My lab ate a handful of pistachio...

Question
My lab ate a handful of pistachio shells about 12 hours ago.  I now hear loud rumblings from his belly.  Will these shells pass or do I need to get him to the vet?  He seems fine otherwise, just these very loud churning & gurgling noises.

Answer
Hi Pat!
I completely understand your concern.
I would get him to your vet ASAP.  If there is an emergency vet in your area, I would get him there now, if possible...for two reasons:
#1 Pistachios can be highly toxic to dogs.
---they have been known to cause symptoms as mild as diarrhea/vomitting, to severe as seizuring and hind end paralysis.  Your veterinarian will want to do some bloodwork to comfirm whether or not a toxicity is present.  If there is, activated charcoal will be given orally, to absorb any toxins in the blood stream and IV fluids will be given for 24-48 hours to flush the system out.
#2 Bloat
----"bloat" is where a dog literally becomes bloated.  You will hear gurgling noses coming from the abdominal area and may see some vomiting of bile or gulping.  You may even be able to physically see enlargement in the abdominal area.  The intestines may then twist, causing a complete intestinal obstruction.  Surgery is the only treatment and it's very important to have the surgery done immediately if this is the cause.  "Bloat" is extremely common in barrell chested dog breeds, primarily Great Danes and Labradors, so I naturally assume "bloat" as a possibility in any barrell chested breed that is displaying any of the symptoms.  Your veterinarian will take an abdominal x-ray to determine whether or not this is a factor.
I hope this information helps.  Please let me know your baby does!  
Please give that labby nose tons of kisses for me!
Hilary