Arsenic Poisoning in Cats

What is arsenic poisoning?

Arsenic poisoning is the development of clinical signs after ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of products containing a toxic dose of arsenic. Arsenic is a metal-like substance found naturally in rocks, soil, and water, but usually in small, harmless amounts.

Arsenic is used in commercial products and practices, such as wood preservation, pesticides, and fuels. It is also in medicinal treatments for some parasites and cancers. Since the 1960s, the use of arsenic in commercial products and practices has declined, but has not been eliminated. Today, arsenic poisoning in cats is exceedingly rare.

What causes arsenic poisoning?

The toxic dose of arsenic can vary greatly, depending on the form of arsenic, the animal species, and the health status of the animal. Cats and humans are the most susceptible to arsenic poisoning. 

Once absorbed by the body, arsenic travels to all the organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Once there, it mainly affects the vascular system (blood vessels), leading to swelling and bleeding in the organs.

What are the clinical signs of arsenic poisoning?

The clinical signs of sudden arsenic poisoning vary, depending on the dose. Clinical signs can include:

• gastrointestinal pain and upset
• neurologic depression
• cardiac changes 
• collapse
• death

If arsenic exposure occurs on the skin, effects such as blisters, swelling, cracking, bleeding, and infections can occur. Long-term or chronic exposure to lower amounts of arsenic can cause nerve damage and weight loss due to decreased appetite.

How is arsenic poisoning diagnosed?

Arsenic poisoning is diagnosed through history and clinical signs. Chemical analysis of the urine and gastrointestinal contents may be performed, as well as liver or kidney biopsies. Hair samples may be helpful in testing for long-term exposure.

How is arsenic poisoning treated?

Arsenic poisoning treatment varies depending on the type and time of poisoning. If your cat is not showing symptoms and the arsenic was ingested recently, then inducing vomiting may be effective. Chelation therapy (chemical binding) can also be useful in arsenic poisoning cases. 

Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680, as soon as exposure is recognized, to ensure that your cat receives the most appropriate recommendations for their exposure. 

Supportive therapy is a crucial part of treating arsenic poisoning. Aggressive fluid therapy and rehydration is necessary and helps to remove arsenic from the body. Other supportive therapy includes antibiotics for secondary infections, anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications, and a bland diet.

What care will my cat require after treatment for arsenic poisoning?

Your veterinarian should check blood work during and after treatment to monitor the kidneys, liver, and electrolytes. If your cat makes a full recovery, no further aftercare is needed.

Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.