No Go Zone!
This is not going to be pretty. If you have a weak stomach, don’t read further.
Where’s this info from? MSD Manual Veterinary Manual and other sources.
Put simply, there are no safe woods for rabbits. I know people will disagree with me, but think about it. What rabbit out in the wild eats wood? They eat bark, roots and tubers, not wood.
So let’s go through the chemicals found in and applied to items around everyone’s home (inside and out) and discuss them in detail.
This is not for the feint of heart.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a wood preservative. It is also known as CCA which stands for chromated copper arsenic.
Woods don’t naturally have arsenic in them, they are treated with it because it prevents rotting. It is used in outdoor furniture. 90% of outdoor wooden structures are made with arsenic-treated lumber. That means your wooden bunny hutch could be, too.
If you burn wood that has been treated with arsenic it releases the chemical bond that holds the arsenic to the wood. Just one tablespoon of the ash from the burnt wood contains a lethal dose of the poison.
If you have been poisoned by arsenic you can get the following symptoms: vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, followed by numbness and tingling in the extremities, muscle cramping and death in extreme cases. Imagine what it would do to bunnies.
The onset of arsenic poisoning can be anywhere between 1 and 24 hours if a human has had an acute dose. Poisoning can develop slower if the poisoning has occurred as a result of chronic exposure.
Arsenic is one of the main causes of heavy metal poisoning in domestic animals. Even though cows and dogs are more likely to get arsenic poisoning on a greater scale, it is possible for rabbits to be poisoned through digestion of treated woods, like pine, or weed killers (herbicides) and pesticides, vegetation, sprays, powders and tick control liquids (insecticides). It can be found in both organic and inorganic forms. Toxicity varies with oxidisation, solubility, species of animal involved, and duration of exposure.
Arsenic compounds dissolve in water. It is colourless and tasteless. It is absorbed into the red blood cells and distributed through the body tissues, the highest levels are found in the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. Long term exposure accumulates in the skin, nails, hooves, sweat glands and hair. It causes gastrointestinal and cardiovascular damage.
Drinking water containing 0.25% arsenic is considered toxic for large animals like horses or cows. For small animals, like cats and rabbits, they are more sensitive and a lower amount can be instantly fatal.
If arsenic poisoning has occurred in animals and symptoms are not showing yet, vomiting can be induced (in animals that can vomit), followed by activated charcoal and medication that causes the emptying of the bowels. In dogs and cats (and rabbits), it may be followed 1-2 hours later by a medicine that prevents damage to the gastrointestinal tract, such as kaolin-pectin. Fluids are given as needed.
In animals showing signs of poisoning, fluid treatment, blood transfusion (if needed), an dimercaprol (an antidote to arsenic) are recommended. Severely affected animals need supportive treatment and intravenous fluids. Kidney and liver function should be monitored during treatment.
What contains arsenic?
Leafy vegetables store arsenic in their roots and some store it in their stems.
Other vegetables can deposit arsenic into the soil and create high risk locations so other vegetables grown in the same place are more likely to absorb the arsenic out of the ground.
These plants have very little arsenic in the parts we eat:
- tomatoes
- peppers
- squash
- cucumbers
- peas
- corn
- melons
- strawberries
These plants have some arsenic:
- lettuce
- brassicas (collard, mustard and turnip leaves store more arsenic than other crops, but not to levels of concern)
Arsenic found mostly in the skin (so peel them):
- beets
- turnips
- carrots
- radishes
- potatoes
Occurring naturally in soil or past pesticides:
- apples
- pears
- grapes
Fruit juices contain arsenic since it is found in the fruit:
- apple
- pear
- grape
Cyanide
Cyanide was initially used to cull rabbit populations.
Many experiments in 1948 were conducted on artificial burrows where two types of cyanide powders were used, Cymag and Cyanogas, and were placed in a heap that the entrance of the burrow, which was sealed with earth. The powder would leach into the burrow. To cut a long unnecessary journal article short, it was successful. It was then used en masse to control rabbit numbers in woodland areas, fields and farms.
