Animals in a coma?

djfishygillz

Avid Member
Sorry I am pretty sure I spelled that wrong but is it possible for animals (mammals) to go into a coma like it is with people?

If so what about reptiles?
 
I know all mammals can for sure.
I would thing any animal that uses insulin can potentiality go into a diabetic coma.
So if reptiles produce insulin then yes a coma is a thing that could happen...

Since animal diets are different that ours and more "natural", it's way less likely to happen, seeing as most animals do not stuff their face with white sugar. But it could be more predominant amongst animals that live off our garbage? Just a personal thought.
In these cases, the animal would most likely die, unless treated ASAP.

as far as a coma from something else, I have no idea
 
Sorry I am pretty sure I spelled that wrong but is it possible for animals (mammals) to go into a coma like it is with people?

If so what about reptiles?

Of course they could. The definition of "coma" is really just an extreme level of unresponsiveness triggered by severe trauma or illness. There are many levels too. On one end of the spectrum it could be delayed reactions to something and on the other end is brain death. So any animal that has a brain could go in to a coma for a lot of different reasons.
 
Wow, that is a lot of info. Very good responses. I think I'm going to research a little more into the different kinds all together. I'm a psychology major almost with my bachelors degree and really havent read at all about it.
 
An interesting fact about someone mentioning insulin... even dogs and cats that become diabetic (mostly from poor care from their humans) can use human insulin. I once took care of a neighbor's diabetic cat and noticed its constant eating, low body weight, and excessive urination. Very much similar to symptoms in humans (not to mention MEAN!).

Not only insulin, but many drugs have a similar effect on other mammals as they do with humans. We really do share a lot of physiology, as we are rather closely related!

Obviously some drugs are dangerous for animals, but I am always fascinated about those that work across a broad spectrum of species!
 
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