Introduction to Poisoning

Poisoning occurs when a toxic substance is swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed after coming in contact with the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Poisoning is also called toxicosis or intoxication. Because pets are unable to tell whether a substance is poisonous or no

Poisons can be absorbed via the digestive tract, skin, lungs, eyes, mucous membranes (such as those of the nose or eye), mammary glands, and uterus, as well as from sites of injection. Toxic effects may be local, or the poison can be absorbed and spread by way of the bloodstream. Some poisons are excreted by the kidneys. Others are e

The consequences of poisoning can depend on more factors than the toxicity of the poison itself. The dose (amount of the compound per unit of body weight) of poison is a primary concern, but the exact amount of poison an animal has been exposed to is seldom known. The number of times the animal is exposed and the length of time over

Diagnosis of poisoning is based on history, signs, tissue changes, and laboratory examinations. Giving your veterinarian a complete history is important to help him or her make an accurate diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment. You should have the following information available: 1) sex, age, weight, and number of exposed or sick

Immediate, life-saving measures may be needed initially. Beyond this, treatment consists of preventing further absorption of the poison, providing supportive treatment, and administering specific antidotes, if available.

Algal poisoning is a severe and deadly condition caused by heavy growths of toxic blue-green algae in water, including drinking water and water used for agriculture, recreation, and aquaculture. Deaths and severe illness of livestock, pets, wildlife, birds, and f

Arsenic poisoning is caused by several different types of arsenic compounds. Poisoning is relatively infrequent due to the decreased use of arsenic compounds as pesticides, ant baits, and wood preservatives. Arsenic compounds are used in some dips for tick contro

Bracken fern is widely distributed in open woodlands with sandy soils and disturbed (clear cut or burned) areas throughout North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Ingestion of a large quantity of bracken fern results in signs of poisoning related to

Cantharidin is found in more than 200 species of beetles throughout the continental USA. Beetles of the genus Epicauta

Various breeds of dogs, especially Bedlington Terriers, have an inherited sensitivity to copper poisoning. Short-term poisoning is usually seen after accidental administration of excessive amounts of copper salts, which are sometimes part of medications for paras