title: Hyperactivity and alopecia associated with ingestion of valproic acid in a cat.
abstract: A 1-year-old castrated male cat was evaluated because of alopecia of approximately 4 to 5 months' duration as well as hyperactive behavior. It was later determined that the cat was ingesting valproic acid by eating food to which it had been added for daily administration to a child in the household who had cerebral palsy. The clinical signs slowly resolved after the source of valproic acid was removed. This emphasizes the sensitivity of cats to drugs that are commonly used in humans. It was not determined whether the clinical signs that developed in this cat were caused by an adverse reaction or from toxicosis as a result of prolonged hepatic elimination of valproic acid, which requires glucuronide metabolism for disposition. However, the cat recovered completely following removal of the drug and prevention of further exposure. This report emphasizes the importance of obtaining a careful and complete history from the owner regarding an animal and its environment. In the cat of this report, the owner had not considered the impact of the presence of the drug in the child's food.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Zoran
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boeckh
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Boothe
mesh_terms: D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D002415:Cats; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid