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Treatment

Cats treated within 12 hours of ingestion, and which are presenting limited signs of distress, can have the concentration of aspirin in the body decreased through a prescribed treatment of decontamination. The sooner this care begins, the better. Your veterinarian may recommend that you decrease the amount of aspirin in the body by inducing vomiting at home before coming to the clinic, or the vomiting may be induce in the clinic. By inducing vomiting, or pumping the stomach (gastric lavage), your veterinarian will be able to remove as much aspirin as possible, lowering the chances of permanent injury. Activated charcoal may be given after vomiting to absorb some of the remaining aspirin.

Medications to encourage healing, or to protect the gastrointestinal lining are also generally prescribed. Depending on your cat's status, fluids and other supportive treatments may also be necessary. Hospitalization and repeated blood analysis will often be standard until your cat is stable.

Living and Management

Aspirin has several clinical uses. It can be prescribed as a pain reliever, an anti-inflammatory, an anti-platelet blood thinning agent, and for lowering an abnormal body temperature. If aspirin is being used for a chronic condition, such as for preventing a blockage of the blood vessel (arterial thromboembolism), it is important to follow your veterinarian’s directions. Reducing or discontinuing the aspirin dosage may be necessary if your pet is showing a susceptibility to toxicity.