Inducing vomiting, salt water?

Schtroumphy
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Hi everyone,

I have a quick question, please. I turned my back for a few minutes and my little monster swallowed a face mask strap this morning. Knowing the danger of that kind of foreign object, I called the emergency vet who told me over the phone to mix two tablespoons of salt in a glass and give them a bit to try and make them sick. I have a 3ml syringe and she told me to give at least two of them, so I did what she said. No result, no vomiting at all. I called back and took the little monster to the vet surgery; they kept them for about two hours. After those two hours, she told us she couldn't get them to vomit.

Now for the question: once I got home, I looked it up online and saw that you should avoid giving salt water as, at certain doses, there's a risk of things like cerebral oedema...

I'll admit I'm scared I've done more harm than good with this salt water.

Does anyone have an opinion on this? Was it a good idea, or should I have done nothing, or perhaps something else to make them sick?

Thanks.

Translated from French
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19 answers
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    • K
    Kelinda Icon representing the flag French
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    Fingers crossed for you! If it comes out in his poo over the next day or so then I reckon everything will be fine.

    My cat once swallowed a long piece of bin liner tie; I only realised when I was cleaning out the litter tray! Thank goodness it didn't get stuck in his stomach.

    Given the size of the elastic band, it’s quite likely it’ll just pass through on its own, hopefully. Keep a close eye on him, of course.

    And it's so true, we try our best to tidy away anything dangerous for them, but they’re just so crafty!

    Please do keep us posted, thanks!

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    Tania28
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    Hope to hear some good news soon

    Cuddles to the little speedster

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    Schtroumphy
    Schtroumphy Icon representing the flag French
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    Thank you so much for all your replies! Plus, you've really managed to put my mind at ease about the salt. ^^ Thinking about it, it’s still crazy that our vet didn't manage to make him sick, especially since he’s usually got such a sensitive little tummy. Oh, and I don’t know if it’s the stress of his day, the salt, or something else, but he’s been eating for three since he got back from the vet. 😁 Thanks again for all your replies. ^^
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    Tania28
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    Hang in there, everything's going to be okay 🙂

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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Good evening,

    Saltwater can indeed be used to induce vomiting in cats following poisoning or the ingestion of a foreign object. It’s also true that salt poisoning can occur, but at much higher doses than those recommended by your vet. If you followed their advice, you’ve most likely done exactly the right thing. It’s only natural that you’re worried, but you did the right thing by contacting a vet straight away.

    In my opinion, it’s good to keep an eye on him as you’re doing and stay in touch with your vet if the situation changes.

    I hope this has been helpful.

    Have a good evening

    Lucie

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    Yume
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    Hi there, apparently in cases of salt poisoning, you’d see clinical signs (vomiting, drooling...) or neurological ones (seizures). I don’t think the amount they’ve swallowed will be dangerous. Just make sure you give them plenty of water to drink, because drinking salt water actually makes dehydration worse; if I remember rightly, the body uses the water inside the cells to flush out the salt.
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    Blue_Cat
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    Well, it’s done now. Let’s just say it was his first proper dip in the sea; he certainly swallowed a mouthful...

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    Schtroumphy
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    Yes, we’re going to keep a very close eye on him. There’s someone at home 24/7, so we’ll make sure we take it in turns to keep him under surveillance day and night.

    The vet told us that the first 72 hours are the most critical, even though the foreign object could stay in his stomach for much longer.

    Mind you, as for the idea of using saltwater to make him sick, I have to admit I shouldn't have been trawling the internet. Not only am I incredibly worried about this rubber band and feeling terrible about it, but now I’ve got the added stress of the risks associated with the saltwater! ^^

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    Blue_Cat
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    Hi,

    I think, given the situation, the best thing to do is wait for him to do his business... and then have a good look at it.

    It’s very possible he’ll just pass it without any issues. However, if he doesn’t have a poo at all and stops eating, you’ll need to head back to the vet for another check-up and an X-ray. Cats often swallow bits and bobs without us knowing, and if it all passes through fine, we’re none the wiser.

    Translated from French

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