Permethrin Toxicity

Introduction

Permethrin is the active ingredient of many 'spot-on' pesticides used in the control of fleas and ticks in dogs [1]. In is also used in products intended for use in rats, mice, gerbils and guinea pigs [1]. Permethrin mediates its effects through modulation of voltage-sensitive sodium channels. Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag.

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Includes: twitching, convulsions, ataxia, hypersalivation, respiratory distress, emesis, diarrhoea, hyperaesthesia, muscle fasciculations, lethargy, tachycardia, anxiety, temporary blindness,death [1], [1].

Laboratory Tests

Pathology

The spot-on canine preparations are often quite concentrated.[1]. Cats lack the enzyme glucuronidase transferase [1] and is therefore unable to utilise the metabolic pathway that dogs and other animals use to break down permethrin into glucuronides and sulphates [1]

Treatment

If permetrin toxicity is due to skin contamination immediate removal by washing with lukewarm water containing a gentle detergent such as shampoo or washing-up liquid is indicated [1]. In order to decrease the likelihood of further casualties the affected cat should be isolated from any others in the household. The use of an elizabethan collar will help to prevent ingestion of permethrin through grooming [1]. Seizures: Diazepam (0.5mg to 1mg per kg by intravenous route)[2] Increased Muscle Activity:


Prognosis

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Clinical effects and outcome of feline permethrin spot-on poisonings reported to the Veterinary Poisons information Service (VPIS), London, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery(2007)9,335-339 accessed on http://www.fabcats.org/esfm/permethrin.pdf 07.11.2010 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content
  2. Valentine 1990, referenced in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery(2007)9,335-339 accessed on http://www.fabcats.org/esfm/permethrin.pdf 07.11.2010