1. If your pet ingests contraceptive pills, contact your veterinarian.
  2. Your veterinarian may instruct you to induce vomiting, however, do not induce vomiting unless instructed to.
  3. Bring the packet (including the foil packaging which may have been chewed), label and or package insert, as this is helpful in determining the number of active and inactive pills your pet may have ingested, as well as the potential dose they were exposed to.

TOXICITY

MILD

CLINICAL SIGNS

Vomiting and/or diarrhoea may occur within hours of ingestion, but some effects may be delayed for days to weeks.

Acute toxicity:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Delayed effects:

  • Pale gums
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Inappetence
  • Disruption of the oestrus cycle

EFFECTS OF TOXICITY

High levels of oestrogens may damage blood cells, leading to anaemia.

TREATMENT

Veterinary care typically involves decontamination (including gastric lavage if a large number of pills were ingested) and serial blood tests to determine if there is any damage to blood cells.

REFERENCES

BSAVA (2012) BSAVA/VPIS Guide to Common Canine and Feline Poisons. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Rocca G, Conti MB &Fuccelli A (2008). Indoor poisoning in domestic animals. 1: antidepressant drug intoxication, beta-agonists and birth control pills. Bolletino AIVPA 3:17-28.