Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Permethrin poisoning causing seizures and tremors in cats
By Dymond, N L & Swift, I M·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2008·nickdymond@hotmail.com·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Permethrin toxicity in cats: a retrospective study of 20 cases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 20 cats was treated for permethrin toxicity after accidental exposure to a flea control product. Symptoms included seizures, muscle twitching, and tremors. The cats received immediate treatment to remove the toxin and manage their symptoms, and 19 of them recovered well. Unfortunately, one kitten died due to a delay in treatment. After four months, the owners reported no long-term issues in the surviving cats.
People also search for: cat seizures after flea treatment · permethrin toxicity in cats · how to treat cat tremors · signs of poisoning in cats
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid widely used in flea control products for small animals. Accidental toxicity can occur with off-label usage, and cats are particularly susceptible. METHODS: Retrospective study of 20 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats treated at an emergency clinic in Brisbane, Queensland from October 2004 to June 2005. RESULTS: The diagnosis of permethrin toxicity was made on the basis of a history of exposure and characteristic clinical signs, including seizures, muscle fasciculations, and tremors. Decontamination and appropriate seizure or muscle fasciculation control were the basis of treatment. The outcome was good after rapid intervention and 19 of the 20 cats were successfully treated, with the only death occurring in a kitten for which treatment was delayed for 24 h. No long-term complications were reported by the cats' owners at 4-month follow-up after discharge from hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Owner education, together with more appropriate product labelling, may help eliminate this problem in the future.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498556/