Marijuana toxicity in pets

THC is agonist to CB1 receptors located in the CNS. Ingestion of marijuana may cause irritation to the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, often resulting in vomiting.

Clinical signs may occur 30 minutes–3 days (average 18–24 hours) after exposure.

• Neurological: usually disorientation, ataxia, in some dogs

  vocalization, hyperactivity, and, less commonly seizures and coma.

• Gastrointestinal: vomiting, nausea.

• Cardiovascular: usually bradycardia, but tachycardia can also occur.

• Metabolic: hypothermia or hyperthermia.

• Respiratory: cough if smoke was inhaled, extremely rare: respiratory depression may occur.

Symptoms of toxicity may resolve without treatment.

Immediate Actions:

Remove the animal from the source, especially smoke.

Emesis:

Induce vomiting only shortly after ingestion, if the animal is not already vomiting.

Activated Charcoal:

Administer 1-3 g/kg with a cathartic. A second dose may be given without a cathartic.

Gastric Lavage:

Consider if a large amount of baked goods containing marijuana was ingested.

Intralipid Therapy:

For severe cases, administer a bolus of 1.5–4 mL/kg IV of 20% intralipid emulsion over 1 minute, followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) of 0.25 mL/kg/minute over 30–60 minutes.

Symptomatic Treatment:

Provide IV fluids, antiemetics, and sedatives for excited animals. Oxygen therapy should be administered if respiratory depression occurs.

An immediate visit to the veterinarian is essential.