References
Molluscicide toxicosis in dogs
Abstract
Slug and snails are important garden pests and intermediate hosts of lungworm, and various products are available for their control. Metaldehyde has long been used in molluscicide products and poisoning in dogs is common, having rapid-onset and prolonged seizure activity. However, these products are to be banned for outdoor use in the UK in spring 2022. This should eventually reduce the incidence of metaldehyde poisoning in pets. Methiocarb, a carbamate pesticide, was also used in slug baits but was banned in 2015. Cases still occasionally occur, characterised by rapid-onset gastrointestinal, respiratory and neurological signs. Ferric phosphate is now commonly found in slug and snail control products. Ingestion generally causes gastrointestinal signs only, because the iron in ferric phosphate has low oral bioavailability. Pets may also be exposed to slug deterrent products, which often contain diatomaceous earth or wool pellets. These generally have low toxicity for dogs. However, diatomaceous earth can cause skin irritation or severe respiratory signs if inhaled, and wool pellets may cause gastrointestinal signs. Management of dogs with mollusicide toxicosis is supportive, based on clinical signs.
Products to controls slugs and snails are widely used by gardeners to reduce damage to plants but also by dog owners in efforts to reduce the risk of lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum). Slugs and snails carry lungworm larvae and dogs can become infected when they play with and consume the molluscs. Dogs are also at risk from exposure to lungworm larvae in the slime of slugs and snails through eating grass, drinking from puddles, outdoor water bowls or toys that have been left outside in grass.
The risks of exposure to the different compounds used to control slugs and snails are discussed in this article. It should be noted that there will be changes in the products available in the UK for slug and snail control (Figure 1), as there is a move away from the more toxic compounds commonly used in the past.
Slug baits are typically pellets which are usually a blue-green colour to deter birds (Turner, 2007). Studies have shown birds tend to avoid blue-coloured seeds (Pawlina and Proulx, 1996; Avery et al, 1999). The dye may also colour vomit and faeces.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting UK-VET Companion Animal and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.