Tuberculosis tablets isoniazid against cats

Isoniazid
(tubazid) is a drug, anti-tuberculosis drug (ATD), isonicotinic acid hydrazide (GINA). Indicated for the treatment of tuberculosis of all forms of localization. It is dangerous for dogs and canines in general, since they are hypersensitive to the drug.

What is Isoniazid?

The drug is a white tablet, which is produced primarily for people with tuberculosis. It is a derivative of isonicotinic acid hydrazite. One tablet contains the following substances:

• isoniazid;
• calcium hydrogen phosphate;
• talc;
• magnesium stearate;
• corn starch;
• sodium edetate;
• colloidal silicon dioxide.

Often the drug is added to edible bait, which is given to the animal for the purpose of poisoning.
It is a vital medicine for humans, therefore it is widely available in pharmacies and is available without a prescription. This is taken advantage of by cruel people who poison dogs that are highly sensitive to the drug. Cats can also become poisoned and die. Once in the cat’s body, “Isoniazid” or “Tubazid” acts on the central nervous system, which inhibits the functions of vision, hearing, and movement. A domestic cat can swallow poison if the owner has tuberculosis and leaves the drug in a place accessible to the pet. A pet can be deliberately poisoned by heartless neighbors who do not tolerate animals by adding poison to their food.

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Cases when your pet may be poisoned

Isoniazid tablets are used in medicine to treat human tuberculosis. The drug can be purchased without a doctor's prescription, which is why it is used most often by dog ​​hunters. This medicine does not pose much danger to people. But isoniazid is very harmful for dogs. It has a toxic effect on the animal's body. As for cats, they tolerate drug poisoning more easily, since they require a higher concentration of the drug in the blood than dogs.
Isoniazid poisoning can occur in two cases:

1. After the pet has eaten tablets from the home medicine cabinet. In this case, vomiting and other associated symptoms may occur.
2. After the pet ate the bait left by the dog hunters on the street. Vomiting may not be observed because an antiemetic drug was added to the bait.

Clinical signs of poisoning

Dog hunters place anti-tuberculosis tablets, which they use to poison dogs, in the animals’ favorite treats and place them in pet walking areas. Unlike wary cats, not every dog ​​will pass by a tasty-smelling piece. This is how poisoning occurs.

Isoniazid is very quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, due to which intoxication occurs so quickly that the owner does not even have time to realize anything. And the animal dies in agony in his hands.

The lethal dosage for dogs is 50 mg per kg of weight. A few tablets can poison even a large animal, let alone puppies and small breeds: they most often die almost immediately.

Clinically, the picture of poisoning is as follows:

• The animal begins to drool profusely and form foam, sometimes mixed with blood.
• The pet's coordination of movement is impaired, its paws become weak, it staggers, and the animal bumps into all sorts of obstacles.
• Vomiting is a protective reaction of the body aimed at preventing poisoning from occurring, but it may be absent, since dog hunters mix anti-emetic drugs with the tablets.
• The dog is lethargic and lethargic.
• Convulsions appear.
• Breathing is frequent and shallow.

Thus, with isoniazid poisoning in dogs, the symptoms are not much different from other types of intoxication. The main thing to pay attention to is the speed of development of symptoms and the presence of impaired coordination of movements.

Lethal dose and symptoms of poisoning

The instructions for use indicate that the lethal dose for a cat is 50 mg per kilogram of the cat’s weight. One tablet of Isoniazid contains 100 or 300 mg of a toxic substance, depending on the dosage. Therefore, eating one compressed medicinal powder can cause the death of an animal. Overdose is manifested by the following symptoms:

One of the symptoms of pet poisoning can be the appearance of seizures.

• retardation of movements (“drunk gait”);
• paw tremor;
• severe weakness, the animal switches off;
• confusion, when the animal does not understand where it is and does not recognize family members;
• profuse drooling with foam;
• vomiting with blood;
• convulsive syndrome;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• instability of blood pressure;
• often shallow breathing;
• bronchospasm and suffocation;
• paralysis of limbs;
• coma and death.

