Cats who consume ibuprofen can undergo devastating effects. Significant damages include bleeding stomach ulcers and rapid kidney failure. In any case, a few days without treatment will lead to the cat's death. Fortunately, simple precautions and medical treatments can be carried out to prevent this outcome.
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Excretions
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Cats may begin vomiting immediately after they consume ibuprofen. Occasionally, they will throw up the undigested medication. Even in this case, the cat should be taken to his veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure that no unnoticed problems are present. If the medicine has already dissolved within the body, the cat may excrete black, tarrish stools or vomit blood.
Physical Signs
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Poor appetite, dehydration and weakness are typical signs of ibuprofen consumption in cats. Look for unusual lethargy. Severe cases (such as an overdose, or sometimes if the cat is left untreated) may lead to seizures.
Inner Failures
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Cats will experience severe abdominal pain from ibuprofen. To determine the extent of the pill's damage, or to test for its presence to begin with, blood tests can be performed. This test will indicate anemia, if ibuprofen is present within the system---a telltale sign of kidney failure or bleeding ulcers.
Treatment
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If the cat consumed ibuprofen within two hours of its discovery, activated charcoal may counteract the effects. If the cat is hospitalized after two hours have passed---although damage may be too severe after 12 hours without medical attention---the veterinarian will likely recommend medications (including Carafate, Tagamet and Pepcid) and continuous fluids. Damage to the stomach might be reversible, if the ulcers did not penetrate its lining. Typically, surgery is only necessary when the ulcers have burned through the stomach walls. Hospitalization for a few days is probable in every case. The weakened kidneys, however, might have more permanent effects. Bloodwork will determine the progress of the cat's recovery.
Prevention
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Ibuprofen should only be consumed by humans. Never share medication with any type of animal. Keep all medication inside a cabinet or stored in an area that pets cannot reach. Correctly label all pills. Ensure that medications are immediately replaced in their proper storage areas after use.
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