How Much Baby Aspirin Can I Give My Cat
What is aspirin? 
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) is a common over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to care for fever, pain and inflammation. Aspirin may besides exist used to prevent the formation of blood clots. In some cases, aspirin may exist prescribed to subtract the likelihood of claret clots in cats. It is very important to carefully follow directions when using aspirin in cats, in society to avert poisoning. Aspirin may be the only ingredient in a medication or be part of a combination product containing other medications such as acetaminophen, opioids, antihistamines, decongestants, and/or caffeine.
Aspirin is only one compound in a grouping of chemicals called salicylates. All salicylates accept the potential to crusade toxicity. These chemicals may be found in a wide range of products including pain medications, Pepto-Bismol, wintergreen oil, sunscreen, lip balms, hair and skin care products, toothpaste, wart removers and pain creams. The take a chance for poisoning depends upon the blazon of salicylate and the amount to which the pet was exposed.
What is aspirin poisoning?
Aspirin and other salicylate-containing products are oftentimes constitute in homes with cats. Poisoning may happen when pets accidentally get into these products and ingest as well large of a dose. In some cases, owners may administer aspirin or other salicylates to treat their true cat's pain or gastrointestinal upset prior to consulting a veterinarian. Aspirin poisoning may occur from a single dose or repeated dosing.
Previously existing medical conditions such every bit clotting disorders, kidney disease or liver affliction may increase the risk of poisoning. Cats that are already taking steroids or other NSAIDs besides accept a higher run a risk of poisoning.
What causes aspirin poisoning?
Aspirin, and other NSAIDs, human activity by blocking certain chemic processes in the body that cause inflammation. Unfortunately, these chemical processes are also of import in maintaining normal gastrointestinal, kidney, and blood clotting functions. Cats are particularly sensitive to aspirin and salicylates. Cats have fewer functional cellular pathways to metabolize certain types of drugs, including aspirin. This means they accept significantly longer to eliminate salicylates from their bodies than humans or dogs. Since cats are not able to metabolize aspirin efficiently, they are more vulnerable to poisoning.
What are the signs of aspirin poisoning?
Cats may initially prove no signs of aspirin poisoning. Signs tin can vary depending upon the dose and product to which the cat was exposed. The most common side effect of aspirin/salicylate exposure is gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration (bleeding into the tummy/intestines). Additional signs related to the gastrointestinal tract such as a decreased appetite, intestinal pain, vomiting (peradventure with blood), diarrhea, and night tarry stools, tin can also occur. If bleeding into the gut occurs, pale gums, weakness, or depression may be seen. High doses of aspirin can result in damage to other organs and more serious signs such as an increased respiratory rate (due to the blood condign too acidic), loftier torso temperature (from cellular damage), a wobbly gait, tremors, seizures, blackout, decreased claret clotting, liver or kidney harm, and even death.
If you doubtable your pet ingested whatsoever form of aspirin/salicylates, information technology is of import to contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison command center, at i-800-213-6680 right away to help determine the risk of poisoning to your pet.
How is aspirin poisoning diagnosed? 
Most cases are diagnosed in pets that have the expected signs and a known or suspected exposure to aspirin. Blood work is necessary to evaluate the kidneys, liver, electrolytes, and blood cell counts. Radiographs (10-rays) of the breast can identify lung disorders secondary to aspirin poisoning. Tests to assess the pet's blood clotting ability or acidity levels may likewise exist performed.
Salicylate levels in the blood can be measured at a human hospital or specialized veterinarian diagnostic laboratory. Testing for salicylate levels is not common. The results may not exist returned apace and finding a laboratory to run the testing for animals may be difficult. Since the results may be delayed, treatment is oftentimes started without testing if poisoning is suspected.
How is aspirin poisoning treated?
There is no antidote for aspirin poisoning merely early decontamination and handling decrease the risk for serious impairment. If aspirin ingestion occurred within a few hours of treatment, the veterinarian may induce vomiting. Inducing vomiting at home in cats should never be attempted because it may crusade severe harm to the stomach lining. Once airsickness is controlled, activated charcoal may be administered. This can decrease assimilation of aspirin by the gastrointestinal tract. Activated charcoal should only be administered by a veterinarian. Otherwise, aspiration into the lungs and life-threatening changes in blood sodium levels may occur. Antacids, anti-nausea medications and stomach protectants are ordinarily administered.
Early decontamination and treatment subtract the adventure for serious impairment. If aspirin ingestion occurred within a few hours of treatment, your veterinarian may induce airsickness. (Inducing airsickness at home should never exist attempted in cats, considering information technology may cause severe damage to the tum lining.) Once vomiting is controlled, activated charcoal may be administered, to subtract assimilation of aspirin by the alimentary canal. Activated charcoal should only be administered by a veterinarian. Otherwise, aspiration into the lungs and life-threatening changes in claret sodium levels may occur. Antacids, anti-nausea medications and stomach protectants are commonly administered.
Depending upon the dose ingested, hospitalized care may exist needed. Fluids may be administered nether the skin or intravenously. Cats developing more serious signs may require intensive therapy as they have an increased risk for long term effects or death. Blood work to monitor the liver and kidney function every bit well as the red claret cell count may be performed. Pets that develop a low ruby-red blood cell count (anemia) or difficulty breathing may require oxygen supplementation or a blood transfusion. Liver protectants, muscle relaxants, and medications to control seizures may be necessary.
What intendance will my cat require later on handling?
In almost cases of aspirin/salicylate poisoning, tummy protectants and a bland diet will be recommended for several days following exposure. Cats with exposure to higher doses, or with chronic exposure, may require monitoring for liver or kidney damage even subsequently they are discharged. If kidney damage occurs, fluids under the pare may need to be continued at habitation. Cats that have liver impairment will oftentimes be on liver protectants. Depending upon the true cat's status, medications and monitoring may be continued for several days to months. In some cases, liver or kidney damage may compromise long-term function in cats who have recovered from aspirin toxicity.
Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/aspirin-poisoning-in-cats
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