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Tylenol: also known as acetaminophen or paracetamol.
This medication commonly used in people can cause liver toxicity in dogs when given one to two tablets daily over several days. However, cats have an even lower ability to metabolize this drug. A single dose of one half to one tablet can cause poisoning affecting the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. One extra strength tablet can be fatal.
This is one of the most common drug toxicity in cats. It is seen considerably less frequently in dogs.
Clinical Signs
Signs may develop 1–4 hr after dosing and include:
Depression
Rapid breathing
Darkened mucous membranes-this reflects the inability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen in cats
Progressive depression
Facial swelling in cats
Salivation
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Chocolate-colored urine, especially in cats
Death
Diagnostic Tests
History of exposure is most important for differentiating from other diseases.
Complete Blood Count/Biochemistry Profile /Urinalysis
Dogs—destruction of the liver; elevated liver test and jaundice in chronic cases
Treatment
Induce vomiting and place a stomach tube to evacuate the stomach is useful within 4–6 hr of ingestion
Activated charcoal
SAMe (S-adenoslmethionine)
N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
A blood transfusion may be required
Fluid therapy is administered to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance
Beware: clinically affected patients may require prolonged and expensive treatment. Patients with liver injury may require ongoing and costly management.
PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE
Never give acetaminophen to cats!
Give careful attention to the acetaminophen dose in dogs.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Pets with affected livers may develop cirrhosis (scarring ) of the liver. This is a permanent disease.
EXPECTED COURSE AND PROGNOSIS
The prognosis is guarded due to damaged red blood cells and can be fatal. Death can occur 18-24 hours after ingestion in cats and dogs can develop irreversible liver disease.
For more information call the National Animal Poison Control: 900 680 0000
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