I have two cats. One is 15+ pounds. The other is barely 9. They are both 13 years old. The larger one got worms so I gave him D-Worm (piperazine) at the recommended dosage of 1 teaspoon mixed into his food. I tried to isolate the smaller cat, especially since the big guy wasn't interested in the food, but my flatmate let him in, and he ate all the medicated food. Now it's maybe twelve hours later, and he's unsteady on his feet, like he's dizzy, and when he sits, he sways slightly back and forth. His face twitches sometimes and he stares into space. He's vomited at least three times. His breath is shallow and his heartbeat is faster than usual. He still uses the litter box, meows, purrs, and he's not twitching in anywhere except his face. I called the helpline and they said unless he's starting to show signs of a seizure, that cats are unusually sensitive to even proper doses. It's late and I'd like to sleep knowing the cat will be okay without calling the 24hour vet. How serious???
2007-05-27 21:14:02 · 7 answers · asked by The Duke 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Take the cat to the vet right now. It is very serious. I did the same thing and had to have my cat's stomach pumped. REALLY, RIGHT NOW!
2007-05-27 21:17:29 · answer #1 · answered by prplhootershtr 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Serious enough. This cat is showing signs of toxicity, his kidneys and/or liver have most likely been affected by the drug. The vomiting alone is harmful to him.
I think it's disgusting that this 'helpline' said it's OK as long as the cat isn't having seizures? What the hell? Most likely seizures are the only side effect of their product they're not aware of so they're worried about getting sued if your cat starts showing undocumented side effects. Disgusting.
Cats are NOT unusually sensitive to doses of PROPER worming medication. I beg you to get treatment from your vets in future - I so hate seeing cats and dogs harmed by petshop treatments. What's even worse is that half the time they damage the animal but don't actually kill the worms or fleas! I think it's outrageous that shops are allowed to sell this bogus and toxic crap.
Anyway I've wittered on enough - please DO call the emergency vet! It's pretty clear your cat has been damaged in some way, so don't wait to get it treated or it will only get more serious.
PLEASE treat both cats with a proper, safe veterinary preparation! I'm thinking your other cat will still have worms!
Chalice
2007-05-28 06:43:00 · answer #2 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just call them, i doubt they charge for phone calls anyway. Do what they say.
For one keep them indoors. It will save you big on medication that they may end up being to sensitive to like you say.
With it being 12 hours and going and him throwing up then the medication is in his system and i doubt a stomach pump would do anything. Just seriously get your cat, call the vet and ask for advice and just force him to drink lots of water from a syringe to help it get flushed out of his system a little faster.
If his heart beat and breathing go back to normal then you dont have to worry much. Just got a bad rush from an OD
( yeah i know how that feels on OTC stuff).
Dont be giving them that medication if they are sensitive to a PROPER dose. Seriously they might be allergic to it or worse they might die from it.
2007-05-28 06:01:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please call the 24 hour vet right now. The symptoms you are describing sound very serious to me. Something could happen to him if you delay getting him treatment.
2007-05-28 04:21:42 · answer #4 · answered by Turtle 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes the cat is overdosed. Better spend the $$$$
2007-05-28 05:42:22 · answer #5 · answered by chicki 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take to the vet right away very serious.
2007-05-28 04:19:54 · answer #6 · answered by Pattie DeVoe 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
your cat desperately needs a vet. don't make your cat suffer. Your cat may die if you wait it out all night.
2007-05-28 04:24:41 · answer #7 · answered by Aztec_Angel 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