Pet poisoning – owners warned

The Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA issued a warning to all pet owners last week, following a case of suspected cat poisoning.

While the incident took place in Primrose Hill, the SPCA issued a warning for residents in the surrounding suburbs.

According a post on the group’s Facebook Page, emergency staff received a call at about 11:00pm early in July from a distraught cat owner who noticed something was not right with her pet.

According to the SPCA, the cat acted wildly and hid under the owner’s bed for hours.

“She tried everything to get the cat out to see what was wrong but with no luck. Two hours later she finally coaxed the cat out and immediately contacted the inspector again,” said the SPCA.

By the time the SPCA inspector arrived at the owner’s home, the cat was barely alive, drenched in its own saliva and convulsing.

The owner gave the inspector permission to humanely euthanize the cat and stop its suffering.

“We would like to inform all residents in the Germiston and surrounding area that poisoning is a real problem and it is happening everywhere. Please keep an eye on strange things in your yard, unfamiliar objects laying around outside, monitor what your animals pick up in their mouths or things that cats carry into the house,” said the Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA.

Poisoning information provided by the Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA

•  The most common product being used is “two-step”.
•  This drug is commercially known as “Temik”.
•  When this product is ingested by your pet, it causes failure of the nervous system and if left untreated, can lead to a traumatic death. It affects all muscles including the lungs, heart and intestines.
•  Two-step is normally a black or dark grey granular substance about half a millimetre in diameter, resembling poppy seeds or gun powder, and is placed in meat or bread and thrown over the perimeter walls into your property.

Symptoms of two-step poisoning can show within five minutes and includes some or more of the following

•  Weakness or paralysis
•  Nausea or vomiting
•  Salivation
•  Epilepsy
•  Urination
•  Muscle tremors
•  Pupil constriction

Your dog or cat might show signs of aggression, be careful but take the following steps to save your animal:

•  Induce vomiting by forcing balls of powder down the animals throat.
•  Administer Activated Charcoal to slow absorption.
•  Administer a Laxative from vet or local supermarkets.
•  Keep animal warm with a light blanket.
•  Check the yard thoroughly for more pieces of bait.
•  Get your animal to a vet immediately – many animals die within 20 minutes.

Emergency contacts for Veterinarians in the area:

•  6th Ave Vet, Lambton : 060 748 1069 or 011 824-2222 – open 24 hours.
•  Kloof rd Vet, Bedfordview: 011 616-4088 – open until 11pm.
•  Witfield Vet, Boksburg: 011 823-3018/9 or 083 412 9599 – call out fees apply.

Please note that the above information is for household pets.

If you come across a stray animal and you suspect poisoning, please contact the nearest SPCA on their emergency numbers.

Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA can be reached on 082 675 0072 for assistance and advice.