Hypermagnesemia in a Cat Secondary to Suspected Intoxication

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Toxicology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Hypermagnesemia is a rare condition in veterinary medicine, often associated with specific underlying causes.
• Clinical signs can be severe and include neurological and cardiovascular abnormalities.

Observation:

• An 8-year-old cat presented with stupor, hypothermia, and bradycardia.
• Significantly elevated ionized and total magnesium levels were detected.
• A history revealed long-term use of an anxiolytic supplement containing magnesium stearate.

Findings:

• The cat was diagnosed with magnesium toxicosis, complicated by acute kidney injury.
• Treatment involved supportive care during hospitalization.
• The cat recovered fully with normalized kidney and electrolyte values after 10 days.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for toxicity from seemingly benign supplements.
• It underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic workup, including magnesium levels, for unexplained clinical signs in animals.
• Veterinary professionals should consider supplement toxicity in differential diagnoses.