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.