Snail bait poisoning, also known as ‘shake and bake syndrome’, occurs when dogs ingest snail or slug bait that contains the drug metaldehyde. It is a relatively common poisoning seen in veterinary practice.
Metaldehyde is a common ingredient used in molluscicides, which are products used to kill snails and slugs and sometimes used as solid fuel for camp stoves . The drug affects nervous system of the dog.
All animals are susceptible and as little as 1 teaspoon per 4.5kg body weight can be fatal in fifty percent of pets.
This type of poisoning is more often seen in coastal and low-lying areas where use of molluscicides is customary.
Common symptoms associated with this condition include
Anxiety
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive panting
Excessive drooling (ptyalism)
Uncoordinated walk
Muscle tremors
Convulsions
Hyperthermia
Increased sensitivity to light, touch, and/or sounds
Increased respiration (hyperpnea)
