Slug poison intoxication in cats can be a life threatening condition. Cats with outdoor access are at higher risk. Treatment requires prompt identification of the cause and hospitalisation for several days.
Slug poison intoxication in cats can develop quickly if they ingest a product containing metaldehyde. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and seizures. Ferrous oxide containing products require a large amount be ingested for symptoms to develop. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse and liver failure. Long-term problems may develop as consequence of intoxication. If you suspect your cat may have eaten slug poison, take them to see a vet immediately.
Overview
What is slug poison intoxication in cats?
Slug poison can contain different substances with varying toxic levels to cats.
Metaldehyde
Metaldehyde is very toxic to cats.
It can be used as a liquid, powder, granules or pellets.
It has now been prohibited in the UK as slug poison but can also be found as solid fuel for campinhg
If ingested it quickly gets absorbed into the body and directly affects the brain and nerves.
Symptoms may start as early as 30 minutes after ingestion and will develop within 3-4 hours.
Ferrous oxide
Slug poison containing Iron-based component are much less toxic to cats.
Ferrous oxide is only partially absorbed in the gut, so toxicity is less common. But it can accumulate in the body over time, and repeated ingestion of small amounts can still be dangerous.
Excess iron in the body will damage many cell types and organs.
If large amounts are ingested, initial symptoms are related to digestion, but within 2 days to 6 weeks, cats may develop severe signs if many organs are affected.
Symptoms
Symptoms of slug poison intoxication
Symptoms will depend on the product ingested.
Metaldehyde
Ferrous oxide
First 6 hours after ingestion:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Blood in stools or vomit
12 hours to 3 days after ingestion:
- Lack of energy
- Return of vomiting and diarrhoea
- Panting
- Bruising or spontaneous bleeding
- Low blood pressure
- Collapse
- Liver failure
2-6 weeks after ingestion, surviving animals may develop complications such as:
- Scarring in the gut, causing partial or complete intestinal blockage
- Liver disease
Risk
Cats at higher risk for slug poison intoxication
All cats can suffer from slug poison intoxication, but this is unlikely as cats are not as attracted to the flavour as dogs and rarely ingest significant amounts.
Cats with outdoor access may be more at risk of finding the product in the environment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of slug poison intoxication in cats
Diagnosis of slug poison intoxication is usually based on finding out about ingestion and the symptoms.
No specific test is available for metaldehyde intoxication.
Measuring blood levels of iron is possible, but this is only available in some labs.
Vet treatment
Veterinary treatment of slug poison intoxication
- The first and most important step in treating intoxications is to stop the poison from getting into the blood and organs. If slug poison was ingested, the stomach should be emptied as quickly as possible, ideally within 30-90 minutes. This can be done with an injection that causes sickness or by pumping the stomach under anaesthesia.
- The next step is to give activated charcoal, which will stick to the poison in the gut and prevent it from being absorbed. Large amounts are needed, and a high-strength veterinary product is best. This may be needed for up to three days.
- Cats that have ingested metaldehyde products are likely to need intensive hospital care for 1-3 days to control the tremors/seizures and manage complications. If the liver is affected, full recovery may take several weeks.
- If only a small amount of ferrous oxide was ingested, preventing absorption of the poison and monitoring may be enough. If a large amount was ingested or symptoms have developed, your cat is likely to require medication and supportive care for several days. Medication is available to help the body get rid of excess iron, but this is a slow process that requires multiple injections over time.
Home treatment
Home treatment of slug poison toxicity in cats
Always contact a vet for advice immediately if you think your pet has ingested slug poison.
Metaldehyde ingestion almost always requires immediate emergency care.
Ferrous oxide intoxication requires ingestion of greater amounts for symptoms to develop. But if enough is ingested, treatment is also urgent.
If you aren’t sure what type of poison your cat may have ingested, it is helpful to take the package of the slug poison with you for your vet to establish what the substance was.
Prevention
Prevention of slug poison intoxication
- Do not use metaldehyde based products and safely dispose of any you have stored.
- Pesticide-free slug control methods can go a long way in preventing the need to use potentially dangerous substances.
- If you choose to use a ferrous oxide product, follow the instructions on the label carefully and make sure no cats can access the area for at least 2 weeks.
Living with slug poison intoxication in cats
Treatment of slug poison intoxication is difficult and requires intensive care and hospitalisation, but many cats will make a full recovery over days to weeks.
Unfortunately, some cases will be left with long-term complications, such as brain, liver or intestinal problems.
This may require long-term treatments or specialised diets to control symptoms.
When to worry
When to worry about slug poison intoxication
Always speak to a vet immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested slug poison, so the risk can be assessed and treatment advice given.
If your cat develops any of the following symptoms, see a vet as soon as possible:
- Restlessness or distress
- Panting
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Vomiting and/or diarrhoea with blood
- Unexplained bruising
- Yellow gums (jaundice)
Joii can help if:
- You aren’t sure if the product they came into contact with is of high toxicity
- You need advice on what to do after suspecting your cat may have eaten something they shouldn’t