Basically, it enters the body as a salt, turns into a gas and then an acid. It suffocates the lungs, heart and brain as a gas, and as an acid, it melts the stomach
It is used to control all pests; feral pigs, fox, Australian bush-tailed possums, and predator species in many countries.
Cyanide salts are used in fishing (illegally), allowing mass collection of fish at a single time. It is also used in the collection of aquarium fish species. It is called cyanide fishing.
Many chemical forms of cyanide are found in plants, fumigants, soil fertilisers, pesticides, rodenticides, salts used in industrial processes such as gold mining, metal cleaning and electroplating, photographic processes and many others. Common plastics, wool, silk, polyurethane (insulation/upholstery), melamine resins (household goods) and synthetic rubber release cyanide gas.
Car fires and tobacco smoke also contain harmful amounts of cyanide gas. Cyanide poisoning is a common component of smoke inhalation.
Mammals with low-level exposure can detoxify ~80% of ingested cyanide and excrete it through urine and smaller amounts through saliva.
Acute cyanide poisoning signs usually occur within 15-20 minutes to a few hours after animals consume toxic foods. Survival after onset of clinical signs is rarely more than 2 hours.
Animals usually have “bitter almond” smelling breath, which is followed by shortness of breath, followed by a high heart rate. Reluctance to poop or urinate may occur. Animals may spasm or stagger before collapse, or sudden death may occur. The colour of the blood will rapidly change after death and turn clear as it is excreted. Blood clotting will not occur.
- Sorghum or silage
- linseeds and flaxes
- all members of the Prunus genus (apricot, peach, chokeberry, pinchberry, wild black cherry, ornamental cherry, nectarines, almonds, bird cherries, black thorn, cherry laurels (orchard species are grown to have low cyanide, ornamental species have high cyanide))
- Nandina domestica (heavenly or sacred bamboo)
- lima beans
- clovers (although pasture clovers are bread to have low cyanide)
- gum trees
- hydrangeas
- braken fern
- bahia
- flowering quince
The younger the plant, the more cyanide.
Pips, pits and seeds, contain cyanide. That’s why you have to remove the seeds in fruits before giving them to your bunny.
Phenol
Phenol are one of the oldest antiseptic and disinfectant agents. It is also called carbolic acid. They are used to denature, corrode and coagulate proteins and are general protoplasmic poisons. Because of its irritant and corrosive properties it is not commonly used in antiseptic, except when cauterisation is required. It is included in sting, bite, burn etc anesthetics to relieve itching and control infections.
Phenol-based disinfectants are best avoided in animal environments (home, shelter, veterinary clinic, etc).
Phenol compounds are found in cereals, coffee beans, fruits, olives, vegetables, beer, wine and tea leaves. They are also used to give woods their lovely smell.
Phenol is a severe irritant and highly toxic systemic poison that is absorbed by inhalation and through the skin. Phenol is nearly odourless, and the vapor is heavier than air.
Phenol is used to increase heart rate in hospital when blood-pressure drops very low. In infants, deaths have been reported with as little as 50mg phenol ingestion. Adult deaths have resulted after ingestion of 1g. Exposure to phenol by way (ingestion or inhalation) can produce systemic poisoning. It is corrosive and can cause chemical burns at the contact site, followed by coma and seizures only minutes later. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, hypotension, arrythmia, pulmonary edema and tachycardia.
At room temperature is is a translucent, colourless, crystaline mass, white powder or syrupy liquid. The crystals turn pink or red when exposed to air.
Digesting phenol can lead to liver disease or worse in your bunny.
What contains Phenol?
Cedar and untreated pine have phenols in them. Some veterinarians believe that phenol is still present in kiln dried pine and recommend not giving it to your bunny.
Avoid woods from trees that produce fruits with a pit, like apricots, avocado, peach, nectarines, and cherries as they produce phenols.
Phenol appears naturally in dark-skinned foods, berries, purple grapes, pomegranates. It creates the purple and dark red pigment.
Petroleum Distillates
These chemicals are a dark yellow to a green-black liquids with a mild gasoline or kerosine odour. Petroleum distillates are separated from crude oil and have many uses like mineral oil, heavy fuel oil, waxes, and benzene are petroleum distillates.
Pesticide manufacturers are not required to list whether they use it in their products unless it exceeds 10% of the product. This is because of the negative health effects. They are often called “horticultural oils”. They work by blocking insects’ air holes, and affect the plants and how the insects eat.
Contact with petroleum distillates can cause burns to the skin and eyes. Can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. It can also affect the nervous system causing a headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, confusion, and loss of balance and coordination. Higher levels of exposure can cause coma and death.
Petroleum distillates are used in many wood stains.
Petroleum product toxicosis are caused by injection, inhalation or skin contact of petroleum hydrocarbons like crude oil, gasoline, diesel, kerosine, naphtha, mineral oils, waxes, etc. In animals, clinical signs of toxicosis are:
- respiratory distress
- pneumonia
- GI disturbance – bloat, salivation, diarrhea/constipation, anorexia and weight loss
- death
Animals may consume contaminated water, or inhale it directly from open containers.
Aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzene, toluine, ethylbenzene and xylene are in crude oil and gasoline. If they are inhaled or ingested in sufficient amounts they can have fatal effects. Bezene is hemotoxic (destroy red blood cells and stop clotting) and a known carcinogen at high levels of exposure. Toluine causes neurologic signs and damage at high exposure. Toxicosis has rapid onset after exposure.
Kerosine and kerosine products (asphalt, mineral oil, waxes) are damaging to lung tissue if inhaled or aspirated.
Oil based lubricants and greases can be hazardous due to their lead components.
Usually the diagnosis of petroleum poisoning can only happen postmortem (after death).
If any petroleum product comes in contact with your bunny’s skin or hair, wash it off immediately with a mild soap and cool water. Get to the vet ASAP if breathing changes.
Shellac
Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug on trees in India and Thailand. It is shipped in flakes of dried resin that is dissolved in alcohol. It is marketed as “sanding sealer”. It is used to seal wooden surfaces, often in preparation for a more durable finish because it reduces the amount of final coating reducing absorption into wood.
Shellac is also used to paint fingernails.
Shellac is poisonous, but poisoning can only occur if swallowed. It can affect eyes, ears, nose and throat, causing blindness, blurred vision, large pupils. It can lower blood pressure, change the acid level in blood causing organ failure, weakness and collapse. Cramps, kidney failure, headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, seizures, coma and death.
Lacquer
Lacquer, also called varnish, is a clear or coloured coating used to give wood a glassy look. It is used on furniture, floors and outdoor wooden furniture.
Lacquer is dangerous if swallowed. Breathing the fumes for a long period is also harmful.
It can cause:
- breathing difficulty
- throat swelling
- blood in urine
- kidney failure (no urine production)
- severe pain in throat
- severe burning in nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
- vision loss
- severe abdominal pain
- vomiting
- collapse
- low blood pressure, develops quickly
- coma
- brain damage
- sleepiness
Paint
Oil Paints
Hydrocarbons are the main poisonous ingredient in oil paints. They also have lead, mercury, cobalt, and barium as added pigments.
Poisoning occurs when large amounts of oil-based paints get into the stomach or lungs. It can also happen with the paint gets into the eyes or touches skin.
Enamel Paints
Enamel paints are resin-based, oil-based or water-based paints used on hard surfaces like concrete, masonry, wood or metal.
Poisoning occurs when there is accidental or intentional intake of the compound through swallowing, or inhaling the vapours.
Toxic ingredients include natural oils, polyester resins (from phthalic acid and glycerine), lead-based compounds, benzene, xylene, and toluene, volatile organic compound, synthetic pigments, ultraviolet stabilisers, thickeners and texturisers.
