Serum digoxin concentrations in healthy dogs treated without a loading dose

Healthy dogs were treated once-a-day for 20 days, with a liquid oral dosage form of digoxin (0.022 mg/kg). Serum digoxin concentrations, measured by radio immunoassay technique, were in the therapeutic range 8 h after the second daily dose of digoxin had been administered. Of the ten dogs treated, four had digoxin serum concentrations above those accepted to be moderately toxic. Results of a blood urea nitrogen and a phenolsulfonphthalein test, determined at days 0, 5, 8, 12, 15 and 19 after the beginning of the investigation all were within normal limits. Serum osmolality, calcium, potassium, and sodium, determined daily, evidenced no significant difference from control values. Lengthening of the PR interval and a decrease in the heart rate were observed. Digitalization of dogs can be achieved without the use of a loading dose and within a much shorter time than was previously reported.