Paracetamol is extremely toxic to cats. Cats lack the necessary glucuronyl transferase enzymes to safely break paracetamol down, and minute portions of a tablet may prove fatal. Initial symptoms include vomiting, salivation and discolouration of the tongue and gums. Unlike an overdose in humans, liver damage is rarely the cause of death; instead, methaemoglobin formation and the production of Heinz bodies in red blood cells inhibit oxygen transport by the blood, causing asphyxiation (methemoglobemia and hemolytic anemia).[69] Treatment with N-acetylcysteine, methylene blue or both is sometimes effective after the ingestion of small doses of paracetamol. According to one paper female cats may have a better survival rate although sample size was small.[70]
Although paracetamol is believed to have no significant anti-inflammatory activity, it has been reported to be as effective as aspirin in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in dogs.[71] A paracetamol-codeine product (trade name Pardale-V)[72] licensed for use in dogs is available on veterinary prescription in the UK.[73] It should be administered to dogs only on veterinary advice. The main effects of toxicity in dogs is liver damage.[74] N-acetylcysteine treatment is efficacious in dogs when administered within a few hours of paracetamol ingestion.[71]
Paracetamol is also lethal to snakes, and has been suggested as chemical control program for the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) in Guam.[75]
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