Acrylic Paints
Even though some acrylic paints claim to be non-toxic, they still contain ingredients like cobalt, manganese, cadmium, chromium and lead.
Signs of paint poisoning may include:
- burning in mouth, throat, nose, ears, eyes
- difficulty breathing
- nosebleeds
- choking
- dizzy or drowsy
- nausea, vomiting
- numbness
- seizures
- coma
No paint is safe for rabbits due to their pigments and microplastics. The fumes are poisonous to bunnies too.
Steer clear of paints when dealing with bunnies.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a well known carcinogen that has many adverse effects. It is water-soluble and readily absorbed and metabolised upon inhalation. Formaldehyde is a colourless gas at room temperature and has an acrid odour. It can stay in the air between 7 hours to 3 days depending on sunlight, temperature and other environmental conditions.
It has been used as an aqueous solution to preserve tissue, and as an antiseptic.
Acute exposure causes respiratory tract inflammation and irritation of the eyes and skin. Long-term exposure is regarded a public health concern as it reacts with macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins to form irreversible cross-links.
After reading many scientific studies completed on many poor rabbits forced to inhale formaldehyde, the upshot is they get ulcers, dilated blood vessels, their nerves shrunk, and ultimately ended in death.
Zinc
Zinc is an important trace metal that plays an important part int biologic processes; however, if consumed incorrectly, it can be fatal.
It has been found that pet dogs are most likely to consume coins, batteries, automotive parts, paints, zinc-oxide creams, herbal supplements, zippers, board-game pieces, screws and nuts, and the coating on galvanised metals like pipes and cookware.
Small animals like rabbits can ingest zinc that has chipped and fallen from their enclosure fences, or metal objects left in an area where they live.
Zinc is collected in the stomach and absorbed in the small intestine and quickly distributed to the liver, kidneys, prostate, muscles, bones and pancreas. Zinc has a corrosive effect on tissue and can interfere with the production of red blood cells.
Based on the degree and duration of exposure, toxicosis can be loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy. More advanced signs include jaundice, shock, destruction of red blood cells, blood in urine, heart rhythm abnormalities and seizures. Organs are damaged and can fail.
Herbicides
Herbicides are used to control weeds. Most are quite selective for specific plants and are not poisonous for animals. Less selective herbicides, such as arsenicals, chlorates and dinitrophenols are more toxic to animals. Most of the toxicity problems occur when animals become exposed to excessive quanitities because of careless use or disposal of containers. When herbicides are used properly, following the instructions, problems are rare.
If an animal ingests herbicides from plants, feed or a water source there will be a gradual change in the animal’s behaviour over several weeks, months or even years. Long term exposure is more difficult to diagnose and tissues are usually collected after death and it can take years to successfully identify the problem if long term exposure.
Inorganic herbicides
Inorganic herbicides are older and more toxic than newer herbicides. Luckily, inorganic herbicides are not often used in developed countries. Sodium arsenite and arsenic trioxide when used as herbicides have caused great livestock losses, have long lasting effects on the environment, and are carcinogenic, causing cancer. Sodium aresenate and chromic copper are not registered for use in Australia. Arsenic based herbicides continue to be available as parts of wood preservatives and in insecticides. These are hazardous to animals even when used as per the instructions.
Methane arsonate and methol arsonic acid are organic arsenicals which are highly soluble. They concentrate in pools at toxic levels after rain has washed them from recently treated plants. These herbicides are made of Arsenic and will have the same poisoning effects.
Borax is used as both herbicide and insecticide. If it is consumed in moderate to large doses, it is toxic. There are not many reports of borax poisoning when it has been used as per the instructions, but has occurred when borax powder has been used as cockroach control. Signs of poisoning are diarrhea, rapid onset of weakness, unwillingness to stand, and sometimes convulsions. There is no current antidote. Any detergent containing borax should be stored away from pets accessing them.
