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
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
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
As in acute pain, both drug and nondrug methods can be used to treat chronic pain. Some drugs that relieve acute pain are also used to treat chronic pain, such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Depending on the situation, other drugs, such as an anti-anxiety or anti-convulsant drug, might be added to the treatment
Natural and holistic pain relief methods for pets, like those for people, have become a topic of much interest. Many different vitamins, herbal preparations, nutraceuticals, and natural remedies are available. Most of these therapies have not been tested in scien
Recognizing pain in animals is a challenge because animals cannot communicate the same way people do. However, there are some species-specific behaviors that can indicate pain and help us to recognize it. For example, animals that are natural predators, such as d
Pain serves a protective role that alerts an individual to injury from the environment or from within. For example, if a muscle strain or pull causes pain in a limb, not putting weight on that limb can help prevent further injury.
Animals, just like people, feel pain when they are injured or sick. However, recognizing pain in animals can be difficult because animals do not act the same way that people do when they are in pain.