Carbon Monoxide and my animals. Please read?

Question

I'm not sure if anyone is going to know this in the dog section, but my Carbon Monoxide detector had a reading of 11 on it today when my boyfriend got home. He said the cats were barely moving and so was my dog. I'm extreamly shaken up by the now. My boyfriend took them all outside for fresh air, and the reader says 0 now (the pilot light went out on the gas fire place while it was on, and I didn't realize it). Are my animals going to be okay?.. and is a reading of 11 bad? I know nothing about carbon monoxide, and I don't have the manual for the detector. Thank you.

I'm calling the vet right now as well... but I would still like some veiws on this.

I'm actually not home yet, but my boyfriend said they are acting normal again at least, but I am still extremly worried.

Answer 1

If the CO detector was close to the floor up to knee high and it was that reading it would be better than if it was high on a wall. CO isn't dangerous at that level, but if you have the CO detector in the wrong place, it was actually much higher than that.
The vet would put them on O2 if their blood levels were low. Most vets don't have hyperbaric chambers for treatment. Hopefully they will recover, but there is no promise.
Just make sure you keep that CO detector knee high. CO doesn't rise like smoke, so to get an accurate reading it has to be low. 11 isn't high, but it would have been higher on the floor than on the ceiling area.

Answer 2

Well you have done the best that you can. You got them to fresh air as soon as possible and you are calling the vet. I guess it depends on how much toxins they actually took in while they were exposed. Your vet would be the best person to answer this question as I'm sure he will be doing tests similar to the ones done for smoke inhalation. Thank Goodness you had a detector or this situation could of been fatal not only to your pets but you and your husband. Best Wishes and Merry Christmas.

Answer 3

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, nonirritating gas, that when absorbed into the bloodstream, forms a compound that causes hypoxia (reduced oxygen supply) of the heart and brain. Some pets are predisposed to toxicity due to preexisting heart or lung disease. Dogs are more susceptible.

The most common causes for exposure include:
Automobile exhaust in a closed garage
Faulty exhaust system
Non-vented furnace, gas water heater, or gas/kerosene space heater
Smoke inhalation (for example, in burning buildings)
Airplane cargo areas (may accumulate carbon monoxide)

What to Watch For
Drowsiness
Lethargy
Weakness and/or incoordination
Bright red color to the skin and gums
Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
Coma
Abrupt death

Occasionally, chronic (low-grade, long-term) exposure may cause exercise intolerance, changes in gait (walking), and disturbances of normal reflexes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on possible exposure to carbon monoxide, physical exam findings and supporting laboratory results:

Routine baseline blood tests, to include a complete blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis are generally within normal limits, with the exception of an elevated creatine kinase (muscle enzyme).

Blood gas analysis usually reveals acidosis (low pH), related to poor oxygenation of tissues.

Carboxyhemoglobin (hemoglobin with carbon monoxide attached) concentration in the blood is high. Blood samples can be transported to and evaluated in human hospitals. This test is not available for all veterinary clinics.

Treatment

Oxygen supplementation is essential. Ideally, delivering 100 percent oxygen is best, although any amount of oxygen will be of benefit.

Respiratory support with a mechanical ventilator may be indicated in those severely effected.

Supportive fluid therapy, electrolyte, and nutritional therapy may be indicated.


The patient's cardiac (heart) and neurologic status should be monitored with electrocardiograms and serial neurologic examinations.

Following the patient's clinical signs and ideally, decreasing carboxyhemoglobin concentrations, are helpful in monitoring response to therapy.

Home Care and Prevention

Be aware that if the source of poisoning still exists, both you and your dog are at risk. Affected pets should limit physical activity for several weeks.

Prevent toxicity by minimizing exposure and using carbon monoxide detectors around your home.

Answer 4

Sounds like they were definitely reacting. Talk with your vet and you might also contact poison control. Do you have a room where the animal could stay when you are out that would allow for a window to stay open a crack? At least you have a detector - most people don't realize how serious this can be for their pets and themselves. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I know that you've called the vet, but I'd be leaving work right now if this happened to my puppy! There is no way that I could concentrate on my job knowing that this happened, and without seeing for my own two eyes how by dog was doing.

Tell your work that you need to take the rest of the day off!

Answer 6

loads and loads of fresh air to clear their lungs sounds like you got it in the nick of time. they may be a little sick and unsteady for a while.

Try a google search on carbon monoxide poisoning and you may also want to give emergancy gas people ago and get the to do some gas reading just to make sure, better to be safe than sorry.
xXx

Answer 7

Lack of oxygen will lead to brain damage. However, the extent will depend on how long they were exposed. If it was all day, then their long-term health probems would be more worrisome, and they may not recover.

Hopefully, with the fresh air and vet, they'll be okay.

Answer 8

Wow, I am glad he got home in time.

They will probably be OK, but might be sick for a few days. They must have some killer head aches. I hope they don't have brain damage.

Good luck.

Answer 9

Call your gas company!