Emergency care: how to help a cat?

If poisoning with Isoniazid occurs, you should immediately use an antidote (antidote) in the form of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). The dosage is 1 ml/5 kg body weight. But even if the administered dose is larger, it will not harm the cat. Emergency assistance must be provided within 60 minutes. after the poison gets inside. Algorithm of actions:

After gastric lavage, the animal can be given Atoxil.

• Provide the animal with rest.
• Prepare an antiemetic and rinse the stomach if the cat is conscious: mix hydrogen peroxide and soda in equal proportions (1:1);
• dilute with water;
• infuse using a syringe without a needle every 5 minutes. 2-3 ml until the gag reflex appears.

A moderately concentrated solution of potassium permanganate, which requires about 50 ml for a cat, reduces the effect of poisons.

Measures to eliminate side effects

If you notice symptoms of isoniazid poisoning, notify medical personnel immediately. Until the ambulance arrives, take the following measures:

1. Place the patient in a horizontal position, preferably on his side;
2. If you are conscious, you must drink at least 3 liters of clean water to cleanse the intestines (if the drug was taken orally);
3. You need to take any sorbents.

Antidote

To eliminate the symptoms of overdose, gastric lavage is performed. Pyridoxine is used as a supporting agent. The antidote replenishes the level of vitamin B6. If there are seizures, Diazepam is prescribed. In severe forms of poisoning, hospital treatment is indicated.

Photo 2. Diazepam tablets 10 mg, 30 tablets, manufacturer - AtypykFrance.

As additional therapy, if necessary, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy and massage. Liver cleansing is carried out using Lipamide or Methionine.

Attention! Isoniazid should not be taken together with contraceptives and alcohol. You should check with your doctor about the possibility of combining it with other medications.

How is the treatment carried out?

Diazepam therapy can be a salvation for the animal.

Therapy is prescribed by a doctor depending on the severity of the animal; self-medication is prohibited. The poison has a negative effect on the liver and can provoke drug-induced hepatitis, therefore the use of hepatoprotectors is recommended. Since Isoniazid affects the central nervous system and causes convulsions, anticonvulsant and sedative medications are used. Diazepam is effective, as it enhances the delivery of aminobutyric acid to the brain, which prevents the development of seizures and helps avoid death. General strengthening drugs are also used.

The main signs of intoxication

All veterinarians say that the most important thing in such poisonings is efficiency. Only with a quick response from the owner can the pet escape with only minor injuries. This rule also applies to digitalis for dogs, which is often used instead of isoniazid, which is familiar to many.

The latter is absorbed into the blood very quickly. Within half an hour, the victim will show characteristic primary signs of intoxication:

• unsteady gait;
• weakness in the paws;
• falling to one side;
• confusion;
• profuse vomiting or just gagging;
• increased salivation;
• convulsions;
• depressed breathing.

If you do not help the patient at this stage, he will immediately begin to develop a serious metabolic disorder due to the specific nature of the poison for dogs. This means that after a while the furry patient will develop a comatose state, which will quickly turn into death.

Doctors say the main reason leading to death is a malfunction of the acid-base balance within the body. Doctors call this syndrome metabolic acidosis.

If an animal has consumed too much of a dangerous drug, it will experience prolonged convulsions. It is impossible to get rid of them with traditional anticonvulsants.

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Epidemiology

It is absorbed by approximately 97%, while the antibacterial effect is 90% against mycobacteria, which are the causative agents of the disease. After just 6 hours, the concentration in the blood plasma is 50%, and after 24 hours the drug is not detected in the blood at all. Intoxication is observed in approximately 57% of patients. In chronic poisoning, signs of hepatitis are diagnosed in 1% of patients, while the mortality rate from liver pathologies is 1.001%.

