Just a reaction to the use of salt to induce vomiting. Did a post as a reply to Philtrum on Health this afternoon on this subject so won't get too longwinded here...
The bottom line is, giving salt to induce vomiting might not be so harmless as (I) thought. If the dog doesn't vomit after having been given the salt (or if given a lot of salt) the salt content in his blood rises, thus possibly causing massive swelling of the tissues. If the salt reaches the brain, it may result in very severe symptoms, such as high temperatures, seizures, cardiac problems, coma and death.
The Dutch Vet professional organisation KNMvD published in its magazine of feb. 2009 the cases of two dogs, a Schipperke and a Sky Terrier who both died of suspected salt intoxication after having been given salt to induce vomiting. Unfortunately the article is in Dutch (Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde Deel 134, Aflevering 4, 15 feb. 2009). The case of the Schipperke has been published in English.
The article states toxic effects are described at 1,9 gram per kilo bodyweight. Acute lethal dosis at 3,7 gram per kilo bodyweight.
Was very surprised to learn about this, as I always thought it was a harmless household remedy.
