Successful management of acetaminophen toxicity in a cat

Abstract

Acetaminophen, a widely utilized analgesic and antipyretic in humans, poses a significant toxicological threat to felines, despite its efficacy in humans. In most mammals, acetaminophen undergoes hepatic biotransformation into non-toxic compounds via glucuronidation and sulfation, followed by renal elimination. However, cats exhibit exceptional sensitivity to acetaminophen's toxic effects due to their unique hepatic metabolism, characterized by a diminished capacity for glucuronide conjugation. A 2-month-old female cat was presented with symptoms of anorexia and pyrexia, and the owner reported administering 125 mg of acetaminophen suspension earlier that morning. Within 2 hours of ingestion, the cat developed facial swelling, prompting a diagnosis of acetaminophen toxicity based on the history and clinical presentation. The cat was subsequently treated with N-acetylcysteine and supportive care, leading to a successful and uneventful recovery. The case will be discussed in detail.