ABSTRACT
See also Chapter 5 (Toxicological emergencies) for information on poisonous plants.
OVERVIEW Inquisitive animals are liable to come across others that would rather be left alone (165). Snakes, spiders, scorpions, bees, wasps, and so on, even if not of naturally aggressive species, will strike out in self-defence. Bee stings are more common during warm weather when the insects are active. Spiders and scorpions are more usually encountered in the fall and winter when they move indoors in response to cooler weather. Sick animals frequently present with no known history of a sting or bite. Instead, they present for clinical signs associated with an allergic reaction. Severity of these signs will depend upon the type of venom, location and number of the stings or bites, and sensitivity of the patient.
