What are expanding glues?
All glues containing isocyanate and diisocyanate can expand. The Original Gorilla Glue® is a well-known manufacturer of diisocyanates, but these compounds are also present in other glues such Loctite® and Elmer’s Probond®. Isocyanates found in polyurethane glues also expand, but not to the same extent. Not all forms of Gorilla Glue® contain expanding glues, so it is important to identify the ingredients within each brand.
Pets exposed to a very small amount of wet or liquid expanding glue, anything more than a lick for a medium-sized dog, may consume enough product to be problematic. The glue expands to form a large, foreign body when exposed to water. In the stomach, the glue combines with hydrogen ions present in water and acids, while the warmth of the stomach accelerates this process, forming a large, solid mass.
Ingestion of dried product is not expected to cause an expanding mass. However, as little as ½ teaspoon of wet glue has been reported to expand to a size large enough to form an obstruction. 1.5 ounces of glue has been enough to expand to a size of 7-8 inches.
Pets may also be at risk of developing respiratory effects if they are left in an enclosed space where the glue is drying. Prolonged exposure may cause respiratory irritation, especially if the pet has underlying asthma or other sensitivity.
What are the clinical signs of expanding glue exposure?
Foreign body obstruction due to a mass of expanded glue in the stomach is the most common outcome in dogs ingesting expanding wood glues. Common signs include anorexia (not eating or reduced appetite), abdominal pain or distension, vomiting (occasionally with blood), and lethargy or reduced energy levels. If an average sized dog only has 1-2 licks, then it is appropriate to monitor at home. If your pet vomits more than 1-2 times while you observe them, then please seek veterinary care for evaluation. Anything more than 1-2 licks, or an unknown amount ingested should be referred for veterinary care. If a punctured container is found, and the ingestion is unknown, please also seek veterinary care for evaluation.
Occasionally, pets who have inhaled the product may experience coughing, sneezing, and an increase in secretions including drooling and nasal discharge. Prolonged exposure may cause asthma or bronchitis like signs. If the pet has had exposure to their skin or eyes, they may experience irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
How are expanding glue exposures diagnosed?
Veterinarians diagnose expanding glue exposure in pets that have a history of exposure to these products, followed by X-rays to visualize the mass in the stomach. A glue mass is often noted within 3-12 hours of exposure, and a foreign body obstruction is generally evident within 12-24 hours of ingestion.
How are expanding glue exposures treated?
Do not feed your pet or offer anything to decontaminate until you have consulted your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline.
If a potentially concerning amount of an expanding glue has been recently ingested, inducing vomiting is not recommended, due to rapid expansion of liquid glue and the potential for a glue ball to lodge in the esophagus. Activated charcoal is not recommended, nor is dilution with any water or liquids. Wait to offer any water until at least 2-3 hours have passed to minimize the risk of enlarging the mass.
After abdominal X-rays confirm the presence of a glue mass and obstruction, then surgery is required to remove the mass, or endoscopy in mild cases. Hospitalization will likely be recommended to monitor vital signs and provide fluid therapy and gastrointestinal support (such as anti-vomiting medication).
What is the prognosis for expanding glue exposure?
The prognosis for recovery from expanding glue depends on the removal of the mass. If the glue mass is removed and the patient is supported for secondary clinical signs such as vomiting and dehydration, the outcome is favorable.
- If you suspect your pet has been exposed to or ingested an expanding glue, call your veterinarian immediately or call Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680.
- If you believe there has been exposure to your pet’s skin, wash the area well with lukewarm water for 15 minutes. If signs persist for longer than 2-3 hours, seek veterinary care.
If your pet has had exposure to their eyes, irrigate well with room-temperature water for 15 minutes. If signs become worse after 1 hour of monitoring at home, seek veterinary care.
Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
