1. Do NOT induce vomiting.
  2. If caustic soda has contact with the skin or eyes, rinse with tap water immediately for 15 minutes.
  3. Veterinary care will include pain relief, potentially gastroprotectants and antibiotics, intravenous fluids. Surgery may be required in the event of gastric perforation. Eye exposure may require medication to treat eye ulcers, and – in severe cases – surgery.
  4. Packaging or the product ingested should be given to your veterinarian to aid in identification of the toxin.

OTHER NAMES:

Caustic soda, lye

TOXICITY

SEVERE

CLINICAL SIGNS

  • Hypersalivation
  • Depression
  • Vomiting
  • Regurgitation
  • Swelling of the lips, face or throat
  • Ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue
  • Blinking, closing eyes, pawing at eye (in the event of eye exposure)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Blood in stool
  • Discoloured stool

EFFECTS OF TOXICITY

Caustic soda is an alkali which can cause severe burns to the skin, eyes and oesophagus (windpipe).

REFERENCES

BSAVA (2012) BSAVA/VPIS Guide to Common Canine and Feline Poisons. Gloucester: BSAVA.