A Dog's Dangerous Snack: When Eczema Cream Turns Toxic

In a heart-stopping incident, Ruby, the Labrador Retriever of the Clark family from Phoenix, experienced a near-fatal episode that underscored the urgent need for pet owners to safeguard their medications. Ruby, known for her unyielding curiosity, often found herself exploring her favorite areas of the house, especially her owner Madilyn's room. Unfortunately, this curiosity led her to a disastrous encounter with an eczema cream that would place her life in jeopardy.

Ruby's adventure began innocently enough. The Clarks had installed a temporary gate to prevent Ruby from entering Madilyn's room, where she kept her medicated cream for psoriasis. As it turns out, the gate was left ajar one fateful day, allowing the dog to sneak in unnoticed. The cream, which contained a potent ingredient known as ruxolitinib, became Ruby's unexpected snack. After consuming almost an entire tube, Ruby was left in a precarious situation and had to be quickly brought to the veterinarian.

According to Meg Clark, the dog's owner, they suspected something was wrong when Ruby started exhibiting concerning symptoms. Initially, she dismissed it, thinking Ruby was just tired or lethargic. However, hours later, Ruby's droopy eyes and unusual behavior prompted a closer examination, leading to the revelation that she had ingested the cream. The situation escalated, and a call to the veterinarian was unavoidable.

Upon arrival at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Phoenix, Ruby's condition was alarming. Her eyes were still droopy, and she exhibited signs of distress, such as loose stools and a rapid heart rate. Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, explained that ruxolitinib belongs to a class of medications known as JAK inhibitors. While similar medications are safe when used correctly in dogs, they can lead to life-threatening situations if ingested in excess. Unfortunately, there's limited information available on the effects of such medications on animals, making Ruby's case a significant concern for medical professionals.

The medical team quickly developed a treatment plan, with Dr. Schmid and her team guiding the hospital through Ruby's emergency treatment. Ruby was placed on IV fluids to support her cardiovascular health and was administered medication to lower her elevated heart rate. Additionally, an anti-nausea medication was provided to ease her stomach discomfort. Continuous monitoring of her heart rate and vital signs was crucial, especially given the potential risk for liver and kidney damage due to the overdose.

Over the next few days, Ruby's condition stabilized. The Clarks kept returning to the hospital for follow-up tests to ensure that the medication had not caused any lasting harm. They administered liver-protective medication after being discharged, hoping to mitigate any potential long-term effects from the incident.

Thankfully, Ruby made a full recovery, and the Clark family is immensely grateful to the veterinary team and the Pet Poison Helpline for their prompt assistance. Recognizing that curiosity can sometimes go too far, the Clarks decided to reinforce safety measures around their household. They installed a permanent gate, ensuring that Ruby couldn't access the medications again.

Dr. Schmid’s advice rings clear: “Pet owners must store all medications, supplements, and potential toxins securely out of reach.” While the Pet Poison Helpline remains a valuable resource available 24/7 for any pet health emergencies, preventing incidents before they occur is still the best strategy. Ruby's story serves as a critical reminder for pet parents everywhere about the importance of diligent supervision, especially when medications are involved.