Diagnosis and treatment of thallium toxicosis in a dog

A case of chronic thallium toxicosis in a dog is described. The difficulties in diagnosis in the absence of a history of known ingestion of the agent are discussed and a method of increasing urinary thallium to detectable levels is described.     

Ibuprofen toxicosis in a dog

Acute renal failure, vomiting, and melena developed in a 10-month-old dog after ingestion of ten 600-mg tablets of ibuprofen. After 5 days of IV fluid therapy, clinical signs resolved and azotemia decreased. With increased availability of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, similar complications may become more common in veterinary practice. If acute renal failure should develop, the prognosis for recovery is good, with rapid institution of appropriate therapy. However, renal dysfunction may not be completely reversed.     

Macrozamia toxicosis in a dog

A case of Macrozamia riedlei seed poisoning is described in a young Dachshund. Vomiting and depression commenced within 6 h of ingestion; other signs that developed included severe hepatopathy, jaundice, abdominal pain that was unresponsive to analgesics, severe gastro-intestinal haemorrhage and thrombocytopenia as well as crystalluria and marrow dyserythropoiesis. The dog was euthanased 6 days after ingestion of the seeds.     

Ivermectin toxicosis in a dog

A 5-year-old male Doberman Pinscher was examined after ingesting an equine paste dewormer containing approximately 115 mg of ivermectin. Clinical signs consisted of profound hypothermia, mild dehydration, dilated unresponsive pupils, localized muscle group fasciculations around the face and hind limbs, and no response to any external stimuli. Twelve days after parenteral administration of isotonic fluids and IV administration of dexamethasone and dimethyl sulfoxide, the dog returned to a clinically normal neurologic state. Ivermectin toxicosis has been reported frequently in Collies; however, other breeds may have idiosyncratic reactions to low doses. Patients with severe toxicosis should eventually recover completely if given appropriate intensive care.     

Naproxen-induced toxicosis in a dog

Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, induced gastric ulceration and bleeding in a dog. Clinical signs included vomiting, anemia, melena, and weakness. The dog responded to a blood transfusion and supportive treatment (lactated Ringer's solution with added K+ and B vitamins, an antacid, and cimetidine). Naproxen had been given to the dog by the owner, as treatment for shoulder stiffness.     

Levamisole toxicosis in a dog

A single oral dose of levamisole hydrochloride given at the rate of 12 mg/kg was believed responsible for bradycardia, tachypnea, hypothermia, cerebrocortical depression, and diarrhea in a dog. Supportive treatment and symptomatic treatment for the bradycardia were required for 4 days. In addition to these previously reported abnormalities associated with levamisole toxicosis, cerebrocortical depression and multiple foci of irritation were characterized by electroencephalography.     

Oral vitamin A as an adjunct treatment for canine sebaceous adenitis

Medical records of dogs with sebaceous adenitis diagnosed by histopathology over an 18-year period were reviewed. From a total of 40 cases, 24 were treated with oral vitamin A. Dogs ranged from 9 months to 12 years of age at the time of disease onset. Purebred as well as mixed-breed dogs were affected. Akitas represented approximately one-third of the affected population. No sex predilections were observed. Vitamin A was administered for a minimum of 1 month. Doses varied from 380 to 2667 IU/kg/day, with a mean of 1037 IU/kg/day. Two dogs received oral vitamin A exclusively. Concurrent treatments included systemic antibiotics, systemic antifungal medications, fatty acid supplementation and various topical treatments. Of 24 dogs treated with vitamin A, three were lost to follow-up. Twelve owners were satisfied with the overall appearance of their dogs, reporting ≥25% improvement in clinical signs, including level of pruritus, amount of scale, alopecia and overall coat quality, compared with pretreatment appearance. Three owners observed adequate initial improvement, with regression to pretreatment state within 6 months of starting treatment. Two owners reported 25-50% improvement in clinical signs while on oral vitamin A supplementation; however, changes were attributed to concurrent topical treatment. Six owners reported no improvement and discontinued oral administration of vitamin A within 7 months. No correlations could be made between vitamin A dosage and response to treatment; prognoses could not be made based on clinical and histopathological findings.     