[8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

First aid

Clinical signs of poisoning in animals appear within 30-60 minutes after the poison enters the body, and after 2-3 hours the death of the pet occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to begin providing first aid as early as possible. To do this, you must proceed according to the following instructions:

• If no more than 1 hour has passed after the poison entered the body, then it is necessary to perform a gastric lavage. To do this, you can give the dog about 250 ml of water, and then, pressing your fingers on the root of the tongue, induce vomiting. You can dissolve 1 tbsp. l. salt or 1 tbsp. l. soda in a glass of warm water and pour this solution into the animal’s mouth using a syringe without a needle or syringe. It is also recommended to mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide with water in a 1:1 ratio and also pour it into the dog. But remember that gastric lavage is prohibited if the animal is unconscious or has convulsions.

Be sure to administer an antidote to the animal. In this case, pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Its dosage is 1 ml per 5 kg of animal weight. The drug is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. It will immediately relieve convulsions, this will be the main sign that the poisoning occurred with Tubazid.

• After administering the antidote, the dog is given adsorbents. You can use polysorb (1-2 teaspoons diluted in ¼ glass of water), enterosgel (1 teaspoon diluted in ¼ glass of water), activated carbon, but it is not very convenient to use, since a large number of tablets are required at a time (8 −16 tablets per 10 kg of weight). The coal needs to be crushed and mixed with water.
• To maintain cardiac activity, you can give your dog Corvalol at the rate of 7 drops per 10 kg of weight.
• It is necessary to deliver the animal to the clinic as quickly as possible, where experienced specialists will provide qualified assistance.

Side effects

Isoniazid can cause the following conditions:

• Headache;
• nausea;
• dizziness;
• vomit;
• tingling in the heart area;
• causeless euphoria;
• sleep disorders;
• psychosis;
• atrophy;
• liver inflammation;
• bleeding;
• increased frequency of epileptic seizures.

If negative effects occur, you can reduce the number of pills you take or take a break. In addition, pyridoxine is used to reduce side effects; it contains vitamin B6. It should be used no later than 30 minutes after taking isoniazid tablets. Glutamic acid is used similarly.

The most common side effects are observed in people who do not receive enough nutrients.

Further treatment of isoniazid poisoning

Animals in critical condition may be left for inpatient treatment (if the clinic has such a service). Dogs in a stable condition are given the necessary medications and further treatment, diet are prescribed, and the date of the next visit to the veterinarian is set.

The components of treatment are described below.

The diet is necessary to restore the liver, pancreas and digestive tract. All components of the diet and the duration of its adherence are discussed with a veterinarian. In this article we present only general data that cannot take into account the individual characteristics of the animal’s condition.

On the first day after poisoning, the dog is shown complete hunger. You can only drink plain water.

Then, for several weeks, the animal’s diet should consist of the following products:

• rice or oatmeal cooked in plain water. A sick animal cannot cook them in broth;
• boiled lean chicken or beef. It is best to grind the meat and mix it with porridge;
• special premium food designed for dietary nutrition after poisoning.

During the diet, the animal should not be given broths, canned food, bones, fatty and raw meat, and dairy products.

All medications, their dosage and frequency of administration are prescribed by a veterinarian. At first, you may need to come to the clinic for IVs and injections. Then, after the pet’s well-being improves, treatment can be carried out at home.

The animal is prescribed sorbents, enzymes, and drugs that regulate the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

Features of treatment of poisoning in cats

What should you do if your cat is poisoned? How to start treatment correctly so as not to worsen the situation? Despite the type of toxicity of the poison, it is important to combine it together and evacuate it from the body of the affected animal. It is important to do everything extremely quickly and carefully so that toxins and toxic substances do not have time to be absorbed into the body and spread throughout the entire circulatory system.

Manganese acid solution

Effective medications for cats with intoxication:

• Activated carbon. This drug has an excellent suction or adsorptive function. That is why it is recommended to give Activated Charcoal in case of poisoning, even to animals, especially in the case of food poisoning, in case of intoxication with heavy metals. As for the dosage, it is no more than three tablets per day for a medium-sized animal.
• Enterosgel. It is considered an excellent remedy that helps fight mineral and even organic toxic substances. Suitable for cats of all ages. Regarding the dose, it is equal to ½ teaspoon for an animal weighing 4 kg twice a day.
• Manganese acid solution. Suitable for therapy of various etiologies, as well as in case of damage by poisons of plant origin. You will need five tablespoons of saturated raspberry solution at a time.

