Source: KGW 8
Washington State University veterinarians are warning pet owners about rising cases of marijuana toxicity after treating a ferret named Vanilla, who nearly died from ingesting three cannabis edibles. When she arrived at the WSU Veterinary Hospital in March 2023, Vanilla had a dangerously low heart rate, minimal breathing, and appeared comatose. Initially suspected of having a traumatic brain injury, she was later found to have consumed high doses of THC.
Veterinarians used an over-the-counter human drug test to confirm cannabis exposure and treated her with an intravenous lipid emulsion to help clear THC from her system. Within four days, Vanilla fully recovered. A new WSU case report highlights the sharp rise in marijuana poisonings among pets—up 448% from 2017 to 2023—as more states legalize cannabis. Most cases involve dogs, who may also be harmed by xylitol in edibles. Veterinarians emphasize honest communication from owners and safe storage of cannabis products.