Research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) by the ASPCA indicates that reusable hot/cold gel products designed for headache relief pose a serious neurologic risk to dogs that chew on them. Investigators examined cases from the ASPCA Poison Control’s AnTox database, focusing on 45 dogs suspected of exposure to hydrogel migraine caps, eye masks, or wraps, with clinical signs suggesting ingestion.
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The study found that vomiting was the most prevalent symptom, reported in 37 dogs (82%). Other signs included tachycardia in 56% of the dogs, seizures in 53%, ataxia in 51%, and tremors in 47%. Behavioral changes like anxiety, restlessness, or aggression were noted in one-third of the cases, and one dog exhibited hallucination-like behavior. Additionally, hypotension, panting, and hyperthermia occurred in 24% of dogs.
Clinically, hypokalemia was the most common lab finding (44%), followed by hyperglycemia (31%) and hemoconcentration (27%). Symptoms typically appeared within 12 hours of exposure, with vomiting being the first sign. Of the 21 dogs with known outcomes, 14 (67%) were either euthanized or died, while 7 made a full recovery. The time to death or euthanasia was reported to be within 24 hours for the nonsurvivors, with survivors taking from 24 hours to several weeks to recover.
Analysis of gel samples from two cases revealed acrylamide monomer levels between 12,900 and 51,800 ppm, significantly higher than the medical device standard of ≤1.5 ppm. Acrylamide monomer is recognized as a neurotoxin. Despite product labels claiming to be “nontoxic” or “medical grade,” these terms are not regulated.
Colette Wegenast, DVM, senior director of quality assurance at ASPCA Poison Control and lead author of the study, stated that reports of severe symptoms related to acrylamide toxicosis from these products are received weekly. She urged pet owners to keep such products out of pets’ reach and be vigilant when using pet cooling pads.
The treatment for affected dogs is primarily supportive, involving stabilizing the patient, managing clinical signs, and correcting lab abnormalities. Dogs in the cases were treated with anticonvulsants, IV fluids, and electrolyte supplements. Recommendations also included N-acetylcysteine to alleviate oxidative stress, although activated charcoal is largely discouraged due to the risk of aspiration.
The study noted limitations such as testing only a few product samples and not having blood acrylamide concentrations or complete recovery data for more than half of the cases. Owners are advised to consult veterinarians immediately if they suspect their pets have ingested hydrogel products.