Animal poisoning in Europe. Part 2: Companion animals.
Abstract: This is the second in a series of three review articles on animal poisoning in Europe and focuses on cases in pet animals and horses in five European countries (Belgium, France, Greece, Italy and Spain) reported over the last decade. In the participating countries, dogs were the most commonly poisoned species, particularly younger animals. The majority of cases in companion animals resulted from exposure to insecticides, although rodenticides (especially anticoagulants and strychnine) posed a significant risk. In all five countries, horses and cats appeared to be more susceptible to plant toxins. Intoxications with herbicides, metals, household products and drugs for veterinary and human use were reported sporadically. The review demonstrates the importance of increased awareness so as to minimise poisoning episodes and emphasises the need to establish a European system for the recording of poisoning data.
2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2009-06-23 PubMed ID: 19553146DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.034Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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This research provides a detailed overview of animal poisoning cases involving companion animals and horses in five European countries over the last decade, highlighting the sources of poisoning and the need for increased awareness and a unified recording system.
Study Focus and Methodology
- The study reviews cases of animal poisoning in Europe, with principal attention on pets and horses in Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
- The review covers a ten-year period to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Major Findings
- Dogs were identified as the most frequently poisoned species among these companion animals, especially the younger ones.
- The majority of poisonings in pets resulted from exposure to insecticides, emphasizing a significant hazard presented by commonly used substances.
- Rodenticides, particularly anticoagulants and strychnine, were identified as a significant source of risk as well.
- Specific to horses and cats, exposure to plant toxins was found to be unusually common in all five countries.
- Poisonings due to herbicides, metals, household items, and drugs (both veterinary and human) were sporadically reported, showcasing the wide range of toxic substances pets might encounter.
Recommendations and Conclusions
- The research underscores the need for increased awareness to minimize instances of poisoning among pets and animals.
- It highlights the significant requirement to establish a universal system for recording poisoning data across Europe, which could aid in early detection of trends and formulation of preventive measures.
Cite This Article
APA
Berny P, Caloni F, Croubels S, Sachana M, Vandenbroucke V, Davanzo F, Guitart R.
(2009).
Animal poisoning in Europe. Part 2: Companion animals.
Vet J, 183(3), 255-259.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.034 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Pharmacie-Toxicologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 av. Bourgelat, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Diseases / chemically induced
- Animal Diseases / epidemiology
- Animals
- Animals, Domestic
- Cats
- Dogs
- Europe / epidemiology
- Horses
- Insecticides / poisoning
- Poison Control Centers / organization & administration
- Poisoning / epidemiology
- Poisoning / veterinary
- Rodenticides / poisoning
Citations
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