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

Some research has found that some pet food with fish flavor contains certain levels of mercury that are beyond what is "safe" for mammals. Pet foods designed to be fed on a regular basis are required to provide the vitamins and minerals cats need, so they will be getting the right nutrients . Pale, swollen kidneys manifested histologically as tubular necrosis and interstitial nephritis are consistent findings. Here's what you should know about mercury poisoning in cats. Enter search terms to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and more. Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets. Also, it can be absorbed by the soil, which can result in crop contamination. The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms. Because degenerative changes are permanent and there are serious food safety concerns associated with mercury poisoning, treatment is highly discouraged, Efforts to reduce exposure via food or water sources are important. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. Too much tuna can also increase the risk of mercury poisoning. Young cats that are still in their developing stages are especially vulnerable to that kind of poisoning. Neurologic manifestations may eventually develop at lower levels of exposure. Like human food poisoning, cat food poisoning occurs when harmful bacteria make their way into your cat's food. 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. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. Cats that are over ten years of age experience complicated side effects that could lead to total kidney failure. They never showed signs of pain. The second is rare problem in which a protein in raw egg whites, called avidin, could interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. Until veterinarians know more, limit your cats tuna consumption to occasional treats of canned chunk-light tunanot albacore, which is from a larger species of tuna with mercury levels almost three times higher. 2. Signs of mercury poisoning in catsloss of coordination and balance, difficulty walkingcan mimic other illnesses, including thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency. This can be a challenge, because tuna is a common ingredient in many cat foods, and cats tend to be very particular about which foods theyll eat. Similarly, acaricides are substances that can destroy mites. If you think your cat has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately. 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. The Merck Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. A Dead Cat's Brain Revives Discussion of 1960s Mercury Poisoning Disaster in Japan . They both died within about 3 months of their first symptoms of weight loss. Mercury poisoning is caused by exposure to mercury and damages the nervous system *. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Symptoms can vary but may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, confusion, lethargy, unsteady gait. Tentative diagnosis is based on clinical signs; confirmed by analysis of tissue samples (eg, kidney) to determine mercury content, Measurement of urinary mercury concentration can confirm exposure to inorganic mercury compounds. But what about our furry feline friends? They can get cat food poisoning. As for a little bit of cooked salmon skin (or tuna!) A good rule of thumb is to feed your kitty fish a maximum of two times a week to avoid unnecessary mercury exposure. There are a lot of fish in the seabut which are safe for your cat to eat and how often? Cats could develop severe symptoms of mercury poisoning after getting exposed to foods with high levels of mercury for a long period. They may exhibit distress by pacing, using vocal calls, or generally acting irritated. Basically, Horses, Not Zebras says that if you hear hoofbeats outside your window (and you dont live on the African savanna), its much more likely to be a herd of horses than a herd of zebras. Mainly, too much fish over a long period of time could lead to mercury poisoning in cats. And my cat was only 2 years old when its all teeth fell out. 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. Grapes and raisins can kill your cat. Thomas: So what are the symptoms of mercury poisoning? Diagnosis may be confirmed on the basis of the clinical picture, histopathologic findings and results of analysis of tissue analysis for mercury concentration. Alcohol is not safe for your cat. She has almost 30 years of experience in holistic modalities. Alternatively, your pet may seem restless and agitated if they have food poisoning. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Dahlia: Cats that eat too much tuna can develop other nutrient deficiencies, because most de-boned fish doesnt have enough calcium, sodium, iron, copper, and is also lacking in several other vitamins. 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. The damage done to the neural system is irreversible through treatment. Bella: Cats can develop glaucoma, a buildup of pressure inside the eyeball, which can also lead to blindness. A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be severely malnourished. Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. All forms of mercury cross the placenta. Containing 10 cans each of four delectable flavors, this 40-count variety pack gives her the seafood flavor she craves at mealtime. In addition, heavy salivation, tremors, and seizures may also signal liver damage. diet is the way to go because it resembles cats' natural feeding pattern. In cats, mercury accumulates in the kidney, causing impaired kidney functions. The Dangers of Mercury Poisoning in Cats: How to Safely Feed Fish to Your Feline. Dahlia: Jane, you really need to get in touch with your vet and let them know that your cat is having these symptoms. 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. Common poisons include human medications, insecticides, household cleaners, plants and rodenticides. We reserve the right to publish all photos in Animal Wellness Magazine, and on our website. Tuna can be dangerous in high quantities due to the presence of mercury. