Prevalência de casos de intoxicação devido ao uso de medicamentos sem prescrisção em cães e gatos atendidos no hospital veterinário “Francisco Edilberto Uchôa Lopes” da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA

Abstract

Drug poisoning due to over-the-counter use is common in dog and cat clinics. Administering medications without a prescription can harm the animal's health and hinder the veterinarian's work, as it can hinder the diagnosis of diseases. This study aims to assess the prevalence of cases of poisoning in dogs and cats due to the use of over-the-counter medications. These cases were treated at the Francisco Edilberto Uchôa Lopes University Veterinary Hospital at the Maranhão State University (UEMA). Data collection was conducted through clinical records from January 2019 to February 2020, involving patients treated at the HVU (UEMA) with diagnoses of drug poisoning. Forty-two cases of drug poisoning were treated; 57% (n=24) involved dogs and 43% (n=18) involved cats. The most affected dog breeds were mixed breeds (MSD), Shih Tzu, Poodle, Pinscher, German Shepherd, and Yorkshire Terrier. All cats treated were MSDs. The medications associated with poisoning cases were NSAIDs (43% (n=18), antiparasitics (31% (n=13), antibiotics (21% (n=9), and others (5% (n=2). The results show that actions are needed to clarify the risk of indiscriminate medication use by pet owners.