Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and treatment of permethrin poisoning in cats
By Boland, Lara A & Angles, John M·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2010·Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline permethrin toxicity: retrospective study of 42 cases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats was treated for serious symptoms after being exposed to permethrin, a chemical found in some dog flea treatments. Many of these cats showed signs like tremors, seizures, and even temporary blindness after the product was applied. Treatment included removing the chemical from their systems and providing supportive care, but some cats faced complications like respiratory issues and hypothermia. Unfortunately, one cat had to be euthanized due to the severity of its condition. This situation highlights the dangers of using dog flea products on cats, which can lead to life-threatening toxicity.
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Abstract
Forty-two cases of feline permethrin toxicity treated at a referral hospital in Sydney, Australia were retrospectively reviewed. In most cases canine permethrin spot-on (PSO) flea products had been directly applied to affected cats. Most presented during summer and there was an increase in cases during the 2007/2008 period. Clinical signs included; tremors/muscle fasciculations (86%), twitches (41%), hyperaesthesia (41%), seizures (33%), pyrexia (29%), ptyalism (24%), ataxia (24%), mydriasis (19%) and temporary blindness (12%). Treatment involved decontamination, anticonvulsants and supportive care. Methocarbamol was not used. Complications occurred in 33% of cats and included: hypothermia (29%), electrolyte abnormalities (26%), aspiration pneumonia (12%), hypoproteinaemia (12%), anaemia (5%), apnoea (7%), respiratory arrest (5%), cardiorespiratory arrest (2%), pleural effusion (2%), urinary tract infection (2%) and corneal ulceration (2%). One cat was euthanased. Feline permethrin toxicity may result in severe clinical signs requiring intensive treatment. Despite prominent label warnings, cases of feline permethrin toxicity continue to occur in Australia and may be fatal.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19897392/