Permethrin Toxicity



Introduction

Permethrin is the active ingredient of many 'spot-on' paraciticides 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].

Signalment

Permethrin poisoning in most commonly seen in cats who have inadvertently been administered spot-on products intended for use in dogs, or who have had contact with dogs following application of the preparations [1].

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Laboratory Tests

Pathology

The spot-on canine preparations are often quite concentrated.[1]. Cats lack the enzyme glucuronidase transferase [2] and is therefore unable to utilise the metabolic pathway that dogs and other animals use to break down permethrin into glucuronides and sulphates [3]

Treatment

Prognosis

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 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
  2. Whittem 1995 Pyrethrin and pyrethroid insecticide intoxication in cats.Compendium of Continuing Education for the Veterinary Practitioner 17 489-492, referenced in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery(2007)9,335-339 accessed on http://www.fabcats.org/esfm/permethrin.pdf 07.11.2010
  3. Ray DE (1991)pesticides derived from plants and other organisms. In: Hayes WJ, Laws ER (eds), Handbook of Pesticide Toxicity, Classes of Pesticidesreferenced in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery(2007)9,335-339 accessed on http://www.fabcats.org/esfm/permethrin.pdf 07.11.2010