Hospitalization with intravenous fluids and sedatives are typical treatments. Inducing vomiting is not helpful since cocaine is so rapidly absorbed. Treatment is aimed at supporting the body systems. Pets exposed to cocaine show signs of intermittent hyperactivity followed by profound lethargy. The lethal dose of cocaine in cats is 25 mg per pound of body weight. Following exposure the cocaine usually leaves the system within four to six hours.
Cats usually either ingest the cocaine or sniff residue.Ĭocaine is rapidly absorbed from the stomach, nasal passages and lungs. It is quite rare for someone to give a pet cocaine intentionally. CocaineĬocaine exposure is not common in cats and is usually accidental. The vast majority of pets exposed to marijuana fully recover within 24 hours. Treatment of marijuana exposure usually involves the induction of vomiting to remove any residual THC and, depending on the severity of the signs, some pets require hospitalization with intravenous fluids. The danger with marijuana is that vomiting is common, and if the pet is profoundly lethargic and begins vomiting, aspiration of the vomitus into the lungs can lead to severe breathing problems and even death. However, pets ingesting marijuana become incoordinated and begin stumbling. Therefore, death from marijuana ingested is not common. It takes about 1.5 grams of marijuana per pound of body weight to be fatal. Sometimes, owners may intentionally give marijuana to their pets to "see what happens." After ingestion, THC is rapidly absorbed, and generally, within 24 hours, most of the THC has been excreted. Hashish, another THC containing product, is the resin extracted from the plant.Ĭats are usually exposed to marijuana by ingesting the cigarettes, dried leaves or leftover baked products containing marijuana. This ingredient is present in varying amounts in the leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis plant. The primary active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Unfortunately, because of the illegal nature of these drugs, diagnosis and treatment are sometimes delayed. Exposure to certain drugs, most commonly marijuana and cocaine, can have deleterious effects, especially if not treated. The ever-increasing prevalence of illicit drugs in our society often affects our pets.