Poisoned Schaumburg dog was deliberately targeted
While most dogs find commercial rat poison as irresistible to ingest as the vermin it's intended for, it's not often that a canine is deliberately targeted for harm.
"I've been doing this for 30 years and I can't say I've ever seen a case that was so blatant," said Anita Kuhnle, veterinarian and co-owner of Arlington Heights Animal Hospital in Arlington Heights.
Kuhnle is referring to the poisoning of an 11½-year-old blind and diabetic miniature schnauzer from Schaumburg that her animal hospital treated this week.
Telltale fluorescent green rat poison was found by tearing apart the dog treats put in the backyard of the pet's owners on Stevens Drive in Schaumburg. While the dog was sickened by eating some, the pet appears to be getting better, Kuhnle said.
Dogs can occasionally find their way to such rat poison by accident, but it's very rare that a deliberate poisoning is beyond doubt, Kuhnle said.
Schaumburg police are continuing to investigate the case, which appears to be an isolated one, Sgt. John Nebl said.
There are two common types of rat poison that work differently, but both have the same unmistakeable green appearance, Kuhnle said.
One contains high doses of blood thinner to kill the intended victims. This can be counteracted by the use of Vitamin K, which was employed for Popo, the poisoned miniature schnauzer.
The other kind of rat poison kills by causing brain swelling. There's no substance or drug to counteract this form, only the use of supportive care, which also continues to be used for Popo.
The green color of the poison would be invisible to dogs anyway, but a dog blinded by cataracts like Popo is wouldn't have a chance, Kuhnle said.
Omnivores like rats and dogs find the poison bait irrisistible, but carnivorous cats are more likely to turn up their noses at the substance that smells like corn flakes or cereal, she added.
Popo's owners could not be reached for comment Wednesday.