Immediate Actions:
- Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately.
- Observe your cat closely for signs of distress or discomfort.
- Keep your cat calm and prevent them from eating or drinking anything.
Potential Consequences:
Asclepias, also known as milkweed, contains cardiac glycosides, which can be toxic to cats. Symptoms of asclepias poisoning in cats can include:
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures
Treatment:
The treatment for asclepias poisoning in cats depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, your veterinarian may recommend supportive care, such as:
- Administering activated charcoal to absorb the toxins
- Providing fluids for hydration
- Monitoring the cat’s cardiac rhythm
In more severe cases, your veterinarian may administer:
- Anti-arrythmic medications to normalize the heart rhythm
- Digoxin-specific antibodies to bind to and neutralize the cardiac glycosides
Prevention:
To prevent asclepias poisoning, keep your cat away from areas where milkweed grows. If you suspect your cat has eaten an asclepias plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The article was created by AI.
We received responses from Google Gemini to the following questions.
My cat ate an “asclepias”. What should I do? Answers should be in English.
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