Aspirin toxicity

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Acute presentation, Geographic incidence, Age predisposition, Sex predisposition, Breed predisposition, Cost considerations, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Predisposing factors, Pathophysiology, Timecourse (incubation, duration), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Confirmation of diagnosis, Gross autopsy findings, Histopathology findings, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Monitoring, Prevention, Control, Prophylaxis, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Dawn Ruben DVM
Dr Patricia Talcott MS DVM PhD DipABVT
Synonyms Salicylates, acetylsalicylic acid, NSAID

Introduction

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug   Acetyl salicylic acid  .
  • Toxicity results following ingestion of products containing aspirin or salicylates.
  • These include some arthritis creams, Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate liquid and many other products.
  • Signs : vomiting, anorexia, melena, oliguria.
  • Diagnosis : history, clinical signs.
  • Treatment : symptomatic - no specific antidote.
  • Prognosis : depends on amount ingested - good if treated early.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Lethargy.
  • Vomiting  Vomiting  .
  • Anorexia.
  • Melena.
  • Hyperthermia  Hyperthermia  .
  • Tachypnea.
  • Anemia.
  • Ataxia.
  • Oliguria.
  • Polyuria.
  • Polydipsia.
  • Weakness.
  • Rarely seizures.
  • Rarely coma.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Gastroenteritis   Gastroenteritis  .
  • Pancreatitis  Pancreas: disease - overview  .
  • Steroid toxicity.
  • Other NSAID toxicity.

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Generally good if treated early.
  • Perforated ulcers with peritonitis   Peritonitis   leads to a poor prognosis.

Expected response to treatment

  • Elimination of clinical signs.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Delayed treatment and massive overdose.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Recent references fromPubMed.

Other sources of information

  • Roder J D (2004)Analgesics.In:Clinical Veterinary Toxicology.(ed) Plumlee K H. Mosby. St. Louis. pp 282-284.
  • Mikiciuk M G (2001)Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatories.In:Small Animal Toxicology.(eds) Peterson M E and Talcott P A. Saunders. Philadelphia. pp 622-627.
  • Gfeller R W and Messonnier S P (1998)Handbook of Small Animal Toxicology & Poisonings. Mosby. St. Louis. pp 89-93.

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