Page 603 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

27 – THE CAT WITH SALIVATION 595

Atropine IV (0.25–0.5 mg/kg) repeated to effect can be Diagnosis
given S/C once stabilized. Do not over-atropinize.
History of exposure, clinical signs.
Diazepam (1 mg/kg IV) repeated to effect to control
No definitive diagnostic clinical test available to
seizures.
date.
Muscle fasciculations can be controlled with diphenhy-
dramine (2–4 mg/kg PO q 8 h).
Differential diagnosis
2-PAM (20 mg/kg IM or IV) is effective against con-
Organophosphate/carbamate toxicity – blood choline-
firmed OP toxicity if given in the first 24 hours.
sterase level low.
Repeat 8 hourly until stable. Can be given with
atropine. Do not use in carbamate toxicity.
Treatment
Prevent further absorption – wash cat with hair sham-
poo, and give activated charcoal PO. Diazepam (0.2 mg/kg IV) to effect to control tremors
or seizures.
Diphenhydramine is used to treat delayed neuropathy
(2–4 mg/kg PO q 8 h). Phenobarbital IV if not controlled with phenobarbital
add pentobarbital IV. NB Phenobarbital is an anticon-
Prognosis vulsant where pentobarbital stops muscular activity.
Pentobarbital is associated with paddling on recovery,
Generally good with treatment. which can be difficult to distinguish from seizure activ-
ity, and makes it less suitable for acute seizure control.
PYRETHRIN AND PYRETHROID TOXICITY Wash cat to reduce further absorption.
Recovery usually in 1–4 days.
Classical signs
Small doses of atropine (0.01–0.02 mg/kg IV, IM, SC
● Ptyalism.
q 6–8 h) can be used to control salivation. (Do not
● Tremors, ataxia, seizures.
over-atropinise.)
● Depression or hyperexcitability.
● Vomiting, diarrhea. IV fluids, O , ventilation in severely affected cases.
2
Pathogenesis ACETAMINOPHEN (PARACETAMOL)
TOXICITY
Popular insecticide for use on cats.
Slows the closing of the sodium ion gate in nerve cells Classical signs
resulting in repetitive discharges or membrane depolar-
● Ptyalism.
ization.
● Pale, blue-tinged mucous membranes.
Extremely bitter taste of topically-applied pyrethroids. ● Facial edema, respiratory distress.
● Anorexia, vomiting.
● Hemoglobinuria.
Clinical signs

Ptyalism, tremors, ataxia, seizures.
Occasionally dyspnea and coma occurs. Pathogenesis
Hyperthermia, vomiting and diarrhea can occur. Acetaminophen is widely used as an antipyretic and
analgesic in human medicine.
Rapid onset of signs post exposure (within a few
hours). Most common drug-induced toxicosis in the cat.