Pyrethrins and pyrethyoids are used to treat ectoparasites of cats, dogs and birds. However, if used improperly they will cause severe illness. The primary action is to keep the sodium channel open in excitable cells. The onset of toxicosis occurs within 1 to 4 hours after dermal and subsequent oral exposure. The clinical signs are depression, hypersalivation, muscle tremors, vomiting, ataxia, dypsnea, and anorexia.
Treatment includes bathing, and a combination of emensis, and activated charcoal.
Diazepam or methocarbamol after the cat starts to relax to control muscle tremors and seizures, anf atropine to control hypersalivation. Most animal recover within 24 to 72 hours after exposure. Organophosphates and carbamates insecticides are found in flea collars and snail and slug killers, and are potent inhibitors of cholinesterase activity. The recovery depends on the resynthesis of the cholinesterase enzyme. Treatment of organophosphorus or carbamate poisoning begin with life-saving symptomatic therapy.