Medicine Toxicity In Cats

Vet professionals can provide pet owners with ample amounts of information regarding pet health—it is suggested that pet owners have a close personal relationship with their vets. Vets state that pet owners should be more aware of acetaminophen and its use, and that it should not be administered to pets.

Acetaminophen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug commonly available in such human forms as Tylenol and Percoset. It is also used in various other cold and flu medications. Although acetaminophen is a safe drug for humans to take to relieve minor aches and pains, it is highly toxic to your cat! Even one pill can be a deadly dose for a cat. Vets tell us to never give Tylenol (or any other form of acetaminophen) to your cat! Naturally, as a pet owner, I have heard people state that they have given their animals, dogs and cats, medications which were meant for humans. I did not think anything of it at the time; however, now that I am aware of this information, I will be more inclined to give others my opinion regarding their use of human medicines for animals.

While some cats suffer from acetaminophen toxicity because they are given a pill, many cats may eat pills that are just lying around the bathroom. Some cats can even destroy the bottle the pills come in and get to the pills and ingest them this way. If you ever give your cat acetaminophen or even suspect that it has had access to it, take it to your vet immediately!

In cats, acetaminophen is metabolized to a toxic compound that produces free radicals which are harmful to the liver and red blood cells. Early signs of acetaminophen toxicity include vomiting, drooling, dullness, and discoloration of the gums to a brownish color. Within 24 hours your cat may experience convulsions, a swollen face and extremities, a coma, or sudden death. After about 24 hours toxic, liver failure occurs and signs will include yellowing of the mucous membranes and eyes, and a painful abdomen.

Treatment is possible if started within a few hours of ingestion. Treatment will usually consist of IV fluids, and the administering of charcoal to your cat to bind the excess drug. The veterinarian may also give her something to induce vomiting. Your cat will need to stay in the veterinary hospital for a few days. If liver failure has occurred, your vet will try to prevent any further damage to the liver. However, prognosis for a complete recovery is very poor in this case.

To prevent a possible toxicity in your cat, never administer any medications of any kind without previous instructions from your vet. If you are in doubt about whether a certain drug is safe for your cat, call your veterinarian's office and ask. Never just assume that a drug that is safe for you will be safe for your cat. Pet owners can take this good advice and apply it each day.

All pet owners should check with their vets for further information on their pets' general health; other important helpful points, in addition to those stated above, can be obtained from vet professionals who are used to seeing various kinds of pets and therefore, can provide assistance to pet owners.