Examining an animal’s environment and lifestyle It can be frustrating not having an answer that allows for specific treatment, but if a medical cause is identified, it usually either carries a poor prognosis or is expensive to fix. The cause of pica in a particular animal can be difficult to identify. If an abnormality is found, the best course is to treat for that abnormality and see if the pica improves. Describing all the diagnostic options could fill a chapter in a textbook. Of course, if abnormalities are noted, further testing may be needed. X-rays may also be warranted if there is concern about a GI obstruction and to rule out other potential causes of pica. Typically, this involves checking folate and cobalamin levels and doing a TLI (trypsin-like immunoreactivity) test to check for pancreatic function. Depending on the signs your animal is showing, more specific blood work, to see if the GI tract is perhaps not absorbing nutrients, may be required. Along with a complete physical exam, this should include a fecal examination to check for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and blood work to look for conditions such as anemia, liver disease, diabetes or pancreatic disease.
If you think your pet has pica, a thorough medical work-up is recommended. Diagnosing pica by visiting a veterinarian
Pica can also be a symptom of rabies vaccinosis (adverse reactions to rabies vaccination or over-vaccination). Some medications such as steroids may cause pica. Side Effects Of Medication Or Vaccination
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