Also sucralfate, an ulcer coating agent, metoclopramide, an antiemetic, and misoprostol, a prostaglandin analogue, could also be used if the symptoms indicated need. These are found in coffee, tea, stimulants, medications, and chocolate. Some people do not know the dangers of feeding their cats chocolate, or the cat may get into it if it is left out where they can get to it. Clinical signs develop within one to fours hours after ingestion and include vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, weakness, hyperexcitability, tremors, seizures, and coma. Secondary pancreatitis amy develop in some animals.
Death results from seizures or cardiac arrhythmias.
Treatment includes the administration of emetic agents followed by activated charcoal and a cathartic if exposure was within the last two hours. Since methylxanthines may undergo enterohepatic recycling, activated charcoal should be sdministered every 3-6 hour until cat is asymptomatic. Diazepam or phonobarbitol may be used to control seizures. Fluid therapy may be indicated, but steroids should be avoided because they reduce urinary excretion of methylxanthines. The prognosis for a full recovery is generally good with appropriate therapy.