Poisoning in domestic cats in Brazil: toxicants, clinical signs, and therapeutic approaches

M.P.B Jardim,G.C Cid,H.J.M Souza,L.F Farias

doi:10.1590/1678-4162-11856

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the most common toxic agents affecting domestic cats, the clinical signs of toxicity, and the therapeutic approaches for recovery. A survey on poisoning in cats was conducted among small animal veterinary practitioners from 2017 to 2018. Of the 748 completed questionnaires, 543 (72.6%) were evaluated. Pesticides and household cleaning supplies were the most common causes of poisoning in cats. The toxicant groups included pesticides and household cleaning supplies (organophosphates), human drugs (acetaminophen), plants/plant derivatives (lily), and veterinary drugs (tramadol). The major clinical signs for these four groups of toxicants were (1) acetaminophen poisoning, which caused oxidative erythrocyte damage; (2) muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic syndrome, which resulted from organophosphate poisoning; (3) acute kidney injury, which resulted from intoxication of lily; and (4) serotonin syndrome, which resulted from tramadol toxicosis. Interventions for treating poisoning in cats were based on the clinical presentation of animals. In the present study, the significant toxins identified to be dangerous for cats were characterized using the obtained data in Brazil as well as the main associated clinical signs and therapy recommended by veterinarians.

Highlights

Intoxication is an impaired condition caused by the synergy of a toxic agent with a biological system (Nogueira, 2012)
This study evaluated the most common toxic agents affecting domestic cats, the clinical signs of toxicity, and the therapeutic approaches for recovery
The major clinical signs for these four groups of toxicants were (1) acetaminophen poisoning, which caused oxidative erythrocyte damage; (2) muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic syndrome, which resulted from organophosphate poisoning; (3) acute kidney injury, which resulted from intoxication of lily; and (4) serotonin syndrome, which resulted from tramadol toxicosis

Summary

Introduction

Intoxication is an impaired condition caused by the synergy of a toxic agent with a biological system (Nogueira, 2012). Domestic cats are popular pets who best fit the modern lifestyle. These animals have peculiarities specific to the species that may readily predispose them to poisoning. The susceptibility of their red blood cells to oxidative injuries and reduced liver capacity in certain metabolic processes, those associated with a deficiency of the glucuronyl transferase family enzymes, are the primary characteristics that make domestic feline predisposed to harmful insults (Anjos and Brito, 2009; Court, 2013). The behavioral characteristics of cats, such as intensive hunting, investigative behavior that leads to crawling underthings, and their habit of licking their fur, may lead to increased exposure to toxins (Grave and Boag, 2010)

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Discussion

Conclusion