Even children can perform such actions. However, it is worth remembering that the disease makes cats not only lethargic, but also very aggressive. It is important to be sensitive to all this when using fixation. If you need to give a tablet, then open the pet’s mouth, place it carefully on the very root of the tongue, and let the swallowing reflex do everything that is necessary. That is why the animal will unconditionally swallow the medicine. However, there is an easier way; to do this, you need to crush the tablets into powder and then pour them into your mouth.

At the veterinarian's appointment

Thus, if you perform all the proposed manipulations in a timely manner, then therapy at home will be very successful and with a good result. We must not forget that intoxication can be accompanied by complications, therefore, it is better to contact a veterinarian to avoid the death of your pet. There is no need to self-medicate, you should trust professionals, the fate of your pet depends on it.

More interesting things on the topic

• Dog poisoning symptoms
• Symptoms and specifics of poisoning in animals
• First aid for a dog with isoniazid poisoning
• Poisoning in parrots. How can parrots get poisoned?

Indications for use

Indications for the use of Isoniazid are the following diseases and conditions:

• Active tuberculosis, including tuberculous meningitis (as part of complex treatment);
• Prevention of tuberculosis in patients who are in close contact with tuberculosis patients;
• Prevention of tuberculosis in patients who have a positive skin reaction to tuberculin and radiological data that indicate non-progressive tuberculosis;
• Prevention of tuberculosis in children under 4 years of age who have a positive reaction to tuberculin and an increased risk of dissemination.

Risk factors

Absolutely all patients who take this drug are at risk of poisoning. But the greatest likelihood of poisoning is in those who take the drug for a long time, as well as in children and the elderly. The risk of poisoning is especially high in people who have impaired kidney and liver function, since it is these organs that neutralize and remove toxins. People who have a lack of pyridoxine in their body are also at increased risk.

[21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27]

What to do if your dog is poisoned

Do you know for sure that the dog swallowed isoniazid tablets? Are there any characteristic symptoms? Urgently:

• We inject the antidote - Pyridoxine (vitamin B6). An intravenous injection will help best, but at home this is unrealistic. We give an intramuscular injection at the rate of 1 ml per 5 kg of weight. Do not be afraid of an overdose, pyridoxine is non-toxic. After treatment, the convulsions stop quickly, but it will take several hours to restore consciousness. How to do this correctly, read our article: “How to properly give an intramuscular injection to a dog.”

Packaging with ampoules of pyridoxine

• We inject piracetam - a substitute for gamma-aminobutyric acid.
• We induce vomiting (if there is none) - use a saline solution, a mixture of peroxide and water, a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate. Vomiting is always provoked in the same way. Read in detail here: “Symptoms of poisoning in dogs. First aid for poisoning."
• We pour absorbents into the mouth after vomiting - the most effective are Polysorb (2 teaspoons per 100 grams of water), Enterosgel (1 teaspoon per 100 grams of water). As a last resort, we use activated carbon (8-14 tablets per 10 kg of weight), first dilute the tablets with water and forcefully pour them into the mouth with a syringe. If vomiting cannot be induced, absorbents will slow down the absorption of isoniazid into the blood.

Important! We induce vomiting only when the dog is conscious and there are no convulsive seizures. Otherwise you can only do harm.

After this, we urgently (within half an hour) deliver the animal to the veterinary clinic. If this is not possible, but the dog feels better and is conscious, try to help the pet’s body:

• Inject intramuscularly one ampoule of sulfacamphocaine - it will support the heart. Ordinary “human” Corvalol will also be effective - 10 drops per 20 kg of weight approximately, dripped onto the tongue. The scheme is as follows - first sulfacamphocaine, half an hour later Corvalol.
• One ampoule of Heptral intramuscularly will help the liver function.
• We give a diuretic injection - 2 ml of Lasix or Furosemide - which will help remove the poison through the kidneys faster.
• We inject 5% glucose (5-10 ml) subcutaneously, saline solution (20-40 ml) - it will relieve intoxication a little.

