Scarlet was outside while Jeff was working in the yard, including spraying weed killer on many of those pesky weeds we all have! Jeff noticed her rolling (sliding her head and neck through the chemical, then turning on her back and wiggling) in the weeds he had just sprayed. He immediately told her NO and rinsed her off. Unfortunately, she then started licking the water that had rinsed from her body, again polluted with the weed killer chemical. That stuff must have tasted good because she did have a bowl of fresh water to drink from as well!! Anyway, Jeff put her inside and continued working in the yard. The next morning as I was leaving for work, I noticed Scarlet was shaking, almost as if having a seizure. I called the vet, rushed her there, where they kept her under observation for the rest of the day. She had a temperature of 104 and had two more seizure-like episodes or tremors. They recommended I take her to Carolina Veterinary Specialists for continued care of acute Diquat toxicity. Diquat dibromide is found in many yard products and pesticides (it is an herbicide and plant growth regulator). It can be fatal if large amounts are swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Luckily, Scarlet did not have toxic levels in her blood, but they think the systemic effects were present in her mostly because of her rolling in the grass/weeds where it had been sprayed and it being absorbed through her skin. They treated her with IV fluids to flush her system, and she had a catheter. She stayed at the emergency vet for 24 hours.
Just want to make everyone aware of what can happen! Scarlet is well now and has put on some weight :) Thanks!!
Love,
Ashley and Scarlet (and Kenan, who very much missed his sister while she was in the hospital)
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