Abstract
We examined 66 cats with salinomycin intoxication. Salinomycin caused different LMN signs of varying degrees of severity in all cases. Changes in blood work were unspecific, with the most frequent being increased serum creatine kinase activity, leukocytosis, and increased liver enzymes. Pathological electrodiagnostic findings: fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves were detected in 10 cases, motor nerve conductance velocity was mildly decreased in 8/12 cats, and sensory nerve conductance velocity and repetitive nerve stimulation were normal in all examined cases. In five cases the peripheral neuropathy was confirmed by pathohistology. Fluid therapy and supportive care were used as therapy and 52 cats recovered completely. The probability for complete remission was significantly different between mildly and severely affected cases. It seems that the severity of clinical signs and prognosis correlate well with the amount of toxin ingested. We conclude that early recognition and decontamination combined with supportive care results in complete recovery.
Highlights
In spring 1996 there was an outbreak of salinomycin-related neurological dysfunction in cats in the Netherlands and Switzerland
Epidemiological information on the affected cats indicated that this outbreak was related to the feeding of two brands of dry food from one manufacturer and was caused by contamination of the food with the coccidiostatic drug salinomycin
Ionophores can cause toxicosis in nontarget species, it has been reported in sheep
Summary
In spring 1996 there was an outbreak of salinomycin-related neurological dysfunction in cats in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Epidemiological information on the affected cats indicated that this outbreak was related to the feeding of two brands of dry food from one manufacturer and was caused by contamination of the food with the coccidiostatic drug salinomycin. Salinomycin is a monovalent ionophore and is used as a coccidiostatic drug in poultry and as a growth promoter in chickens, pigs, and cattle. Ionophores can cause toxicosis in nontarget species, it has been reported in sheep [1], pigs [2], horses [3, 4], dogs [5], and cats [6]. The clinicopathological changes most often reported include RBC fragility, electrolyte disturbances, CK elevation, and myoglobinuria. Pathological changes are found in the myocardium, skeletal muscle, and peripheral nerves [8]
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