Barium Toxicosis After Ingestion of Snake Fireworks in a Cat.

Black snake fireworks contain barium and can cause fatal toxicosis in cats.

This case report describes barium toxicosis in a 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat following ingestion of black snake fireworks. The cat presented with acute ptyalism, bradycardia, and respiratory distress, accompanied by hypokalemia (2.2 mmol/L), respiratory acidosis (PvCO2 13.10 kPa), and luminal metallic opacities on abdominal radiographs. Despite comprehensive diagnostic imaging including point-of-care ultrasound and whole-body CT scan, the underlying cause remained unidentified at the time of evaluation. The cat's condition rapidly deteriorated over less than 10 hours, progressing to decreased responsiveness and neurological dysfunction, leading to the owner's decision for humane euthanasia. Postmortem heavy metal analysis revealed elevated hepatic barium levels (10.8 mg/kg), subsequently identified after the owner discovered partially masticated black snake fireworks in vomitus. This represents the first documented feline case of barium toxicosis and the second veterinary report of toxicosis from household fireworks. The clinical and clinicopathological presentation paralleled previously reported canine cases, suggesting similar pathophysiological mechanisms across species.

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