Zinc is an essential trace metal that plays an important role in many biologic processes. Zinc toxicity has been seen in a wide range of animals. It is most common in pet dogs, possibly because of their indiscriminate eating habits and great availability of zinc-
Dogs and sometimes cats are poisoned by mouthing certain types of toads. All toads produce venom, but the potency of the venom varies with species and geographic locations. Toad venom is a thick, creamy white, highly irritating substance. It can affect the heart,
Sweet clover poisoning is seen when animals eat spoiled sweet clover hay or silage. Any method of hay storage that allows sweet clover to mold increases the chance of a toxin forming in the hay. Weathered, large round bales, particularly the outer portions, usual
Poisonous spider bites are relatively uncommon and difficult to recognize. The bite of spiders of medical importance in the US is not particularly painful, so it is unusual for a spider bite to be suspected until signs appear. It is also unlikely that the offendi
Sorghum poisoning is seen in horses, primarily in the southwestern US and Australia, after they have grazed hybrid Sudan pastures for weeks to months. The spinal cord softens and nerves degenerate in the spinal cord and brain. Also
Before taking a long trip by car, it is helpful if you can take your pet for short rides in its carrier so that it becomes accustomed to being confined. Some pets have only been in their carriers during trips to the veterinarian, so they associate the carrier and car ride wi
If you will be staying in motels, hotels, or campgrounds along the way, check ahead of time to ensure that the establishment will accept pet visitors and what (if any) extra fees or restrictions there might be. Sources of information include the hotel’s phone or
A multitude of diseases and parasites might be encountered in a foreign environment. The disease-causing organisms that animals may harbor have the potential to produce serious consequences. For example, in 2003 an outbreak of monkeypox in people in the United States was traced to Gambian giant rats, which carried the virus from Afri
Vaccination requirements vary from country to country. All dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies before they leave the United States. Rabies may be a nonexistent threat in some areas of the world, for example, in the United Kingdom, but may become an