Medicine Section

HYDROCARBONS

1. Where are they present?
• Hydrocarbons are in numerous products, including paints, varnishes, engine cleaners, furniture polish, lighter fluid, lamp oils, paint removers, and fuel oil (e.g. acetone, xylene, kerosene, gasoline, naphtha, mineral oil).
2. What are the signs?
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Mild to moderate eye irritation and reversible ocular injury may occur after contact with most hydrocarbons.
• Derrmal burns
• Highly volatile hydrocarbons (e.g. those found in kerosene, gasoline, liquid furniture polish) are aspiration hazards leading to pulmonary damage, transient CNS depression or excitement, hypoxia, inflammation, and, potentially, secondary infection (pneumonia) can occur.
• Hepatic, renal damage and even complete cardiovascular complications occur.
3. How do you manage?
• Dilution is preferred than emesis because of complications of aspiration
• Skin exposure - bathe the dog with a liquid dishwashing detergent.
• Flush the eyes copiously with saline in cases of ocular exposure