Description
This article is from the Pet Owner's Guide
to Common Small Animal Poisons, by Julie Dahlke, DVM, a
graduate of the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary
Medicine.
Drugs: Acetaminophen (Tylenol(tm)) - XXX
Tylenol is, of course, the human over-the-counter analgesic medicine
used to relieve pain. In people, after the pills are taken, the
ingredients are broken down in the body by enzymes in the liver. In
people, Tylenol is generally a safe and useful painkiller. Cats,
however, have less of the enzyme required to detoxify the drug
following ingestion. As a result, there are many dangerous
metabolites, or break-down products of acetaminophen that bind to red
blood cells and other tissue cells, resulting in the destruction of
these cells. There may also be direct damage to tissue cells from the
painkiller. As little as one regular strength tablet (325 mg) can
poison a cat to the degree that it can develop noticeable clinical
signs of illness. Two extra-strength tablets are likely to kill a
cat. Dogs (particularly small dogs) are also susceptible to
significant tissue damage from as little as two regular strength
Tylenol and repeated doses increase the risk significantly. Signs
develop quickly and can include salivation, vomiting, weakness and
abdominal pain.
Due to the significant toxicity to pets in relatively minimal dosages,
the recommendation is clear -- Tylenol should not be given to dogs or
cats. Other, safer, drugs are available for pain relief; talk to your
veterinarian about your own pet's specific needs.
Continue to:
Share and Enjoy
Bookmark this story so others can enjoy it:
Tags
small animal, pet, poison, guide, plant, drugs, chocolate, cleaning products, fertilizer, flea, insecticides
