Permethrin Toxicity

Introduction

Permethrin is the active ingredient of many 'spot-on' paraciticides used in the control of fleas and ticks in dogs .

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 .

Diagnosis

Pathology

The spot-on canine preparations are often quite concentrated. In dogs and other animals,on whom they are considered safe to use, permethrin is metabolised by the enzyme glucuronidase transferase to glucouronides and sulphates. The cat lack this ezyme thus leading to an increased half life of permethrin in this species.