Which Animals Are Not Harmed By Aspirin

What is aspirin?

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) is a mutual over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat fever, pain and inflammation. Aspirin may also be used to prevent the formation of claret clots. In some cases, aspirin may be prescribed to decrease the likelihood of blood clots in cats. It is very important to carefully follow directions when using aspirin in cats, in guild to avoid poisoning. Aspirin may exist the but ingredient in a medication or be part of a combination production containing other medications such equally acetaminophen, opioids, antihistamines, decongestants, and/or caffeine.

Aspirin is only ane compound in a group of chemicals chosen salicylates. All salicylates have the potential to crusade toxicity. These chemicals may be found in a broad range of products including pain medications, Pepto-Bismol, wintergreen oil, sunscreen, lip balms, hair and skin care products, toothpaste, wart removers and pain creams. The risk for poisoning depends upon the type of salicylate and the amount to which the pet was exposed.

What is aspirin poisoning?

Aspirin and other salicylate-containing products are often found in homes with cats. Poisoning may happen when pets accidentally get into these products and ingest also large of a dose. In some cases, owners may administer aspirin or other salicylates to treat their cat'south hurting or gastrointestinal upset prior to consulting a veterinarian. Aspirin poisoning may occur from a single dose or repeated dosing.

Previously existing medical conditions such as clotting disorders, kidney disease or liver affliction may increase the gamble of poisoning. Cats that are already taking steroids or other NSAIDs besides take a higher adventure of poisoning.

What causes aspirin poisoning?

Aspirin, and other NSAIDs, act past blocking certain chemical processes in the trunk that cause inflammation. Unfortunately, these chemical processes are also important in maintaining normal gastrointestinal, kidney, and blood clotting functions. Cats are especially sensitive to aspirin and salicylates. Cats have fewer functional cellular pathways to metabolize certain types of drugs, including aspirin. This means they take significantly longer to eliminate salicylates from their bodies than humans or dogs. Since cats are not able to metabolize aspirin efficiently, they are more vulnerable to poisoning.

What are the signs of aspirin poisoning?

Cats may initially prove no signs of aspirin poisoning. Signs tin can vary depending upon the dose and product to which the true cat was exposed. The nigh common side effect of aspirin/salicylate exposure is gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration (haemorrhage into the stomach/intestines). Boosted signs related to the gastrointestinal tract such every bit a decreased appetite, intestinal pain, vomiting (possibly with blood), diarrhea, and nighttime tarry stools, tin can likewise occur. If bleeding into the gut occurs, pale gums, weakness, or depression may be seen. Loftier doses of aspirin tin result in damage to other organs and more serious signs such as an increased respiratory charge per unit (due to the blood becoming likewise acidic), high body temperature (from cellular damage), a wobbly gait, tremors, seizures, coma, decreased blood clotting, liver or kidney damage, and even death.

If you suspect your pet ingested any form of aspirin/salicylates, it is important to contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal toxicant control centre, at 1-800-213-6680 right away to help decide the risk of poisoning to your pet.

How is aspirin poisoning diagnosed?

Virtually cases are diagnosed in pets that have the expected signs and a known or suspected exposure to aspirin. Blood work is necessary to evaluate the kidneys, liver, electrolytes, and blood cell counts. Radiographs (10-rays) of the chest can identify lung disorders secondary to aspirin poisoning. Tests to assess the pet'due south blood clotting ability or acerbity levels may also be performed.

Salicylate levels in the blood can be measured at a human hospital or specialized veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Testing for salicylate levels is not common. The results may non be returned apace and finding a laboratory to run the testing for animals may be hard. Since the results may be delayed, treatment is often started without testing if poisoning is suspected.

How is aspirin poisoning treated?

At that place is no antidote for aspirin poisoning just early on decontamination and treatment decrease the risk for serious impairment. If aspirin ingestion occurred within a few hours of treatment, the veterinary may induce airsickness. Inducing vomiting at home in cats should never be attempted because information technology may cause astringent damage to the tummy lining. Once airsickness is controlled, activated charcoal may be administered. This can decrease absorption of aspirin by the gastrointestinal tract. Activated charcoal should only exist administered past a veterinarian. Otherwise, aspiration into the lungs and life-threatening changes in blood sodium levels may occur. Antacids, anti-nausea medications and stomach protectants are commonly administered.

Early decontamination and treatment decrease the risk for serious harm. If aspirin ingestion occurred within a few hours of treatment, your veterinarian may induce vomiting. (Inducing vomiting at home should never be attempted in cats, because it may cause severe damage to the stomach lining.) Once vomiting is controlled, activated charcoal may exist administered, to subtract absorption of aspirin past the gastrointestinal tract. Activated charcoal should simply be administered by a veterinary. Otherwise, aspiration into the lungs and life-threatening changes in blood sodium levels may occur. Antacids, anti-nausea medications and stomach protectants are commonly administered.

Depending upon the dose ingested, hospitalized care may be needed. Fluids may be administered under the skin or intravenously. Cats developing more serious signs may crave intensive therapy equally they take an increased risk for long term effects or death. Claret work to monitor the liver and kidney role besides as the blood-red blood cell count may be performed. Pets that develop a depression reddish claret prison cell count (anemia) or difficulty breathing may require oxygen supplementation or a blood transfusion. Liver protectants, muscle relaxants, and medications to control seizures may be necessary.

What care will my true cat crave after handling?

In most cases of aspirin/salicylate poisoning, stomach protectants and a bland diet volition be recommended for several days following exposure. Cats with exposure to higher doses, or with chronic exposure, may require monitoring for liver or kidney damage even afterward they are discharged. If kidney impairment occurs, fluids under the skin may need to exist connected at habitation. Cats that take liver damage will frequently be on liver protectants. Depending upon the true cat's status, medications and monitoring may be continued for several days to months. In some cases, liver or kidney harm may compromise long-term office in cats who have recovered from aspirin toxicity.

Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control heart 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, modest mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-constructive option for animal toxicant control care, Pet Poison Helpline's fee of $65 per incident includes follow-upwardly consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in N America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com