Toxin Tuesdays: Aspirin

Remember they are NOT people, so it may be safe for us, but not for them (Image Source)

Aspirin is a common drug found in most households. It is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory that helps with chronic pain. While many people can use it without side effects that is not the case with our pets. Both dogs and cats can have multiple health issues if given aspirin. Depending on exposure the symptoms could look very different. For example if given over long period of time at low doses the symptoms may be more gradual and less noticeable. If the patient eats or is given a very large dose all at once symptoms may happen very rapidly and could be even more serious. Patients that are on other types of anti-inflammatories or steroids are at an even greater risk for side effects.

 

Remember that regular blood work is needed with any long term medication use (Image Source)

Aspirin is very readily absorbed in the stomach and first portion of the intestines. This is great for relieving pain, but is not ideal for toxin exposures. With large doses or long term use aspirin can start to have effects on many different body systems. One of these systems is the gastro-intestinal tract itself. You can start to see gastric ulceration which may show blood in the stool or vomit. It could also manifest as a decrease appetite or pain when their abdomen is touched. If the ulceration is bad enough they can start to become anemic from blood loss. On top of that, aspirin can also affect the bone marrow and suppress its production of red blood cells. So now the animal could be losing blood into the gastrointestinal tract but they are no longer making enough cells to replenish it. The liver can also be affected and in some cases begin to fail in cats with high doses. At higher doses or long term use, you may also see kidney failure beginning. These can all be very serious and may not be reversible.

 

If your pet isn't feeling well call your vet before reaching into your medicine cabinet. (Image Source)

If patients have gotten into the aspirin and ingested a large amount, it will be important to check blood work to assess the systems listed above. After that, supportive care needs to be started. This include IV fluids and medications to help soothe and coat the gastro-intestinal tract. There is no antidote for aspirin. So starting support early is very important. For more chronic use, sometimes stopping the medication and checking blood work regularly is enough. Sometimes they do require long term gastro-protective medications and some may even need to be hospitalized. There are much safer medications available for long term use but any anti-inflammatory or medication can have side effects. Regular blood work may help detect early signs of issues to help keep our pets safe and healthy.

Always make sure you work with your veterinarian prior to starting ANY medication. That is the best way to keep your pet safe!