Toxicology

Salbutamol toxicosis in dogs

Salbutamol in often available in a pressurised aluminium cannister which can be easily pierced by a dog..

Winter poisoning hazards for pets

A common antifreeze ingredient is ethylene glycol (also known as ethanediol). It is not toxic itself, but is metabolised to toxic compounds by the action of alcohol dehydrogenase. This enzyme oxidises...

Autumn poisoning hazards for pets

Luminous novelty items such as necklaces, glow sticks and glow bracelets, are often available at fair grounds and similar venues particularly at Halloween and Bonfire Night. They consist of...

Summer poisoning hazards to pets

The European adder, Vipera berus berus is the only venomous snake native to the UK where it is a protected species. The adder generally only bites when provoked (Figure 1), and bites rarely occur...

Spring poisoning hazards for pets

Both indoor and outdoor domestic fertilisers tend to be ‘NPK-based’, containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Various products are available (Figure 1). Houseplant fertilisers are...

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) exposure in dogs

Cyanobacteria occur in both freshwater and marine environments. Under certain environmental conditions cyanobacteria can quickly form extensive and often visible growths or blooms. These most commonly...

Poisons affecting the skin

Detergents are very common household chemicals. They are found in a variety of cleaning products such as washing up liquids, toilet cleaners and fabric washing products and come in the form of...

CPD article: Poisons affecting the cardiovascular system

Many different types of substances found in the home can have adverse effects on cardiac and cardiovascular function. If uncontrolled, these can lead to complications of cardiac damage and tissue...

Poisons affecting the kidney

Poisoning can result in adverse effects on the kidney through a variety of mechanisms, including formation of toxic metabolites, interference with normal physiological process and, in some cases,...

Poisons affecting the liver

Several fungi contain cyclopetides but the most common are Amanita species including Amanita phalloides (death cap) (but not Amanita muscaria which is also known as fly agaric)..

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...