A Life Saving Story
Shared by Cyndy Doty – a Must Read
Most everyone with animals knows about ASPCA Poison Control, but I recently learned of, and had occasion to use the Pet Poison Helpline. When I was last in Ohio, the three month old puppies dug into a flower bed in the yard and ate some da…ffodil shoots and bulbs. They began to throw up and started having diarrhea. I looked up daffodils online, and sure enough they are poisonous to dogs. We rushed them to the emergency vet (these things always happen on a weekend or at night) where we learned about the Pet Poison Helpline. The vet was not very familiar with the appropriate treatment, going mainly by a book he consulted. He suggested something to calm their stomachs and sub-Q fluids, along with two doses of activated charcoal, four hours apart. He also suggested there was a possibility of seizures and they might benefit from an overnight stay where they could keep an eye on them and treat them quickly if necessary.
He suggested we call the Pet Poison Helpline. When I called them, a vet answered the phone immediately and I explained the problem. She asked many questions about their symptoms and vital signs and told me that only one dose of activated charcoal, along with the fluids and something to calm their stomachs would be necessary. She also said there was no risk of seizures, given the time that had elapsed along with the fact that they had gotten most, if not all of the bulbs, out of their systems and that their vital signs were normal. She was extremely knowledgable and only after she answered all of my questions, did she ask for a credit card number to cover the charge of $35. She gave me a case number and asked me to have the vet call her to discuss the appropriate treatment, which he did. This call saved considerable money, since if we had gone with the recommendations originally given by the vet, there would have been two charges for administering the charcoal instead of one, along with the costs of an overnight stay. Needless to say I was very impressed by the entire experience of calling the Pet Poison Helpline.
I had dealt with the ASPCA Poison Control in the past, so I was aware of their process. First you speak with a receptionist who takes your credit card information. Their charge is $65. Only after having your card approved are you put through to a vet. While their vets are very knowledgeable and helpful, I really appreciated the lower fee and the fact that Pet Poison Helpline vets are first and foremost concerned about the dog, THEN after dealing with the issue, they take your credit card information.
I will definitely use them again in the future if need be. The phone number for them is:
Pet Poison Helpline at 1 (800) 213-6680, and their url is http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
I hope none of us ever have occasion to use this information, but it is good information to have programmed into your phone just in case.
Lois
lois@siberlink.net
http://www.siberlink.net
3 thoughts on “A Life Saving Story”
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So glad to hear a good ending to that scenario. I also recently used the ASPCA Poison Hotline and they helped me with what could have been a costly vet bill and horrible outcome. The staff was knowledgeable and caring, I can’t say enough about the service provided.
ASPCA doesn’t use receptionists at all. They’re staffed with veterinary toxicologists, veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians & veterinary assistants, all fully trained in toxicology. Get your information straight.
I know someone who worked at the ASPCA Hotline and they do not use receptionists to answer the phones and you do not pay for the consultation until the end of the call. Also, they have some companies who cover the cost for consultations about their products so there is often no charge involved. Everyone working their is highly educated and motivated to help pets.