can cats get mercury poisoning from cat food can cats get mercury poisoning from cat food

If your cat is indeed suffering from mercury poisoning, your vet will prescribe charcoal tablets and other medications that will help limit the absorption of mercury. You may be familiar with food poisoning, the nasty sickness that starts after ingesting something containing harmful bacteria. In veterinary patients in which treatment is indicated, oral administration of activated charcoal (13 g/kg) and sodium thiosulfate (0.51 g/kg) will bind mercury and limit absorption. Mercury poisoning is a big issue, especially when it comes to fish and shellfish. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. In short: Don't take our word as gospel. This veterinarian-reviewed article goes over the causes and symptoms of food poisoning in cats. But just like milk isn't the best option when it comes to your cat's diet (they are obligate carnivores, afterall), fish has its limitations, too. cat eating tuna from a plate, mercury poisoning in cats. Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets. . Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a cat. The Dangers of Mercury Poisoning in Cats: How to Safely Feed Fish to Your Feline. 3. Albacore tuna also has a high amount of fat, which can cause your cat to gain unnecessary weight. If your cat loves the fishy taste and smell of tuna, you can try feeding them a prepared cat food made with human-grade tuna. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Most poisons do not have antidotes; rather, the usual procedure is to give the cat supportive care until the toxins are metabolized out of his system. Depending on the level of exposure to organic mercury compounds such as methylmercury, clinical manifestations may take days to develop. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Marine mammals and fish often contain substantially increased concentrations of mercury that may not be associated with clinical disease (vs for ruminant or companion animal species); however, they may be a potential source of exposure for more susceptible species, particularly the fetus or younger animals. Some of the most common symptoms of mercury poisoning in cats include lack of appetite, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, incoordination, over-excitement, irritability, stiff hind legs, convulsions, breath irregularities, tremor, and blindness. Dear Most Esteemed and Knowledgeable Kitties: A couple of months ago, my 9-year-old male cat became quite ill. His symptoms were primarily lethargy and decreased appetite. Can my cat get mercury poisoning from fish? Eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. When it comes to dry cat food, it's hard to beat Hill's Science Diet. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. This is a serious condition that can affect your cat's bones. Click here to download the Animal Wellness Top Health Tips eBook. And, a small amount can make a cat ill. Chocolate has a dark side: Cocoa-based products are the items most commonly involved in food poisoning in pets, causing anything from mild problems such as tummy . Antifreeze is a common cause of poisoning in small animals. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. But dog food is not a substitute for cat food. Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. From dangerous plants to household cleaners, many everyday items can lead to poisoning. Ingesting a drug prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats. And there is no antidote. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right For Your Pet? Bella: Cats can develop glaucoma, a buildup of pressure inside the eyeball, which can also lead to blindness. Euthanasia and appropriate disposal, in consultation with regulatory officials, is recommended. Send a digital photo, scanned at a minimum of 5 x 7, at 300dpi resolution in a jpeg, tif or pdf format to info@animalwellnessmagazine.com, or send a good quality hard copy original photo (not a color photocopy) to: Photo Contest, Animal Wellness Magazine The inhalation of corrosive elemental mercury vapors at high concentrations produces severe dyspnea and compromised respiratory function that is usually fatal. For example, certain additives can cause excessive amounts of specific nutrients that can trigger gastrointestinal upset. Im upset that I never was warned about feeding them canned tuna after routinely reporting what I was feeding them. Talking with your vet about the cat food you provide and following the directions on the label will help ensure your cat's diet is balanced and your cat stays healthy. "Modern cats may develop organic mercury poisoning over time if they primarily eat cat food containing tuna, mackerel, and other types of seafood," says Jenna Stregowski, RVT and Daily Paws' health and behavior editor. Mercury is a metal in the form of a silvery liquid at room temperature, but it can also turn into a vapor. Skin rashes can also be a sign of food poisoning . There are a lot of fish in the seabut which are safe for your cat to eat and how often? Veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa authored Dr. Khalsas The Natural Dog and co-authored Healing Your Horse: Alternative Therapies. The cats began to convulse, then became paralyzed . Usually cataracts are pretty obvious because they make the eyeball look cloudy. It is important to point out that there are other diseases and conditions in cats which can lead to similar symptoms to salmonella poisoning. And they can be deadly for your cat. It is often referred to as arsenic metal, and for toxicological purposes read more , thallium, or cadmium; insecticides Overview of Insecticide and Acaricide (Organic) Toxicosis in Animals Insecticides are any substance or a mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate insects. Minamata disease (M. d.) is methylmercury (MeHg) poisoning that occurred in humans who ingested fish and shellfish contaminated by MeHg discharged in waste water from a chemical plant (Chisso Co. Ltd.). Mercury poisoning poses a serious health risk to your cat. A good rule of thumb is to feed your kitty fish a maximum of two times a week to avoid unnecessary mercury exposure. And, that's exactly what it would do in your cat's stomach if your cat ate it. Unused material will be returned after due consideration. