Skip to main content

Paracetamol toxicity in cats

By Pet Labs

For us, cats are part of our extended family with whom we share our love and even our home! But, not everything we do as humans can be shared with them. For example is giving paracetamol to cats. This is not an uncommon case that we encounter as vets, as cat owners attempt to treat their cats for pain or fever without first consulting a veterinarian

Cats face a greater risk with a single dose of paracetamol than dogs do
Parecetomol, in the human body is broken down to non toxic substances by the glucoronide pathway in the liver. Cats inherently lack this pathway making them vulnerable to acetaminophen toxicity

Signs of toxicity may be seen 1- 4 hrs or sometimes 24 hours after ingestion of acetaminophen. The cats may experience rapid breathing, depression, drooling, swelling of the face and paws, dark urine and muddy gums. Sometimes the first sign of acetaminophen toxicity is death
Cats with paracetamol ingestion is definitely an emergency. Prompt veterinary treatment is essential to the recovery of the patient
Depending on the stage of responsiveness of the cat, the veterinarian will decide on whether to induce vomiting or whether immediate antidotes are necessary to reverse the toxicity. Fluid therapy is initiated to maintain proper electrolyte balance for hydration. Once the cat has been stabilized it's important to have the cat checked its CBC and liver profiles routinely for any dysfunction

With acetaminophen toxicity prevention is key. In case you find a cat who has been ingested with paracetamol, DO NOT WAIT. IMMEDIATE veterinary care is a must

Email: petlabsconsultancy@gmail.com 

Image downloaded from Pinterest 
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What took me to the UN

By Pet Labs
I was invited to the United Nations' International Labour Organization for a consultative meeting with the stakeholders of the entrepreneurial system to conduct a start-up ecosystem mapping for the first time in Sri Lanka on the 17th of January 2025 This is my first time to even go to the United Nations and I'm grateful that I was invited. In my invitation it mentioned that I was invited for the potential that I showcased as a young entrepreneur  There were only four young entrepreneurs who were invited while the rest was about 50 other massive stakeholders and entrepreneurs themselves But, what exactly made me to the UN? I was pondering about the "potential" and yes, I think I figured out  1. social impact : aligns with 10 SDGs of UN From healing pets to creating industries, employment and promoting innovation, my work expands in the most sustainable ways 2. health impact : promotes longevity and sustainability of pets directly and human beings indirectl...
Post a Comment
Read more

About the author and the blog (as of 2025 January)

By Pet Labs
The most common questions that I get asked by pet parents are what to feed their pets? Which food is the best for my pet? Is it necessary to give supplements? Which supplements are the best for my pet?  About me I'm Dr Romela Salgado, a Veterinarian,  Veterinary Nutritionist and a formulation scientist in pet food and pet supplements. I'm registered with the Sri Lanka Veterinary Council to practice and have years of experience in companion animal clinical medicine since 2018. I'm a national award winning veterinarian innovative serial entrepreneur My mission is to heal pets through food and help pets live longer without medication. I also love to empower pet parents in their pet's journey to longevity  About the blog Through this blog I aim to help pet owners rely on sustainable pet care. Pet care comes in different ways and what's focused in my blog is to care for pets with the least amount of medication while the pet owners adhere to non invasive therapies when po...
Post a Comment
Read more

Leptospirosis as a zoonosis

By Pet Labs
Leptospirosis awareness A timely topic as there's a Leptospirosis outbreak in the Northern province of Sri Lanka. I see a gap in the level of awareness on prevention and transmission regarding this topic although there are plenty of sources to explain the symptoms of the disease. It's vital to raise awareness on prevention of spread of the disease among the non-infected at a same level as of the attempts to cure the already infected individuas! Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease - a disease that is transmitted to humans via animals Leptospirosis, also known as "මී උණ" in Sinhala is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira The carrier of the disease is rodents such as rats, mice and even squirrels The carriers can transmit Leptospira bacteria to most of the mammals such as humans, dogs, cats, cattle, horses, wild animals and marine mammals How does the bacteria enter into an individual? There are several ways by which the bacter...
Post a Comment
Read more