Paintball Toxicity in Dogs

                                          

Over the holiday weekend, I spent some beach time with three Labrador retrievers and their owners at Topsail Island. Watching the waves, retrieving bumpers out of the ocean, and playing chase were a marvelous way to relax. All three were active dogs with the potential to get into anything. 

Most clients are aware of the toxicity associated with the ingestion of Easter Lilies by cats or Sago palms by dogs. Both are available at most Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot retail stores. A new one came to light at a recent seminar that I attended: Paintball toxicity. The gelatin coated, marble-sized, colored balls can be attractive for dogs to eat in storage areas.  The picture I obtained below was for paintballs and guns for sale at Toys R US. 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PAINTBALL INGESTION?

Within an hour of ingestion, owners may note vomiting, diarrhea (dye colored), staggering (drunk-acting), and muscle tremors. In severe cases: racing heart rates, unconsciousness, fever, hyperactivity, blindness, seizures, and even death. As the packages can contain up to 1,500 pellets, it is not unusual for dogs to ingest large quantities.  In some cases, signs can be noted by ingesting as little as 10-15 pellets.  Anything over five paintballs per 20 pounds of dog body weight consumed should be considered potentially serious.  

IS THERE A LIST OF INGREDIENTS LEADING TO THESE SIGNS?

Polyethylene (PEG) or Propylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, mineral oil, dye, water, and ground pig skin are common components.  These ingredients draw a large quantity of body fluid into the gut leading to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. 

WHY IS THIS SUCH A CONCERNING TOXICITY for a product labeled as “non- toxic”?

It is a concern because this mimics the signs of anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning.  Even more concerning is the test for the real anti-freeze (REACT or Kacey tests) can cross react falsely positive with paint ball ingestion.  In addition, non-toxic does not mean lacking harm; rather it means there is nothing in the product that is damaging to internal organs. 

How IS IT TREATED?

Mainly treatment is by supportive care: IV fluids to correct the dehydration and valium- like drugs to control seizures & muscle tremors. I may recommend induction of vomiting if the ingestion is known to be less than 1 hour. 

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate ABVP Canine and Feline Practice

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC

Trevor Marlow and new friend, Remi Louise