Emergency Guide: How to Treat Cat Onion Poisoning

Early Symptoms: Nausea, diarrhea, lack of energy, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain.

Longterm Symptoms: Dizziness, fatigue, pale tongue color, and shortness of breath, among other symptoms typically associated with anemia, which may appear a few days after ingestion. Acute symptoms resembling food poisoning can occur shortly after the ingestion of toxins.

Risk Level: High, potentially lifethreatening.

Classification: Metabolic Disease

Incidence Rate: Cats: Low; Dogs: Common.

Keywords: Fatigue, lack of energy, decreased appetite, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid breathing.

Onions Poisoning in Pets

Onions, garlic, leeks, and other allium plants contain sulfur compounds that can damage red blood cells in cats and dogs if ingested. Even consuming soup or curry containing onions can lead to onion poisoning.

The toxic dose varies: for a dog weighing 1kg, it's approximately 1530g, and for a cat, it's about 5g. Individual differences exist, and it's crucial not to underestimate the risk by assuming that a small amount ingested won't cause harm.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily based on the pet's history. To confirm anemia, a blood test is often conducted.

Treatment

The condition can be cured. Here's a breakdown of the treatment options:

1. Inducing Vomiting: Within 1 to 2 hours after ingestion, it's crucial to seek veterinary care for induced vomiting to expel any remaining toxins. However, it's important to note that vomiting is not always successful, and even if it is, most toxins may have already been absorbed. Moreover, vomiting can cause esophageal burns, leading to esophagitis.

Be cautious of internet myths suggesting that consuming large amounts of salt can induce vomiting at home. This method can lead to salt poisoning and is potentially lifethreatening; please do not follow these myths.

2. Gastric Lavage: If a significant amount of the toxin has been ingested, gastric lavage may be necessary, although this is less common.

3. Use of Mucosal Protectors or Adsorbents: Mucosal protectors form a protective layer on the gastrointestinal surface, while activated charcoal can adsorb toxins, reducing the amount absorbed by the body.

4. IV Therapy: Intravenous fluid therapy helps lower the concentration of toxins in the blood.

5. Forced Diuresis: Administering diuretics increases urine output, enhancing the excretion of toxins. This method can strain the kidneys and is not recommended for pets with compromised renal function.

Symptomatic Treatment: As symptoms arise, appropriate treatments are administered. For instance, blood transfusions or bloodbuilding agents may be given for anemia, antiemetics for vomiting, and antidiarrheals for diarrhea.

Recovery: With proper treatment, the risk is low. However, if the amount ingested is high or treatment is delayed, complications can arise, affecting the outcome.