Sodium chlorate is not often used as a herbicide. Treated plants and contaminated clothing are highly combustible and are fire hazards. Ingestion results in damaging red blood cells, decreasing their ability to carry oxygen around the body. Treatment with methylene blue must be repeated frequently as long as the chlorate ion is present.
Organic herbicides
Anilide or amide compounds and are used as plant growth regulators and some are very toxic to animals. Exposure can affect the immune system and red blood cells.
Bipyridyl compounds or quarternary ammonium herbicides act quickly, they don’t poison soil and decompose in sunlight. They are toxic to animals skin if they come into contact with it. Skin irritation and clouding of the cornea are seen after breathing in the chemicals. Both animals and humans have died by drinking contaminated water.
Diquat forms of the chemical damages the gastrointestinal tract. Kidney damage, central nervous system excitement, and convulsions occur in severely affected animals. Paraquat forms have 2 phases to its toxic action after ingestion. The first signs include excitement, convulsions, lack of coordination, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, loss of appetite, kidney involvement and breathing difficulty. Eye, nose, and skin irritation can be caused by direct contact, followed by breathing problems that occur within days to 2 weeks later.
Treatment is usually activated charcoal or other absorbents in large quantities, medications that cause the emptying of the bowels and that increase urine output, and supportive treatment.
Carbonate and thiocarbonate compounds like terbucarb, asulam, carboxazole, EPTC, pebulate, trillate, vernolate, butylate and thiobencarb are moderately toxic. Used in low concentrations, they should not result in poisoning. Massive overdose can result in lack of appetite, depression, breathing difficulty, diarrhoea, weakness and seizures.
Aromatic/benzoic acid compounds chloramben and dicamba do not cause poisoning when used as per instructions. Overdosage causes tissue changes and the same symptoms as listed below in the Phenoxyacetic compounds.
Phenoxyacetic and phenoxybutyric compounds are a common ingredient use in weed control. When consumed it can result in depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, tenseness, and muscular weakness in hindquarters.
Dinitophenolic compounds like dinoseb, binapacryl and DNOC are highly toxic to animals. It is absorbed through the skin and lungs. Animals cannot eat plant matter that has been sprayed with these compounds. Signs include fever, difficulty breathing, rapid heart beat, metabolic abnormalities, convulsions, followed by coma nad death. Cataracts develop in animals with long term dinitrophenol poisoning. If in contact with skin, causes derma to turn yellow and conjunctivitis in the eyes. No effective antidote is available.
Organophosphate compounds like glyphosate, bensulide are widely used herbicides that are low in toxicity when used according to the instructions. However, they are toxic to fish. Animals have shown eye, skin and upper respiratory signs when exposed to weeds during or after an application. When exposed to freshly applied chemicals, vomiting, staggering and hind leg weakness were present. Signs usually disappear when exposure stops, and minimal aftercare is needed. Washing the chemical off, emptying the stomach and tranquilising the animal is usually sufficient.
Insecticides and acaricides
Insecticides are made of any substance or mixture of substances that repel, prevent, destroy, or mitigate insects. Acaricides are substances that destroy mites. A chemical can be used for both insecticidal and acaricidal purposes. Based on their properties, these chemicals can be classified into several groups:
- organophosphates
- carbamates
- pyrethrins and pyrethroids
- neonicotnoids
- phenylpyrazoles
- triazapentadiene
- oxadiazine
- isoxazolines
- and others.
These chemicals are used worldwide and pose risks to both target (insects) and non-target species (humans, animals, birds etc).
Pesticide labels must carry warnings against unapproved species or untested circumstances. These warnings must show information about acute or chronic toxicity, or residues in meat, milk, or other animal products. Information on labels change regularly to show the latest government directions.
Each exposure, no matter how brief or small, can result in the compound being absorbed and stored in the body. Repeated exposures can result in intoxication because of a cumulative effect. Every precaution must be used to minimise exposure, especially with humans. Changing clothes and bathing at each change, or the use of respirators, rain gear and gloves that are impervious to pesticides. respirators must have an approved filter for insecticide use as ordinary dust filters will not suffice.