You can’t do without a veterinarian - the sooner, the greater the chances of a full recovery.

In the video, an experienced specialist talks about isoniazid, the clinical picture of poisoning, and first aid measures

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The active component is well absorbed from the lumen of the digestive tract. 1-4 hours after oral administration, the maximum concentration of the active substance is recorded in the blood. Tuberculostatic concentration (the level of the active component in the blood that suppresses the vital activity of the tuberculosis pathogen) persists for 6-24 hours. Isoniazid easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and penetrates various fluids and tissues in the body. The main route of elimination is through the renal system.

Looking at the symptoms

Often these are viruses and bacteria, and also worms. Poisoning in domestic cats is also very common, so it is important to know the basics of how to correctly recognize the symptoms of intoxication in a pet, as well as provide adequate medical care in a timely manner. Sometimes you can even do without a veterinarian if everything is done correctly and on time. If the case of poisoning is too severe, then you will not be able to cope without the help of a veterinarian. However, it is important to be able to help your own pet before the doctor arrives in order to significantly alleviate the serious condition, as well as speed up the rehabilitation process. No matter how the circumstances develop, it is important to act rationally, quickly and confidently, since the health and life of the cat/cat/kitten depends on your actions.

pet

Instructions for the use of isoniazid for tuberculosis

The drug isoniazid is intended for the treatment and prevention of a human disease such as tuberculosis.

Isoniazid is effective against certain mycobacteria that provoke the development of the disease.

Absorbed very quickly: within 1-4 hours after oral administration.

It is available in 5 ml ampoules, tablets (packages of 10 and 100 tons), powder and syrup. The medicine is freely sold in pharmacies and has a low cost (80-100 rubles per package of 100 tablets). In large doses, the drug is deadly to dogs.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on a violation of the biochemical cycle, in which the action of the enzyme, which is necessary for the synthesis of acids in the cell wall of mycobacteria, is inhibited. These substances inhibit the activity of the microorganism's cell or kill it completely. In this case, toxic waste products of the microorganism are formed, which, in combination with a high dose of the active substance of the drug, form a toxin that destroys the cells of the body. If excretion is impaired, acute poisoning develops. With prolonged accumulation of toxins inside cells and tissues, poisoning develops gradually, chronically.

The toxic effect is also achieved by a high level of absorption by the body. The drug is absorbed within 2 hours after administration, appears in the blood serum, spreads throughout the body and penetrates all cells and tissues, producing a toxic effect. Distributed at the rate of approximately 0.6 liters per kilogram of body weight. The breakdown products are isonicotinic acid and acetylhydrosine, which also have a toxic effect on the body in large doses.

The toxic effect of these substances is based on pyridoxine deficiency, which is caused in various ways. Normally, pyridoxine neutralizes the effect of toxic substances and promotes their removal from the body.

[28], [29], [30], [31], [32], [33]

Poisoning of dogs with isoniazid

Omarova G.N. - ICU veterinarian.

Shchelchkova K.M. - veterinary therapist.

Isoniazid (tubazid) is a drug used to treat tuberculosis of all forms and localizations. After oral administration, it is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Available in tablet form, each tablet contains 300 mg isoniazid

Poisoning of dogs with isoniazid:

In the spring, the frequency of cases of poisoning of domestic animals increases. Baits with treats containing substances poisonous to four-legged pets are placed in parks and courtyards by people who call themselves fighters against homeless animals (“Dog Hunters”). Often, in addition to stray dogs, pets also become victims. Currently, cases of animal poisoning with the drug Isoniazid (Tubazid) occur quite often. They write about this in newspapers and talk about it on television. This drug is available without a prescription and is relatively inexpensive, which makes it more accessible for inappropriate use in the preparation of poisonous baits. Isoniazid is not dangerous for humans, but for dogs it is very harmful, as it has a strong toxic effect on the entire body of the animal.

