Ethanol poisoning occurs in cats when they ingest a substance that is either an alcoholic beverage or something that produces ethanol inside the body after ingestion such as uncooked pizza or bread dough.
If you think your cat has ingested ethanol, it is important to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible, because if treated early there is a good chance the cat will recover.
Symptoms of Ethanol Poisoning in Cats
Ethanol poisoning may cause depression of the central nervous system, which may result in the following symptoms within an hour of ingestion:
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Ataxia
• Hypothermia
• Sedation
• Dehydration
• Metabolic acidosis
The cat may become comatose and develop respiratory depression. The abdomen may become extended if the cat ingested uncooked bread dough. Cats may have kidney failure between 12 - 24 hours after ingestion. As soon as any of these symptoms are seen, a veterinarian should be called for diagnoses and treatment, but if you know your cat could be poisoned, you shouldn’t wait for symptoms.
Causes of Ethanol Poisoning in Cats
Ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, is a two-carbon alcohol that is contained in many household products. The most common causes of …show more content…
In some cases, obvious symptoms may subside while more severe injury is continuing internally. Only a veterinarian can thoroughly diagnose ethanol poisoning because, in most cases, cats are not observed ingesting ethanol. Your vet will collect blood and urine samples for analysis to determine if the kidneys are functioning properly. Urinalysis will help detect calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals and isosthenuria. Hyperechoic cortices may be detected with renal ultrasound. If the bladder is unusually small, it may mean the cat is producing less