausages from the butchers which were leek and pork. We cooked them and chopped each one into about eight, we fed our dog about three pieces of sausage before I thought to check if they were safe to eat. We realised they weren’t and stopped feeding him, this was only a couple of minutes ago so atm we aren’t seeing any symptoms however we will keep our eye on him to see if anything develops. We can’t really afford to pay any unnecessary vet bills right now. Should we take him to the vet or is only three pieces not enough to have major worries over? Thanks in advance.

May 31, 2018

5 Recommendations

Leeks are in the same family as garlic and onions which are more toxic to dogs; however I don’t think that Alfie would have eaten a toxic amount of leeks since he ate less than half a sausage which would also have pork in it as well as breadcrumb filler (I’m assuming). Keep an eye on Alfie for the time being; but if you notice weakness, lethargy or any other concerning symptoms visit a Veterinarian immediately. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

June 1, 2018

Was this question and answer helpful?

Leeks Poisoning Average Cost

From 380 quotes ranging from $200 - $500

Average Cost

$250

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.