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine. But our feline friends tend to be a lot more discriminating than your average Labrador with their consumption, both in type and quantity. The type of glaucoma cats get is extremely . Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Government of Canada: Mercury in the Food Chain, Risk Assessment Information System: Formal Toxicity Summary for Mercury, World Health Organization: Water Quality Guidelines, Environmental Protection Agency: Basic Information about Mercury. Please let us know how things turn out. Mainly, too much fish over a long period of time could lead to mercury poisoning in cats . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Often, the food is raw or spoiled, though occasionally, bacteria can contaminate food during production. They will likely want to review your cat's dietary history in depth to rule out possible sources of infection. Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. 1. Euthanasia and appropriate disposal, in consultation with regulatory officials, is recommended. Fossil fuels represent an important environmental source of mercury. MSNBC.com: "'People Foods' That Can Kill Your Pet. These symptoms are typically sudden and signal that a trip to the vet is necessary. "Cats should not eat chocolate, caffeine, xylitol (the sugar-free agent in gum), macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, chives, grapes and raisins ," Dr. Irish said. ", University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: "Killer Grapes and Other Concerns in Animal Poison Control. Ive mostly recovered now (with patially numb hands and tinnitus that may never go away); but as I look back I realize that 15 years ago, my then also serious health issues were caused by excessive tuna consumption. The signs of antifreeze poisoning include a drunken appearance within 1 hour of ingestion, followed by . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These human foods can cause serious illness in your cat. In domestic animal species, clinical signs of nervous, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive systems involvement are typical and influenced by the form, dose, and duration of exposure. And they can be deadly for your cat. Can my cat get mercury poisoning from fish? Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA(known as MSD outside of the US and Canada) is dedicated to using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. A chemical can read more , including organophosphate Organophosphate Toxicosis in Animals The organophosphates (OPs) are derivatives of phosphoric or phosphonic acid. Behavior changes can include lethargy or over-activity such as pacing or increased anxiety. Can cats get mercury poisoning? metro cat and even tried calling around the only thing I was able to get done was active charcoal IDK if that took care of it he still seems not himself?!! This site collects information via the use of cookies and through our email subscription form. I started giving my cat tuna can tuna for about three months every day all day and I noticed he start getting scabs around his neck really bad do you think he has mercury poisoning. Whats the best way to write a love poem. From dangerous plants to household cleaners, many everyday items can lead to poisoning. Copyright 2019 JaneA Kelley/Paws and Effect; all rights reserved. . For example, certain additives can cause excessive amounts of specific nutrients that can trigger gastrointestinal upset. Most of the time, the symptoms are due to another illness or disease. However, while some illnesses like Salmonella get better with time, others, such as botulism, can be fatal if they're not quickly given antitoxin. Symptoms of food poisoning can include any appetite change such as over- or under-eating or drinking, vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), coughing, excessive saliva production, abdomen pain and panting. If youre still concerned about mercury poisoning, read on to learn more about the symptoms of mercury poisoning in cats and how you can protect your pets from the toxicity of food products that contain high levels of mercury. DonateSponsor Adopt a cat Find a cat Choosing a cat Preparing for a cat Buying a kitten Adopt a cat FAQs What is our adoption fee? And a cat can choke on a bone. When poisoning is suspected, concentrations >6 mg/kg (blood), 10 mg/kg (kidney), 0.5 mg/kg (brain), and 4 mg/kg (feed, dry wt) are consistent with a diagnosis of mercury poisoning. Try replacing tuna-based foods with those made from fish that have lower concentrations of mercury, such as salmon. 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. Over my 30 years in practice, as mercury levels in fish have exponentially increased, I have noticed that issues like hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure and kidney disease in cats have also skyrocketed. "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. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. But it's not a good idea. Animals that survive may exhibit eczema, skin keratinization, anuria, polydipsia, hematuria, or melena. 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. You might be wondering if there's a safe way to include omega-3 fatty acids in your cat's meals without sacrificing one of your cat's nine lives to mercury poisoning. Chronic exposure to mercury causes two major problems: Do not, however, send book-length manuscripts. Wear long sleeves and/or gloves to protect yourself from the poison. Although cases of mercury poisoning in animals have declined, bioaccumulation and food safety concerns related to mercury ingestion remain a priority worldwide. The diagnosis may be made on the basis of analysis of tissue specimens with appropriate histopathologic and clinical pathologic testing, history, and clinical signs. Just as you would do for your children, put all medicines where your cat can't get to them. 