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Mercury poisoning: the real threat for dogs and cats Remember that your pets can get poisoned if they actually absorb mercury and the easiest way for this to happen is through food and water. The only way to tell what is making your pet sick is to take your cat to the veterinarian. Siouxsie: Our research indicates that while an occasional tuna treat is okay, there are a number of hazards to regularly feeding tuna to your cat. This is why is is so imperative to take the cat to a specialist. The diagnosis may be made on the basis of analysis of tissue specimens with appropriate histopathologic and clinical pathologic testing, history, and clinical signs. Due to the its corrosive nature, inorganic mercury produces primarily gastrointestinal signs, including anorexia, stomatitis, pharyngitis, vomiting, diarrhea, pain; as well as shock, dyspnea, and dehydration. The most widely used fluoroquinolones are enrofloxacin (Baytril), ciprofloxacin (also known as cipro), orbifloxacin (Orbax) and marbofloxacin (Zeniquin). But cat food is specially formulated for a cat's needs, which include more protein as well as certain vitamins and fatty acids. Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation. If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, taking quick action can make all the difference in the outcome of your pet. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Click Here, Yes, I would like to subscribe to your newsletter for information on natural health, products, and great deals!No, Thanks, Thank You! However, while some illnesses like Salmonella get better with time, others, such as botulism, can be fatal if they're not quickly given antitoxin. 2. I recommend that you examine cat food labels for the type and quantity of fish used. In most cases, if your cat has eaten something bad, you'll start to see symptoms appear within a few hours. Pale, swollen kidneys manifested histologically as tubular necrosis and interstitial nephritis are consistent findings. o [ canine influenza] Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. The symptoms of botulism in cats can vary depending on the gravity of the condition and the exact type of toxin involved. You may submit articles either by our online contact form, or by mail to: Animal Wellness Magazine The veterinarian might also prescribe vitamins such as vitamin E and selenium. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Use to remove results with certain terms The fish and shellfish found in many cat foods are the main source of mercury exposure in felines. If your cat has ingested too much mercury over a prolonged amount of time, he may begin to exhibit certain symptoms. Mercury poisoning is caused by exposure to mercury and damages the nervous system *. Historically, mercury was used in household, medical, and industrial products and could lead to inorganic mercury poisoning if ingested or inhaled. Mainly, too much fish over a long period of time could lead to mercury poisoning in cats. Their digestive system cannot process dairy foods, and the result can be digestive upset with diarrhea. Recently I was diagnosed with mercury poisoning, probably from my having eaten 7-8 cans of tuna per week over a period of nine months (I was exercising vigorously, but didnt want to include red meat in my diet, so tuna seemed a good alternative). Smucker Co. due to possible salmonella contamination. Because tissue damage is permanent and food safety implications are important factors, treatment options may be limited and are often discouraged. Learn the signs and symptoms of cat food poisoning so you can prevent severe illness or even fatality. Limiting the consumption of mercury-contaminated food such as fish products or water will reduce exposure. 5. Alcohol is not safe for your cat. For that reason, its safer to carefully examine the labels of certain canned foods before feeding them to your cat. The main culprit behind mercury poisoning in cats is the widely available commercial cat food. So its possible that mercury poisoning happens, but is not diagnosed. Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links; we will earn a commision, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through one of our links. Sinad had to take it a few times for UTIs, and she never had any neurological problems as a result. Consequently, bioaccumulation is extensive in tissues such as the brain, kidney, and fetus. Photographs, where applicable, are also encouraged. Some other foods that are poisonous to cats include alcohol, raw or undercooked eggs, meat or fish, and yeast dough. Arthritis in Cats: Signs and Treatment Options, Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements). It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. And my cat also developed bizarre symptoms: within the space of a few months, every one of its teeth became loose and fell out, and it produced excessive saliva. The volume of carbamates used now exceeds that of OPs because carbamates are read more , or organochlorine compounds; oxalates; vitamin D; and mycotoxins Overview of Mycotoxicoses in Animals For discussion of mycotoxicoses in poultry, see Mycotoxicoses in Poultry. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We will treat your information with respect. Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. "Toxic effects tend to develop after prolonged ingestion of seafood that causes a buildup of mercury in the body.". By learning which fish to avoid, which are safest to feed him, and how often you can treat him, youll minimize his exposure to this ubiquitous heavy metal. 1. Still, keep an eye out for possible symptoms of mercury poisoning in. At the time, I also regularly fed my cat tuna. 1. This highly toxic form of mercury produces corrosive bronchitis and interstitial pneumonia. Lucky for us and our pets, mercury poisoning is less common than it once was. ", Petalia.com: "Human Foods That Poison Pets. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans. December 15, 2021, 12:43 PM. Turn the page and he's probably moved on to the next coursea whole fish. You may notice some diarrhea and vomiting as the first signs of food poisoning. The best treatment is by preventing mercury poisoning in the first place, so be sure to keep dangerous products locked away out of your cat's reach and limit the amount of fish they consume. