Nicola Bates

Veterinary Poisons Information Service, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Mary Sheridan House, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT

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Poisons affecting the blood

Anaemia is a reduced number of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood and there are three main causes, blood loss (from trauma, for example), decreased red blood cell production or increased red...

Tea tree oil exposure in cats and dogs

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the leaves and terminal branches of the Australian tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia (Carson et al,...

Xylitol toxicosis in dogs

Xylitol is found in numerous products (Box 1). It is used as a sweetener and is frequently found in sugar-free chewing gums (Figure 1) and confectionary where it protects against tooth decay. It is...

Mushroom poisoning

Identification of a particular fungus or fungal fragments is notoriously difficult, particularly if it has been chewed or broken. It may be possible to call on the expertise of a local mycologist, but...

Lipid infusion in the management of poisoning: an introduction

Lipid infusion therapy is the intravenous infusion of a parenteral lipid formulation which is usually used as part of parenteral nutrition as a source of calories and essential fatty acids. The lipid...

Effects of exposure to human medicines in cats and dogs

Most households contain some analgesics. Most commonly in the UK, US and many European countries, these include paracetamol or ibuprofen, and both of these drugs are commonly involved in the...

Managing exposure to cleaning products in cats and dogs

A detergent is any substance that reduces the surface tension of water; more specifically, it is a surface-active agent (surfactant) that concentrates at oilwater interfaces and possesses emulsifying...

Decontamination of cats and dogs with suspected poisoning

Any animal that is exhibiting signs of cardiovascular collapse, respiratory distress, or profound neurological depression should be stabilised before decontamination is attempted. If dermal...

Exposure to cut flowers and spring flowering plants in cats and dogs in the UK

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are bulbous plants found in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens. They are part of the Asparagaceae family. The flowers are often fragrant, blue to violet-blue...