Electronic cigarettes,“e-smokes” or “vapourizers” are becoming quite popular in everyday culture. They are marketed as an alternative to cigarette smoking and are treated under the same rules and regulations. These devices are usually made of a metal cylindircal body that hold a cartridge containing a liquid solution. Some of these solutions contain nicotine in a variety of strengths. The base of these liquids are generally vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol.
Glycerin and propylene glycol are of low toxicity when eaten, and the amounts that are in the bottle are small enough to not be concerning. Nicotine however, can be quite toxic when ingested.
An e-cigarette full of liquid nicotine (6mg, 12mg,18mg,36mg) can be potentially fatal. Clinical signs of nicotine poisoning can be seen in dogs and cats exposed to as little as 0.5mg per pound of body weight. The liquid usually comes in 10ml and 30ml bottles – a lethal amount for even the largest dog.
The signs of nicotine poisoning may begin 15 to 30 minutes after exposure to the liquid (either by ingestion or direct skin contact). First signs of nicotine toxicity can include: excessive drooling, vomiting with or without diarrhea, agitation or restlessness, and an increased respiratory rate. With severe toxicity you may observe excitation, disorientation, tremors, twitching, convulsions, elevated heart rate and an increased blood pressure. Without medical intervention paralysis, coma and death can be expected.
Aggressive veterinary care is required to manage poisoning from e-juice exposure. Because the liquid is absorbed quickly through the mucuous membranes, inducing vomiting is usually not helpful. Treatment includes controling seizure activity, treating heart and blood pressure abnormalities, ensuring adequate respiration, and providing aggressive intravenous fluid therapy. Even with medical treatment, nicotine poisoning carries a grave prognosis and some patients will not survive.
Written by: Kim MacAskill
