Kerosene ingestion poisoning in a cat - case report

ABSTRACT Poisoning caused by household chemicals is a common occurrence in companion animal clinical practice, posing a significant risk to the health of these animals. Cleaning products, pesticides, and other domestic chemicals are often easily accessible to pets, leading to medical emergencies. This study aims to report a case of kerosene ingestion poisoning in a cat. The animal accidentally ingested kerosene while its owner was performing household cleaning. Following the incident, the owner reported that the cat exhibited vomiting and loss of appetite. The treatment approach included hospitalization and supportive care, such as fluid therapy, antiemetics, gastric protectants, and the performance of complementary diagnostic tests. Within two days, the cat's clinical condition worsened, presenting with lethargy, spasticity, delayed pupillary reflex response, mydriasis, tachycardia, elevated systolic blood pressure (200 mmHg), a rectal temperature of 35°C, anuria, coma, and ultimately death. Necropsy revealed significant alterations in the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and urinary system. This case highlights that high-dose kerosene ingestion in cats can lead to irreversible adverse effects, even with prompt medical intervention. It is recommended that pet owners handle toxic household products cautiously to prevent animal poisoning.