Pet health company, Bob Martin, has taken action to remove their permethrin-based flea treatments from general sale to reduce the misuse of these products.
Permethrin based flea treatments are widely available, but strictly for canine use only as they are toxic to cats. However, through mistake or misunderstanding these products are still occasionally used on cats. As a result permethrin poisoning is currently the most commonly reported cause of feline poisoning worldwide.
Bob Martin has already voluntarily removed permethrin from their ‘Spot-On’ range, using the less toxic fipronil as the flea-killing, active ingredient. This next move is a big step forward in reducing the risk of permethrin poisoning. Their fipronil products are available for dogs and cats.
The products will still be available through retail pharmacies, where qualified pharmacy staff will be able to advise consumers about the use of the product. The company is also pushing for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to change permethrin licensing, so that all products containing this pesticide may only be purchased if advice is given on their safe use. Based on previous permethrin toxicity studies, more than 50% of owners purchase permethrin products where no guidance or advice is currently provided with the sale 1.
Bob Martin is rolling out a new ‘Clear’ range of flea collars containing a natural extract from the neem tree seed, margosa extract. This natural repellent will ensure customers are still able to purchase flea repellents from general retail stores.
Permethrin Poisoning in Cats
Permethrin is an effective pesticide used for the removal of fleas. It can be used safely on most mammals, however, it poses a toxic risk to cats. Cats are unable to metabolise the compound effectively after absorption though the skin, where it is able to interfere with the nervous system.
Although the exact lethal dose of permethrin is unknown for felines, a dose of 100mg/kg is considered lethal 2. Canine permethrin flea treatments can be highly concentrated, which means that a number of these products can contain a lethal dose in a single application if used on a cat. There is also a risk of permethrin poisoning for cats that come in to close contact with treated dogs.
In the UK, over an 18 year period, the Veterinary Poisons Information Service received 1,306 enquiries regarding exposure to permethrin. Of these enquires, over 500 concerned the use of permethrin flea products on cats 3.
Such a high incidence of toxicity indicates that there currently isn’t enough being done at the point of sale to highlight the potentially lethal consequences of permethrin misuse.
Symptoms of Permethrin Poisoning in Cats
Symptoms of permethrin poisoning can become apparent immediately but may take up to 72 hours to manifest. Muscle tremors and twitching are the most commonly observed symptom, but ingestion of permethrin through grooming can cause hyper-salivation and vomiting. More severe cases of poisoning can result in:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Disorientation
- Hyperthermia
- Temporary blindness
Treating Permethrin Poisoning
Decontaminate the affected area – this can be done at home, by using lukewarm water (neither warm nor cold, as this can increase the absorption/toxicity of permethrin) and shampoo/mild detergent to remove any permethrin that has not yet been absorbed through the skin. Dry the area after cleansing.
Managing Symptoms – a veterinarian can administer muscle relaxants or sedatives to control the tremors or seizures that may be present.
Supportive Therapy – supportive care provided by a veterinarian or nurse includes maintenance of body temperature and providing intravenous fluids. The patient may also be intubated to facilitate breathing.
Intravenous Lipid Administration – Although still requiring further research, IV administration of a lipid emulsion has had some promising results in cases of permethrin poisoning 4. The mechanism by which the IV lipid emulsion works is not yet known, but speculation is that it is able to draw the toxin out from the nervous system.
Prognosis Following Permethrin Poisoning in Cats
In cases of mild poisoning, the outlook is typically good. In more severe cases, the outcome depends upon the speed of treatment. One study suggested that 1 in 5 of reported cases resulted in a fatality 5.
The main danger of permethrin toxicity is the outcome of the seizures that occur as a result of poisoning. These seizures can be severe if not treated, resulting in brain damage. Long lasting seizure activity can also cause kidney failure.
If treatment goes well, the patient can recover as soon as 2-3 days after exposure without any long term effects as a result of the toxin.
Image Credit – Erica Hampton
References:
- Malik, Richard, et al. “Permethrin spot-on intoxication of cats: Literature review and survey of veterinary practitioners in Australia.” Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12.1 (2010): 5-14. ↩
- Hansen, Steven R., et al. “Pyrethrins and pyrethroids in dogs and cats.” The Compendium on continuing education for the practicing veterinarian (USA) (1994). ↩
- Boland, Lara A., and John M. Angles. “Feline permethrin toxicity: retrospective study of 42 cases.” Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12.2 (2010): 61-71. ↩
- Brückner, M., and C. S. Schwedes. “Successful treatment of permethrin toxicosis in two cats with an intravenous lipid administration.” Tierärztliche Praxis Kleintiere 2.2012 (2012). ↩
- Malik, Richard, et al. “Permethrin spot-on intoxication of cats: Literature review and survey of veterinary practitioners in Australia.” Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12.1 (2010): 5-14. ↩
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