Medicine Section

BLEACH

1. What do they contain?
• Commercial bleaches are much more concentrated than regular household bleaches (3% to 6% sodium hypochlorite);
• Fabtric bleaches contain sodium peroxide, sodium perborates, or enzymatic detergents.
2. What happens when contacted/ingested/inhaled?
• Household bleaches can cause skin or eye irritation, mild oral or esophageal burns, or GI irritation.
• Commercial bleaches can be corrosive and lead to severe stomatitis, pharyngitis, esophagitis, or esophageal ulcerations.
• Inhalation exposure to bleach can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and bronchospasm.
• Damage can occur more seriuosly when bleach is mixed with ammonia-containing agents, forming chloramine and chlorine gases causing chemical pneumonitis.
3. How will you manage?
• To treat dermal exposure, bathe the dog with mild dishwashing detergent.
• Bleach ingestion initial treatment includes oral dilution with milk or water. Dilution is most effective if it is performed early.
• Emesis is contraindicated because of the irritating and potential corrosive effects.
• GI protectants such as sucralfate or H2-blockers can also be used to symptomatically treat bleach ingestion.
• Treating corrosive damage may also require pain medications, antibiotics, and nutritional support.
• Oxygen and bronchodilators may be needed to treat respiratory signs in cases of inhalation exposure.