CBC may reveal anemia, Heinz bodies, and thrombocytopenia. Complete blood count: A blood test that measures the cellular components of the blood (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.Increased respiration and urination due to metabolic acidosis and acute kidney failure can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.ĭiagnosis is based on a history of exposure to the drug however, in the case of deliberate poisoning, the pet owner may not be aware that the cat has ingested aspirin.Heinz body formation, hemolysis (blood cell destruction) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) may also be present. Bone marrow toxicity can result in anemia symptoms may include pale gums, lethargy.You may notice red spots under the skin and gums, known as petechiae. Aspirin inhibits the formation of platelets, which are required to help the body form blood clots.Nervous system disorders including hyperexcitability, loss of balance (ataxia), depression, and seizures.Jaundice (yellowing of the gums and mucous membranes).Respiratory alkalosis (increased respiration elevates the blood pH).Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature).Symptoms include:Īspirin stimulates the respiratory centre (located in the brain): Gastrointestinal disturbances are usually the first symptoms to appear aspirin irritates the gastric mucosa. As multiple body systems are affected, symptoms can be varied and include the following. The first signs of aspirin toxicity include loss of appetite and vomiting. Symptoms develop within 3-6 hours of ingestion but can be slower to occur if lower doses are given over a prolonged period. This is more likely to occur in dogs than cats who tend to be fussier about what they eat.Īspirin overdose causes inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, perforation of the stomach, bone marrow toxicity, metabolic acidosis and damage to the kidneys and liver. Accidental ingestion, such as eating an aspirin dropped on the floor.When a pet owner accidentally gives a product containing aspirin such as Pepto-Bismol.Administration of low doses of aspirin over a prolonged period, because cats are not able to metabolise the drug as quickly as other animals, levels quickly build up, resulting in toxicity.Intentional administration of high doses of aspirin.The biological half-life of aspirin in cats is approximately 40 hours compared to 7.5 hours in dogs. This means that it takes considerably longer for the body to metabolise aspirin than it would in a human or dog. One study lead by Michael Court in 1997 found 18 species of cat, from cheetahs to lions lacked this enzyme, which suggests that the mutations occurred in a common ancestor.Ĭats also lack N-acetyltransferase 2, an enzyme in humans encoded in the NA2 gene, N-acetyltransferase 2 detoxifies certain drugs and metabolites. Mutations of this gene had no impact on the survival of the cat species. As a cat’s diet is primarily carnivorous, it did not need UGT1A6 to help it detoxify plant-based toxins. UGT1A6 evolved to help detoxify plant-based toxins (phytoalexins) by a process called glucuronidation.Īs cats evolved, mutations occurred on this gene to the point where it only produces a minute amount of UGT1A6 compared to other animals and people. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1-6 (UGT1A6) is an enzyme produced by the liver and encoded by a gene of the same name. Aspirin poisoning can occur in cats of all ages however, kittens and senior cats are at increased risk. Unlike humans, cats metabolise aspirin very slowly, and it is extremely easy to give a cat a fatal overdose in as little as a single tablet. Unfortunately, aspirin is also one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats. Treatment: Gastric decontamination, fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and antacids.Īspirin ( acetylsalicylic acid) is a popular over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat fever (antipyretic), reduce inflammation, thin the blood (by preventing the formation of blood clots) and relieve mild pain (analgesic).Symptoms: Vomiting blood, black and tarry feces, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, and jaundice.Toxic effects: Bone marrow suppression, liver inflammation, bleeding, stomach ulceration, and kidney damage.While safe for humans, aspirin is toxic to cats. About: Aspirin is a popular over the counter medication to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.
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