Succimer for treatment of lead toxicosis in two cats

Two cats from a single household were examined because of neurologic abnorm alities suggestive of central vestibular disease. The owner had been renova ting her 150-year-old house for the preceding 3 months, and renovations inc luded chipping and sanding of old paint from windowsills and stair railings . Lead toxicosis was diagnosed on the basis of history and concentrations o f lead in blued and urine. Both cats were treated with succimer. Treatment was not associated with any adverse effects, and both cats recovered comple tely Ingestion of old paint from house renovations is the most common sourc e of lead exposure in cats. Owners of cats with gastrointestinal tract or n eurologic abnormalities should be questioned specifically about house renov ations.-T. E. Knight et al.