Effect of the moon on emergency room visits
The effect of the lunar cycle on animal and human medical conditions has always been a source of interest and debate. A university veterinary medical center studied the frequency of canine and feline emergency visits with respect to the lunar cycle. Emergencies were classified as animal bite, cardiac arrest, epilepsy, ophthalmic, gastic dilatation-volvulus, trauma, multiple diseases, neoplasia, or toxicosis. The lunar cycle was classified into eight phases, ranging from new moon to full moon to waning crescent moon, and lasted 29.5 days. The results of the study revealed that the number of emergencies on full moon days was not significantly different from nonfull moon days for either dogs or cats. However, significant differences existed in the number of emergencies for both animals observed on fuller moon days (waxing gibbous, full moon, and waning gibbous phases) compared with other days. The risk was 28% greater in dogs and 23% greater in cats. – Veterinary Medicine February 2008