Mixing these compounds or using them in unapproved combinations can be dangerous.
Cabamate insecticides
Carbamate insecticides include aldicarb, carbaryl, carbofluran, methomyl, and propoxur. These are more commonly available because they are considered safer than organophosphates. Signs of toxicity include drooling, abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, difficulty breathing, a bluish tinge to skin, small pupils, muscle spasms, convulsions, buildup of fluid in the lungs and death.
Cholorinated hydrocarbon compounds
Availability of these chemical agents have been greatly reduced due to the long term toxicity.
Benzene hexachloride was a useful insecticide for livestock and dogs, but is highly toxic to cats in concentrations useful for parasite control.
Methoxychlor is a safer option, as it has been registered for use in orchards, gardens, field crops and for horses and ponies.
Signs of poisoning include tremours, convultions, and fever. Spasms begin in the face and gradually spread over the entire body, and can last for a few seconds up to hours, then lead to coma and death.
There are no known antidotes.
Insecticides derived from plants
Insecticides derived from plants like rotenone and pyrethrum are considered safe for use on animals.
Nicotine in the form of nicotine sulfate is an exception. Tobacco is toxic to animals, signs include tremours, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, paralysis, coma and death.
Pyrethrins are a group of naturally occurring compounds that are extracted from chrysanthemums, and itself is mildly toxic to animals. When mixed with other substances, pyrethrins increase there toxicity.
Pyrethroids are the synthetic version of pyrethrins. They are more effective and less toxic to mammals but can accumulate in the environment and have detrimental effects.
d-Limonene
Extracted from citrus rind and is used on cats as flea control. At the recommended dosage it appears to be safe.
Organophosphates
These have been developed for plant and animal protection and leave little tissue or environmental residue. However, they vary greatly in toxicity and are a major cause of animal poisoning.
Flea collars containing dichlorvos may cause skin reactions in some pets.
Malathion is one of the safest organophosphates because it has high toxicity to insects but not mammals.
Crotoxyphos has low toxicity when used properly.
Tetraethyl pyrophosphate (TEPP) is one of the most severely toxic insecticides. When exposed to it, it can cause death within 40 minutes.
Solvents and Emulsifiers
Solvents and emulsifiers are used in most insecticides. They have low toxicity, but are considered as possible causes of poisoning and should be treated the same as Petroleum poisoning.
Acetone poisoning results in gastrointestional irritation, unconsciousness, and kidney and liver damage.
isopropyl alcohol poisoning includes cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, dizziness, stupor, coma and death.
Methanol poisoning causes vomiting, abdominal pain, backward arching of the neck and spine, convultions, fixed pupils and inflammation of nerves.
Sulfur and lime-sulfur are the two oldest insecticides, Elemental sulfur has practically no toxicity. Lime-sulfur can cause irritation, discomfort and blistering. Death is rare.
Lead
Even though lead poisoning is most common in dogs, it is possible for other animals to become poisoned also.
Lead poisoning is usually seen during the renovation of older houses that have been painted with lead-based paint. Other sources include linoleum, grease, lead weights, lead fishing tackle, batteries, oil and contaminated foliage.
It is absorbed into the soft tissues and eventually reaches the bone. Lead causes bleeding and swelling of the brain, suppresses the immune system, and damages the kidneys and red blood cells. It can cause loss of appetite, colic, vomiting and diarrhoea.
In dogs it can cause hysterical barking, jaw clamping, drooling, blindness, lack of coordination and muscle spasms. It can be confused with rabies, distemper and hepatitis. It can only be determined by taking a sample of the kidney to confirm the diagnosis.
In horses, it can cause depression, weakness, weight loss, colic, paralysis of the larynx and throat, difficulty swallowing and pneumonia.
In birds, loss of appetite, coordination, wing and leg weakness and anemia.