Question:
Our Maxie passed away today as the result of a poison or toxin outdoors. The action was fast acting. She sleeps in the house overnight and goes out in the morning to defecate and then have her morning meal. She was ok when she went out this morning and then about ten minutes later she came back to the house (we live on a five acre property secluded from neighbors) for her food. At that time, she was already trembling and foaming at the mouth (Hyper salivation). We gave her water to induce vomiting, which she did and the vomit emitted was clear. She died on the way to the emergency hospital (in Costa Rica there are no street names or addresses and the nearest open emergency hospital was thirty minutes away). Between ingestion and death was about 45-60 minutes and she was trembling and salivating during the whole time.

Within a few hours, one of our chickens that free roam also died with the same circumstances. Our four cats are so far unaffected.

Although it is not uncommon in Costa Rica for robbers to poison dogs in order to later rob properties, I wonder if anyone has knowledge given the limited information provided as to what kind of poisin could be the cause of death or if there are natural toxins that both dogs and chickens might ingest that cause the described symptoms. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

g&j in Costa Rica

Answer:
Without knowing what kind of things that could poison a dog or anything else in Costa Rica, I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help. Something she ate? A spider? A snake? Who knows. Did you have the vet do a post mortem on the dog to see if they could detect what killed her?
I'm so sorry you lost her.

Cindy

Answer:
Thank you for your kind words.

We did not have a post mortem performed - the Univ of CR said they couldn't help us and the animal refuge we took Maxie for cremation doesn't have enough staff to manage the existing demand for animal care for the living animals let alone take time for the non-living.

As to insects, snakes, scorpions, etc, I plan on talking with naturalist guides who are familar with the area. Ditto with plant toxins. Neighbors who have lived in the area for tens of years have no direct knowledge of plant toxins or insects that have brought down dogs like Maxie - a mixed breed female weighing around 15 kilos. I appreciate that the information I provided was sparse and hope someone may have a direction as to the type of poison that would cause the symtoms described.

Thank you for your kindness - it really helps.

Answer:
What a sad story and I am so sorry to hear about Maxie. I hope your kitties will be okay.

Answer:
I'm sorry that I can't help you in trying to determine what might have caused this but I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about your Maxie.

I think there are some pretty poisonous frogs in Costa Rica but I don't know what kind of symptoms you would see. I wouldn't think a chicken would eat one either?

I hope you are able to find some answers.

Answer: