1. Contact your veterinarian immediately and take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
  2. Your veterinarian may instruct you to induce vomiting, however, do not induce vomiting unless instructed to.Vomiting should never be induced in tremoring, seizuring or comatose animals.
  3. Disoriented animals should be confined to prevent injuries. Seizure watch may be required.

TOXICITY

MODERATE

CLINICAL SIGNS

Clinical signs occur in 30-60 minutes following ingestion; may last up to 72 hours post exposure.

  • Depression/mental dullness
  • Fatigue/lethargy
  • Uncoordinated or wobbly gait (ataxia)
  • Weakness
  • Disorientation
  • Hypersensitivity to touch (hyperaesthesia) or noise
  • Vomiting
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Tremors/shivering
  • Inappetence
  • Markedly increased appetite
  • Profoundly increased or decreased heart rate
  • Seizures

EFFECTS OF TOXICITY

Marijuana contains THC which acts as a central nervous system depressant. It is also a potent anti-emetic and appetite stimulant.

TREATMENT

Affected animals may require repeat doses activated charcoal to bind remaining THC in the gut, and monitoring of respiratory and heart function as marijuana causes respiratory and cardiovascular depression. Animals that experience vomiting and/or diarrhoea may require intravenous fluids to restore hydration.

REFERENCES

aspcapro.org

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

Fawcett A. and Phillips A. (2009) The curious case of the cat with the munchies (extended letter). Compendium of Veterinary Continuing Education, January 2009 p25.

Gwaltney-Brant (2011) Drugs of abuse. In: Small Animal Toxicology Essentials ed. RH Poppenga and SM Gwaltney-Brant. London: Wiley-Blackwell. Pp226-227.