Page 292 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

284 PART 5 CAT WITH ACUTE ILLNESS

bromethalin, lead, methaldehyde, strychnine, organo- sion). Chlorpyrifos may cause a delayed toxicosis
phosphates, carbamates, organochlorines, pyrethrins, characterized by cervical ventroflexion and marked
pyrethroids), page 833 (The Cat With Stupor or Coma for hind limb ataxia.
lead), page 850 (The Cat With a Head Tilt, Vestibular ● Pyrethrins, pyrethroids (phenothrin, etofenprox,
Ataxia or Nystagmus for blue-tailed lizard), page 861 and especially permethrin) and rotenone: signs
(The Cat With Tremor or Twitching for hexachlorophene, include hypersalivation, vomiting and agitation from
organophosphate) and pages 947, 950 (The Cat With oral irritation and tremors, ataxia, and seizures from
Generalized Weakness for OP, snakes, spiders, ticks). systemic toxicoses.
● Organochlorines (e.g. lindane): signs include
ataxia, tremors and seizures.
Clinical signs
Slug and snail bait.
Acute depression and anorexia are signs of most poi- ● Metaldehyde: signs include hypersalivation, vom-
sonings and envenomations and are not listed with every iting, diarrhea, tachycardia, polypnea, mydriasis,
poison below. Other common signs include hypersaliva- ataxia, excitability, hyperesthesia and marked mus-
tion, vomiting, diarrhea, polypnea, arrhythmias, pale cle tremors progressing to convulsions, with result-
mucous membranes, hypothermia, tremors (which may ant hyperthermia.
cause hyperthermia), excitability, agitation and other
Analgesics.
behavior changes, seizures, and generalized weakness.
● Acetaminophen: signs include depression,
Rodenticides. anorexia, salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain,
● Anticoagulants: signs include pale mucous mem- polypnea, dark mucous membranes, edema of the
branes and signs referable to localized bleeding. face and paws, and dark discolored urine. See page
Acute depression may be the only initial sign of 595, The Cat With Salivation.
internal bleeding, occurring prior to pale mucous ● Aspirin: signs include hematemesis, melena,
membranes. See page 522, The Bleeding Cat. polypnea and fever.
● Cholecalciferol: signs include vomiting, diarrhea ● Ibuprofen and other non-selective NSAIDs: signs
and polydipsia. include depression, hematemesis, melena, diarrhea,
● Bromethalin: signs include mydriasis, paresis, abdominal pain, polydipsia (renal failure), and
tremors, hyperthermia, excitability and seizures. seizures and coma with very high doses.
● Strychnine: signs include muscle stiffness, extensor
Plants (partial list).
rigidity and opisthotonus, and tetanic seizures that may
● Lilies: signs are described in a separate heading below.
be initiated by physical, visual or auditory stimulation.
● Marijuana: signs include acute depression, ataxia,
Anthelmintics. hypothermia and polyphagia.
● Ivermectin: signs include tremors, abnormal ● Azaleas and oleander: signs include arrhyth-
behavior, ataxia, blindness, bradycardia, hypother- mias, shock and acute heart failure.
mia, seizures and coma. ● Daffodils: signs include vomiting, hypothermia,
● Piperazine: signs include weakness, tremors, hypotension and bradycardia.
ataxia, behavior changes, seizures and vomiting and ● Many other plants result in oropharyngeal and gas-
diarrhea. trointestinal irritation. English ivy (Hedera helix)
and Cyclamen species may cause severe, poten-
Insecticides.
tially life-threatening, vomiting (including
● Organophosphates and carbamates: signs vari-
hematemesis) and diarrhea.
ably include systemic parasympathetic (mus-
● Pine (water in Christmas tree reservoir): signs
carinic) signs (salivation, lacrimation, urination,
include vomiting, abdominal pain and icterus.
defecation, miosis, dyspnea, bradycardia); sympa-
thetic (ganglionic) signs (tachycardia, mydriasis); Heavy metals.
neuromuscular (nicotinic) signs (muscle stiffness, ● Lead: Anorexia may be the only sign. Other signs
tremors, weakness, paralysis); and CNS choliner- include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
gic signs (hyperactivity, seizures, marked depres- excitability, seizures and blindness.