Marijuana toxicity

Marijuana is toxic for cats however rarely fatal. The toxic dose is more than 3 g per kg of body weight. The most common symptoms are of neurological order and can include depression, an unsteady walk, tremors, seizures, dilated pupils and changes in behavior.

To diagnose the intoxication, the veterinarian will rely mostly on history of ingestion in relation to onset of clinical signs.

Some labs can detect the toxic agent in blood or urine samples if ingestion is recent.

If marijuana was recently ingested, inducing vomiting can be attempted. Activated charcoal can also be administered to prevent absorption from intestinal mucosa.

If symptoms are already present, a supportive treatment consisting of intravenous fluids will promote elimination of the toxin. Respiratory depression and anxiety can be addressed respectively with oxygen supplementation and sedatives.

Recovery can take as long as 3 days but prognosis is good if there are no complications.

Dre Isabelle Lacombe d.v.m.

BIBLIOGRAPHY :
Luis, JA et Heseltine, J. Five common toxins ingested by dogs and cats. Compendium on Continuing Education for Veterinarians 2008: 30: 578-587.

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