Acetaminophen is a commonly used medicine that is well-known for its ability to reduce temperature and relieve pain. It is also often known by its brand name, Tylenol. It is a member of the pharmacological class that includes analgesics (which ease pain) and antipyretics (which lower fever). Millions of people worldwide rely on acetaminophen, which is widely accessible over-the-counter and a mainstay in medicine cabinets due to its quick relief from a variety of pains. The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen, which was first synthesized in the late 19th century, was not fully understood for decades. Acetaminophen’s principal mode of action is still being studied, in contrast to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen, which reduce inflammation. Nonetheless, it’s thought to prevent the brain from producing prostaglandins, which are molecules involved in the sense of pain and the response to fever.
Nevertheless, acetaminophen is quite dangerous for our feline friends. Cats’ metabolism of acetaminophen differs greatly from that of humans’, which could have deadly effects if consumed.
A particular enzyme called glucuronyl transferase, which is essential for safely breaking down acetaminophen, is absent from cats. Because of this, even tiny amounts of acetaminophen can overpower a cat’s restricted ability to absorb the medication, resulting in acute toxicity and perhaps irreversible harm to the kidneys, liver, and red blood cells. According to the National Library of Medicine website, there is no safe dose of acetaminophen for cats. The toxic dose is reported as 50 to 100 mg/kg bodyweight, but a dose as small as 10 mg/kg BW has produced signs of toxicity and death.
What are the signs and symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity in cats?
Cats who consume too much acetaminophen may experience a range of symptoms, many of which occur hours after intake. If these symptoms are not treated right once, they may worsen quickly and endanger life. Typical indicators of feline acetaminophen intoxication include:
- Vomiting: Products containing acetaminophen may cause cats to throw up quickly after they consume them.
- Breathing difficulties (dyspnea): Red blood cell destruction and consequent oxygen deprivation can cause respiratory distress, including fast or laborious breathing.
- Lethargy: Cats may exhibit exceptionally low energy levels, a reluctance to move or socialize, and a lethargic or weak demeanor.
- Gums that are brown or blue (cyanosis): Cyanosis is a significant indication of acetaminophen toxicity and can be characterized by a bluish or brownish staining of the mucous membranes.
- Swollen face or paws: Tissue damage and inflammation can cause facial swelling, which is most common around the eyes, snout, and paws.
- Jaundice: A common consequence of acetaminophen intoxication, jaundice is defined as yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes (sclera).
- Elevated heart rate (tachycardia) or irregular heart rhythms: The effects of acetaminophen poisoning on the cardiovascular system can lead to cardiac abnormalities.
- Cats who suffer from severe cases of organ failure or significant metabolic abnormalities may collapse or go into a comatose condition.
In case cat owners suspect their feline has consumed acetaminophen or is displaying any of the previously stated indications or symptoms, they must promptly seek veterinary attention. Cat acetaminophen poisoning is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away to reduce the chance of fatal consequences or other significant side effects.
What are the treatments for your cats who are experiencing acetaminophen toxicity?
Cats who have acetaminophen toxicity are usually treated with a series of measures that include supportive care, toxin removal from the body, and condition stabilization. When a cat becomes toxic to acetaminophen, popular treatments include:
- Decontamination: If the cat was ingested lately and was taken to the vet right once, decontamination procedures can be started. In order to absorb any leftover acetaminophen in the gastrointestinal system and stop further absorption into the bloodstream, this may involve producing vomiting or giving activated charcoal.
- Antidote administration: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medication that is frequently used to treat acetaminophen toxicity in humans. Although less common in veterinary medicine, under veterinarian supervision, it can be taken into consideration in extreme instances. NAC’s safety and efficacy in cats are still being studied, therefore using it should be under a veterinarian’s guidance.
- Supportive treatment: In order to treat symptoms and complications, cats with acetaminophen poisoning frequently need supportive care. This could involve oxygen therapy to relieve respiratory distress, intravenous fluids to sustain renal function and maintain hydration, and drugs to control pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.
- Monitoring and treating side effects: Cats who overdose on acetaminophen may experience side effects such renal damage, liver failure, or methemoglobinemia, which is an aberrant hemoglobin type. For the purpose of quickly identifying and treating these issues, close observation of vital signs, blood tests, and other diagnostic assessments could be required.
- Hospitalization: Cats with severe illnesses may need to stay in a hospital for close observation and specialized care. Critically ill cats can receive round-the-clock treatment and support in veterinary intensive care units.
For several weeks, the majority of cats will require medicine to protect their liver while they are at home. Most of the time, once the cat is released home, liver enzyme levels are checked for liver damage. Medication and observation could last for a few days or weeks, depending on the cat’s condition. After recovering from acetaminophen poisoning, cats may experience long-term liver dysfunction due to liver damage and the associated scarring.
