Suspected lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) toxicosis in a dog |
| |
Authors: | Kathryn J. Atkinson DVM MS DACVIM Deborah M. Fine DVM MS DACVIM Tim J. Evans DVM MS PhD DACT DABVT Safdar Khan DVM MS PhD DABVT |
| |
Affiliation: | Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO;;Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO;and;SASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Urbana, IL. |
| |
Abstract: | Objective: To describe successful treatment of third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block using temporary noninvasive transthoracic pacing and placement of a permanent transvenous pacemaker in a case of suspected lily-of-the-valley ( Convallaria majalis ) intoxication in a dog. Case summary: A 2-year-old neutered male Beagle weighing 17.8 kg was presented to the emergency service for treatment of bradycardia, vomiting, and lethargy. An electrocardiogram revealed third-degree AV block that was nonresponsive to atropine. Ten hours after admission, the dog became obtunded. Treatment initially consisted of temporary noninvasive transthoracic pacing and eventually placement of a permanent transvenous pacemaker. The initial history did not suggest that the dog had access to any known cardiotoxins. However, C. majalis , which contains cardiac glycosides, was identified within the dog's environment and the dog's serum did contain digoxin or an immunologically cross-reactive compound. New or unique information provided: This is the first reported successful management of C. majalis toxicosis in a dog. Temporary noninvasive transthoracic pacing was used in the management of this case as a safe and effective bridge to permanent pacemaker implantation. |
| |
Keywords: | canine glycoside temporary pacemaker |
|
|