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. to qualify. Common neurologic manifestations include blindness, ataxia, incoordination, tremors, abnormal behavior, hypermetria, nystagmus (cats), and tonic-clonic convulsions. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, FAX number and/or e-mail address on your manuscript. Compromised kidney function in cats over ten or 12 years of age is epidemic. However, a lack of treatment can cause the symptoms to become more severe and life-threatening. Severe Neurological Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning in Cats Cats could develop severe symptoms of mercury poisoning after getting exposed to foods with high levels of mercury for a long period. Even if we were licensed vets, wed never make a diagnosis without seeing your cat and performing diagnostic tests! Kidney Disease in Cats & Sweet-Smelling Urine. However, it can contain high levels . Copyright 2019 JaneA Kelley/Paws and Effect; all rights reserved. Siouxsie: If a diagnostic test indicates that your cat has mercury poisoning, a therapy called chelation can be done to eliminate the mercury from his body. Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. No matter how cautious you are, it's possible your cat can find and swallow what it shouldn't. Thomas: Cats can develop cataracts, opaque spots in the front of the eyeball that block light and blur vision. Some felines display weakness, drooling, and inability to urinate. Neurologic manifestations, including CNS depression or excitation similar to that which occurs in cases of organic mercury poisoning, may develop after chronic exposure. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us: You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at advice@paws-and-effect.com. "Modern cats may develop organic mercury poisoning over time if they primarily eat cat food containing tuna, mackerel, and other types of seafood," says Jenna Stregowski, RVT and Daily Paws' health and behavior editor. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Thomas: So what are the symptoms of mercury poisoning? Signs of mercury poisoning in catsloss of coordination and balance, difficulty walkingcan mimic other illnesses, including thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency. PMB 155, Centennial, CO 80122 Click here to view our current issue of Animal Wellness Magazine. Dahlia: Mama says Thomas had to take Baytril before, when he was a wee, sick shelter kitty, and hes just fine! Vitamin E and selenium, which are antioxidants, may limit oxidative damage. While cat, dog, pig, and human deaths continued for 36 years, Chisso and the Kumamoto prefectural government did little to prevent the epidemic. Some research has found that some pet food with fish flavor contains certain levels of mercury that are beyond what is "safe" for mammals. Tuna is a saltwater fish eaten all over the world. Kidney damage in both cats and humans. Whether youre feeding your cat tuna or small fish, ingesting too much mercury could be lethal. This recipe is also veterinarian formulated and made in the USA, making it a top choice of Dr. Barnette. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. Cats are prone to the following foodborne illnesses: Raw meat, decomposing food, and unwashed or unpasteurized food, including canned products, can contain these unhealthy bacteria. Tuna can be dangerous in high quantities due to the presence of mercury. Hi i have just discovered that a motel behind my house has dumped tons of florescent tubes in between my house and their back yard I have had to take both my cats to the vets in the last 3 weeks because they have lost their voices and their throats are swollen, they have been treated and are doing better but one still does not have his meow back as of yet.. Do you think there is a connection to mercury poisoning? As you can see, we dont use ads on this site. Poisoning is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. A brief biographical sketch of yourself is also recommended. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or cut the insideof your cat's digestive system. However, they may persist for days to weeks. You should always check the quality of your cat's food to ensure it is not spoiled or under recall. Use for phrases Generally, the kidney is considered to be the most useful tissue diagnostically. (2018). Mercury poisoning is a scary issue that puts the life of our pets in danger. Keep hazardous foods, plants, and household products out of reach. Detecting the signs of poisoning can save your pet's life. Some cat parents believe that the bones and raw food (B.A.R.F.) A Dead Cat's Brain Revives Discussion of 1960s Mercury Poisoning Disaster in Japan . Although uncommon for cats to eat, the ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds, and leaves of these fruits can be toxic. These symptoms necessitate a call or trip to an emergency veterinarian. CAN: 202-160 Charlotte St., Peterborough, ON K9J 2T8. We make no pretense of being veterinarians and we don't know anything about your specific cat's health or behavior history. Cats can be exposed to poisons not just by eating them; toxic substances can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin also. It's also possible for a cat to develop mercury poisoning from eating too much canned tuna. In food-producing animals, considerable mercury accumulation in tissues intended as food and profound effects on reproduction limit treatment options. Receive weekly health info straight to your inbox. I had a mercury blood level drawn from the younger cat but the sample was drawn two weeks after stopping the feeding of canned tuna, results were inconclusive. Although most cats won't eat it on their own, they can be coaxed to eat it by owners and others who think they are giving the cat a treat. The lipid-soluble chelator dimercaprol (3 mg/kg body wt, IM, every 4 hours for 2 days, followed by four times on day 3 and twice-a-day treatment for 10 days) may be beneficial. It can also depend on the kind of food: A Brazilian study evaluating 88 local dog and cat foods found that mercury concentrations were significantly higher in canned pet food than in dry pet food. Mackerel is also high in fish oil. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Human Foods That Are Harmful for Cats to Eat.