Toxicity
Overview
- Paracetamol is toxic to both cats and dogs, although cats are more susceptible to paracetamol poisoning because they have a deficiency of liver enzymes that can cope with the drug, and feline haemoglobin is more susceptible to oxidative damage. In dogs, much higher doses of the product are needed to induce toxicity. Toxicity can cause severe kidney and liver failure in both animals.
- Acetaminophen can cause a decrease in the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia). Liver damage may also occur. Red blood cell changes can occur within 4-12 hours. Cats may become depressed or weak, with rapid breathing, a high heart rate, panting, abdominal pain, vomiting or drooling.
Clinical signs
- For both cats and dogs, symptoms of poisoning generally begin within hours of ingestion. They include depression (progressive), vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-coloured urine. Cats may also present with lack of appetite, drooling, blood in the urine, brown or blue mucous membranes with difficulty breathing, dark chocolate-coloured blood and urine.
Treatment and control
- Paracetamol in toxic doses can most commonly cause problems with the liver. Treatment includes decontamination (trying to minimise absorption), intravenous fluids (to support the liver) and liver protection medications.