Suspected albuterol toxicosis in a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old male castrated Shetland Sheepdog was evaluated because of severe hypokalemia and progressive paresis. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination revealed fever, tachypnea, mydriasis, hyperemic mucous membranes, severe forelimb paresis, and hind limb paraplegia. The dog had superficial and deep pain sensation in all 4 limbs. Forelimb spinal reflexes were considered normal, but hind limb reflexes were normal to slightly hyperreflexive. The panniculus reflex was considered to be normal, and cranial nerve reflexes were intact. A CBC revealed mild leukocytosis and erythrocytosis, and serum biochemical analysis revealed severe hypokalemia. Thoracic and abdominal imaging did not reveal relevant findings. Blood pressure and ECG findings were within reference limits. Questioning of the owner revealed possible exposure to albuterol via ingestion of medication intended for the owner's horse. Results of serum testing via immunoassay were suggestive of albuterol toxicosis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Treatment included IV administration of an electrolyte solution and supplemental potassium chloride. The rate of potassium chloride supplementation was slowly decreased as serum potassium concentration increased. No other medical intervention was required, and the dog made a rapid and complete recovery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ingestion of albuterol can lead to profound physical and serum biochemical abnormalities. Appropriate historical information should be obtained to identify possible sources and routes of exposure to intoxicants. Albuterol-induced hypokalemia can be successfully managed medically.     

Acute selenium toxicosis in a dog

A toxic dose of selenium administered by IM injection to a 3-year-old Chihuahua resulted in pulmonary edema and death. The compound had been dispensed to the owner inadvertently in combination with a vitamin E preparation. Vitamin and mineral products often are considered safe for use in megadoses by the uninformed public. The potential danger of selenium overdosage should not be underestimated.     

Pennyroyal oil toxicosis in a dog.

A dog was treated for fleas with the application of pennyroyal oil obtained by the owner at a health food store. Vomiting ensued within 2 hours, and despite emergency treatment, the dog died within 48 hours. At necropsy, pennyroyal oil was determined to be the cause of death.     

Acute thallium toxicosis in a dog.

A Doberman Pinscher was evaluated for acute onset of gastroenteritis, characterized by anorexia, hematemesis, and hematochezia. The dog had ingested mole bait containing thallium 2 days prior to admission. Thallium toxicosis was confirmed by detection of thallium in the urine, using colorimetric analysis. The dog responded well to administration of antibiotics, fluids administered IV, warm-water enemas, and oral administration of activated charcoal slurries.     

Acute toxicosis in swine associated with excessive dietary intake of vitamin D

Acute toxicosis developed in a group (n = 35) of fattening hogs and replacement gilts that had excessive vitamin D3 inadvertently added to their feed. All of the pigs were lethargic, and emesis was evident in about half of the pigs 1 to 2 days after they consumed the feed. On the 2nd day, 3 of the pigs died. The remaining pigs were given a different ration. Five additional pigs died during the next 2 weeks. Clinical toxicosis also was observed in 1 of 2 feeder pigs fed the suspect feed in the laboratory and in 2 of 2 pigs fed the suspect feed by the company that had mixed the feed. Gross necropsy findings consistently observed were hemorrhagic gastritis and diffuse interstitial pneumonia. Myocardial degeneration and nephrosis were seen in, respectively, 1 of 6 and 4 of 6 pigs necropsied. Histologically, necrosis and mineralization of variable severity were observed in the fundic gastric mucosa, lungs, kidneys, bone, heart, and small blood vessels of the lungs and heart. Less necrosis and more mineralization were observed in pigs that survived longer than 6 days. The 2 pigs fed the suspect feed in the laboratory had increased concentrations of serum calcium from the 3rd to the 9th days or the 1st to the 3rd days, after feeding the suspect feed. Serum phosphorus concentrations were increased from the 1st until the 2nd or 3rd day, and serum magnesium concentrations were increased from the 1st or 2nd to the 3rd day after feeding the suspect feed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)