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
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
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
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.
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.