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. For 100 days they fed kittens a diet of tuna that was known to be very high in mercury. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. We also lack data about how much mercury is actually in tuna-based cat foods, as well as statistics about mercury levels in cats that eat those diets. All rights reserved. A liquid solution is also made in the form of ear drops to treat ear infections. Mercury poisoning poses a serious health risk to your cat. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Advanced cases may be characterized by depression, anorexia, proprioceptive defects, total blindness, paralysis, with high mortality. cat eating tuna from a plate, mercury poisoning in cats. In contrast, organic mercury compounds, which bioaccumulate in soft tissues, are most appropriately assessed in liver, kidney, or brain tissues. Early detection can be the difference between life and death for your feline companion. Ive never seen a report of mercury poisoning in a cat fed tuna-based commercial cat food. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Those symptoms are the reason mercury poisoning is also called the dancing cat disease. Cats are carnivores and need meat. 1. Because cats are huge fans of fishtuna, in particulartheyre more susceptible to mercury poisoning than humans. This advice on feeding and food poisoning applies to both adult dogs and adult cats. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. Cats show no such signs, but that doesnt mean theyre immune to the toxic effects of mercury. Although uncommon for cats to eat, the ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds, and leaves of these fruits can be toxic. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. Arthritis in Cats: Signs and Treatment Options, Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements). RELATED: Arthritis in Cats: Signs and Treatment Options. They'll be able to assess your cat's symptoms, run lab work on their blood or feces if necessary, make a diagnosis, and start treatment. She lectures internationally and is a professor at the British Institute of Homeopathy. Please include your name, address and telephone number or email address, along with your animals name, sex and age (if known) and a short description of the photo. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. 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. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. Composer John McDonald, professor and chair of the Department of Music, offers his advice, Katie Peterson, professor of the practice of poetry, suggests some heartfelt approaches. The symptoms of mercury poisoning in cats can look a lot like other reactions to poison ingestion, vitamin B1 deficiency, brain tumors, and other ailments causing neurological impairment, Stregowski says. Consequently, the prognosis for a complete recovery is very poor. I recommend that you examine cat food labels for the type and quantity of fish used. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Symptoms include deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and spine, and osteoporosis. These symptoms necessitate a call or trip to an emergency veterinarian. "It's best to avoid feeding kitten food with fish ingredients. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Not all poisonings are fatal. Mercury and methylmercury build up in the body over time. A human would get some sort of signal that she was getting ill from exposure to this heavy metal but a cat wouldnt exhibit any signs of sickness unless the exposure was much, much higher. Some felines display weakness, drooling, and inability to urinate. Mercury is linked to a large number of kidney diseases in humans. Interested in a print subscription? On the bright side, the concern doesnt come directly from the occasional consumption of wet or dry fish-based food, seeing as most of these food products are tested for low levels of mercury contamination and are safe for cats in moderate amounts. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. Different bacteria, toxins, and foods may cause varying symptoms. Tissues rich in these components, such as the renal cortex, accumulate notable concentrations of mercury. The causes are germs or other harmful things in the food or beverage. 4. 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. Until veterinarians know more, limit your cat's tuna consumption to occasional treats of canned chunk-light tunanot. 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. And if you think your cat has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once. Our turnaround response time for submissions is four weeks. Consequently, bioaccumulation is extensive in tissues such as the brain, kidney, and fetus. One study from a few years ago found that mercury levels in cats were five times those usually found in people! Use to remove results with certain terms Thomas: In very rare cases, cats receiving high doses of Baytril have developed severe, irreversible vision problems. They may be submitted either digitally (at 300dpi) or as prints or slides along with your manuscript. At high levels, aflatoxins . According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, signs of mercury poisoning in cats may include over-excitement, irritability, incoordination, convulsions, stiff hind legs, tremors and blindness. I did find some interesting articles though: Here is an article that looked at mercury levels in tissues of cats fed mercury contaminated tuna. An occasional taste of cooked boneless beef or brown rice can be an OK treat. Historically, mercury poisoning was a common occurrence in both humans and animals. Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8. Currently, there are hundreds of OP compounds in use, and they have replaced the banned organochlorine compounds read more , carbamate Carbamate Toxicosis in Animals The carbamates are esters of carbamic acid.