Poisoning of cats also occurs, but is extremely rare. Animals of this species tolerate the toxic effects of the drug more easily, since they require a higher concentration of isoniazid in the blood than dogs.

In addition, dogs are less whimsical and picky about food and tend to pick up food on the street, which also increases the risk of poisoning among these animals.

Isoniazid is listed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as one of the ten most dangerous human drugs for pets due to its particular toxicity to dogs.

The dosage, which can be lethal for a dog, is 50 milligrams of isoniazid per 1 kilogram of weight, while 1 tablet contains 300 mg of the active substance. That is, for small dogs of decorative breeds, 1 tablet is enough to receive a lethal dose.

Isoniazid is quickly absorbed in the small intestine, and its maximum concentration in the dog’s body is reached after 2 hours, and the first signs of drug poisoning appear after 30-60 minutes. Animals experience drowsiness, loss of coordination (ataxia), tremors and weakness in the limbs, hypersolvation, vomiting (often bloody), convulsions, followed by depression of respiratory and cardiac activity, coma. Without treatment, death occurs within 3 hours in almost 100% of cases!

The principle of the toxic effect of the drug is based on the inability of the dog’s body to effectively metabolize isoniazid (due to the low activity of N-acetyltransferase). The formation of the isoniazid-pyridoxine complex leads to pyridoxine deficiency and, as a consequence, a decrease in the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is involved in inhibition processes in the central nervous system and also has an antihypoxic effect.

A decrease in GABA synthesis leads, accordingly, to hypoxia, convulsions, asphyxia, hypoglycemic coma, and, as a consequence, to the death of the animal.

First aid for poisoning:

• If an animal picks up a suspicious bait on the street, and the owner notices it almost immediately, then it is necessary to evacuate the presumably poisoned food from the body by inducing vomiting. To do this, you need to give the dog a solution of soda or table salt, prepared at the rate of 1 tablespoon per glass of warm water, or a solution of hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio with water. But if time is lost and the animal begins to have convulsions, then this procedure is strictly prohibited.
• The specific antidote (antidote) of isoniazid is vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Being a water-soluble vitamin, pyridoxine is non-toxic even in large doses. The most effective is intravenous administration of the drug at a rate of 1 ml per 5 kg of animal body weight.

Often, owners begin to take measures to provide assistance when severe symptoms appear (convulsions, asphyxia, ataxia). In these cases, the pet must be taken to a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible, since an animal in such a condition already needs serious resuscitation procedures.

Clinical case

Yorkshire Terrier dog. Nickname Enso.

Anamnesis:

According to the owner, the animal picked up some edible item on the street, presumably sausage.

At home, the dog began vomiting blood, the tongue and mucous membranes of the oral cavity became cyanotic. The animal developed disturbances in the coordination of movements, the dog began to roll its body on its side.

The pet was urgently brought to the appointment.

The age of the animal is 12 years. Weight - 2.9 kg.

Clinical examination at the time of admission:

• T- 36.9°;
• Mucous membranes – cyanotic, increased salivation;
• Lymph nodes are not enlarged;
• Dehydration – minor;
• Auscultation of the lungs - wheezing in all parts, signs of pulmonary edema;
• Auscultation of the heart - tachyponoe;
• The abdominal wall is very painful.

At the time of admission, pyridoxine was urgently administered, and therapy with antihistamines, steroids, diuretics, antioxidants, adsorbents and anti-inflammatory drugs was carried out.

Intensive oxygen therapy was prescribed for 12 hours.

The animal was then sent to the hospital.

In the hospital there is a slow drip infusion containing Dopamine. Maintaining optimal body temperature by periodically connecting a thermal mat.

After 7 hours in the ICU, the dog’s condition stabilized, and positive dynamics in treatment began to be observed.

In a day:

Upon inspection:

• T- 38.1°;
• Mucous membranes – pink;
• Auscultation of the lungs - no wheezing was detected;
• Auscultation of the heart - heart sounds are clear, rhythmic;
• The abdominal wall is slightly painful;
• The animal's condition is satisfactory.

The animal was discharged for outpatient treatment, which included a five-day course of antiulcer, bacteriostatic antioxidant and diuretic drugs.

