Arsenic Poisoning Symptoms in Cats

What is Arsenic?

• In chemical terms, arsenic is a metalloid solid. Its symbol on the Periodic Table is A3. Arsenic has a long history of human use, finding its way into substances as varied as patent medicine and cosmetics. However, it is also a powerful poison capable of causing organ failure in those who ingest it. Historically, arsenic has been used extensively as a murder weapon, particularly in Renaissance Italy.

Sources of Arsenic Exposure

• Arsenic poisoning in domestic animals such as cats used to be quite common. At one time, arsenic was included in ant bait, roach bait and other insecticides used in homes and gardens. However, in 1989, the Federal government required pesticide companies to start phasing arsenic out of their formulas. These days, cats do not suffer from arsenic poisoning nearly as often, but it does sometimes happen. The most common sources of arsenic exposure include old pesticides from before 1989, pressure-treated wood, slug and snail baits, and herbicides. There is no arsenic in the monthly pills you give to dogs to prevent heartworms, but arsenic is found in heartworm treatments given to dogs who already have them.

Symptoms of Arsenic Poisoining in Cats

• If you know your cat has ingested any substance that has arsenic in it, you should take it to the vet immediately. Do not wait for it to start showing symptoms! However, you may not realize that your cat has been exposed to arsenic until it starts showing symptoms of arsenic poisoning. Only a veterinarian can make a positive diagnoses of arsenic poisoning, but you should take your cat to the vet right away if it shows any of the following symptoms:

  • Vomiting (sometimes containing blood),
  • Diarrhea (sometimes containing blood),
  • Excessive thirst,
  • Uncontrollable drooling,
  • Pain in the stomach or abdominal regions (your cat can't tell you its stomach hurts, of course, but may cry in pain when you pick it up or touch its belly),
  • Paralysis,
  • Liver and kidney failure.
    Once you take your cat to the veterinarian, he can test for arsenic in your cat's urine and in the contents of his stomach. She may also do other tests to check your cat's liver function and kidney function.

Treatment of Arsenic Poisoning in Cats

• Arsenic poisoning in cats is treated by removing as much of the poison from the animal's stomach and bloodstream as possible. First, the cat is either made to throw up or its stomach is pumped. Then, a drug called dimercaprol may be administered. Dimercaprol is a chelating agent; it works by attaching itself to arsenic in the cat's bloodstream so that it can be eliminated from the body. It should be administered repeatedly until symptoms subside, and given in conjunction with another chelating agent called sodium thiosulfate.
  Cats suffering from arsenic poisoning are also treated with IV fluids to prevent dehydration and help the kidneys eliminate arsenic more quickly. They may need blood transfusions if they have experienced severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Medications that soothe the stomach and control vomiting can also be helpful, as can vitamin B. If the arsenic has damaged the cat's liver, milk thistle and Sam-e may be prescribed to help the cat's liver recover.

Prevention/Solution

• To prevent arsenic poisoning in cats, keep all pesticides and herbicides locked away in a secure area. Do not allow your cat to play in areas that have recently been treated with arsenic-containing compounds. Also, do not allow your cat to play around structures made from pressure-treated wood. Most pressure-treated wood is treated with a compound that contains arsenic, and the arsenic can leach out into the surrounding soil over time.