There are two veterinary emergency hospitals in Hillsborough County. If you are having a life or death emergency with your pet, finding the closest to your home is a good idea. Veterinary Emergency Group and Blue Pearl Service accept emergencies and are two that we recommend, on a case by case basis:
The Top 5 Feline Winter Toxins
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During the winter, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center sees an increase in certain toxicants. During the holiday seasons, there seems to be more antidepressant ingestions by cats. The following covers the most common feline winter toxins, and the best treatment methods.
The top 5 feline poisons seen more during the winter are:
- Effexor (SSRI antidepressants)
- Lilies (Lilium & Hemerocallis)
- Liquid potpourri
- Glo jewlrey
- Household cleaners
SSRI ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Common SSRI antidepressant
- Some weird odor in capsule that attracts cats
- Even one pill is toxic
- Clinical signs of “serotonin syndrome – tachycardia, hypertension, mydriasis, tremors, seizures
LILIES
Poisonous lilies:
- Easter lily
- Tiger lily
- Day lily
- Stargazer lily
- Oriental
- Wood
- Red
- Asiatic
Signs of lily toxicosis include anorexia, vomiting, and depression.
LIQUID POTPOURRI
Includes Essential oils and cationic detergent. In case of ingestion, flush out mouth and contact your veterinarian immediately.
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
Bleaches and cleaners can be toxic to your cat.
REMEMBER: when in doubt, contact us or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
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