Aspirin Toxicity in Cats
Aspirin has many health benefits for both people and pets. It is used for common conditions associated to inflammation and blood clotting, and for its pain-relieving properties. However, aspirin can be dangerous to cats as they are not able to break down the drug efficiently. It is therefore not advisable to give your cat any aspirin before you consult a veterinarian.
Signs
Cats suffering from aspirin toxicity often get sick fast. The most common symptom of aspirin toxicity in cats is loss of appetite. You might also notice fever, lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting. The diarrhea or vomit might have red or brown blood spots. When the central nervous system is affected, your cat may have difficulty walking and may appear weak. Giving the cat the right dosage can still cause the onset of some of these symptoms and hence it is important to consult a vet before administering the drug.
Diagnosis
If your cat has swallowed aspirin and is showing signs of toxicity, you need to contact your local veterinarian immediately. The vet may recommend tests to check the levels of toxicity. In case your local vet is not available, please contact a reliable emergency clinic to get guidance on how to deal with the problem.
Treatment
The cat should get treatment within 12 hours after ingesting the aspirin. Your veterinarian might induce vomiting to reduce some of the aspirin in the body. By pumping the stomach or inducing vomit, the vet will remove a large amount of aspirin from the body. After vomiting, the vet may offer activated charcoal to absorb any remaining aspirin.
When the toxicity levels are too high, hospitalization might be necessary. The vet will perform a series of blood tests and may recommend injection of body fluids until the cat returns back to its health. Additionally, the vet will prescribe medications to encourage faster healing after your cat returns home from hospital.
Prevention
The only way to prevent your pets from suffering from aspirin toxicity is to ensure you keep all drugs away from pets. If your vet has prescribed aspirin for your cat, ensure you use the right dosage and carefully monitor your cat for any adverse symptoms.
Conclusion
Once you determine that your cat is suffering from aspirin toxicity, your vet will start treatment immediately and provide the necessary supportive care. He might recommend hospitalization for additional blood tests if your cat’s condition is severe.
References: Pet Health Network, Petmd, VCA Hospitals