A biochemical blood test was taken:

Alkaline phosphatase had a value of 240, and all other indicators were within the physiological norm.

According to the general clinical analysis , no deviations from the physiological norm were observed.

After the course of treatment, repeat biochemical analysis:

• Alkaline phosphatase – 56
• At the time of admission the animal is clinically healthy.

Owners were given recommendations on prevention and first aid in case of poisoning

Recommendations for the prevention of poisoning:

• Owners should not leave their pets unattended while walking.
• It is necessary to ensure that the animal does not pick up food and treats lying on the ground, and also do not allow strangers to feed their four-legged friend.
• It is advisable to walk dogs on short leashes, which will allow better control of the animal's behavior.
• It is important to have vitamin B6 and some kind of adsorbent in your first aid kit.

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Toxicity to animals [edit | edit code ]

Canines, including dogs, are especially sensitive to the drug (LD50 50 mg/kg live weight) [10]; they are unable to effectively metabolize isoniazid (due to low N-acetyltransferase activity). The formation of the isoniazid-pyridoxine complex leads to pyridoxine deficiency, decreased GABA biosynthesis and, as a result, to hypoglycemic coma and convulsions [11], from which the animal dies. Isoniazid is included in the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' list of the ten most dangerous human drugs for pets due to its particular toxicity to dogs [12]. The most common cases of poisoning are associated with accidental ingestion of one tablet of the drug. [10] There are known cases of the drug being used by city authorities to reduce the number of stray dogs - for example, in the Donetsk region [13] [14] [15]. The drug is also used by dog ​​hunters to combat stray dogs [16], using it with the antiemetic drug metoclopramide [17] [ unauthorized source?

] .

How to protect your pet from poisoning by dog ​​hunters

Knowing what methods dog hunters use, you can do everything to protect your dog from poisoning. To do this, you should follow simple safety rules:

• Do not walk your pet near playgrounds, trash cans and garages. It is in such places that dog hunters like to scatter bait. If the path to the walking area lies right next to such places, when passing by them, keep the dog on a short leash or in your arms
• If there is information about cases of poisoning in your area, wear a muzzle on your four-legged dog while walking.
• To prevent your dog from getting bored during a walk and finding something to do with sniffing and picking up trash, engage your pet in games. Walking together should be active.
• Choose places for walking and carefully monitor your pet: where it runs and what it does. If the dog is interested in a strange substance and begins to actively sniff it, command “Ugh!” and drag him away from the “delicacy” he found. Try to throw the substance itself in the trash so that other four-legged animals do not “step on the same rake.”
• From childhood, raise your pet so that he never takes treats from the hands of others, be it your friends or neighbors. Only the owner can offer the dog food or treats, which the four-legged dog should eat only after the command.
• And one of the main ways to protect an animal from poisoning is training. A well-trained dog, in 90% of cases, will not pick up “treats” during a walk (unless it seems too attractive).
• There should always be a first aid kit in the house with the medications we described above.

Good luck and take care of your pets!

Tips for preventing poisoning

To avoid dog poisoning with Tubazid, their owners should follow several recommendations that will allow them to avoid sad consequences.
Firstly, animals should not be left alone unattended when walking. It is very important to monitor your pet so that he does not eat treats lying on the ground and does not accept food from a stranger passing by. It is better if owners muzzle their dogs. It will eliminate the possibility that animals will eat the bait of dog hunters. Veterinarian T.N. Sorokina advises walking dogs on short leashes. “This will allow you to control the animal’s behavior and prevent trouble in time,” says Tatyana Nikolaevna. Secondly, vitamin B6 and some kind of adsorbent must be stored in a first aid kit specially designated for pets. They will be needed in order to provide the necessary assistance in a timely manner after the first symptoms appear.

By following all the rules for providing the necessary assistance to your cat or dog in case of isoniazid poisoning, you can save the life of your beloved pet. And in order to protect your pet from poisoning, you need to pay attention to tips that will help you avoid terrible consequences after encountering this dangerous drug.