Baclofen toxicosis in dogs and cats: 145 cases (2004–2010)

Abstract

Clinical signs of baclofen toxicosis occurred in most patients, with the CNS being the system most commonly affected.

Poisoning of dogs and cats by drugs intended for human use

“…Lethal doses for dogs have not been established, but the ASPCA APCC database has reported mortality in dogs at estimated doses of 8-16 mg/kg (Wismer, 2004), while Bates et al (2013) reported a case of poisoning in a dog that ingested a dose of 25 mg/kg. Death was also reported in an 8 week old dog that ingested a dose of 2.3 mg/kg (Table 5), indicating that the amount of baclofen ingested should not be used solely as a predictor of outcome (Khorzad et al, 2012).…”

“…hypothermia, dyspnoea and respiratory arrest may occur (Campbell and Chapman, 2000;Wismer, 2004). Several cases of intoxication of dogs by baclofen following accidental ingestion of owner's tablets have been reported (Campbell and Chapman, 2000;Wismer, 2004;Scott et al, 2007;Torre et al, 2008;Khorzad et al, 2012;Bates et al, 2013;Caloni et al, 2014). In most cases, dogs develop severe clinical signs, often despite low dosage;~15% died (Campbell and Chapman, 2000).…”

Successful treatment of severe baclofen toxicosis initially refractory to conventional treatment

“…Additionally, the patient exhibited signs consistent with benzodiazepine withdrawal after abrupt discontinuation of a midazolam CRI. Based on the past literature, response to treatment has been noted shortly after institution of therapy [4][5][6][7][8] This case suggests that in patients with high dose ingestions and minimal initial response to therapies, further treatment should not be considered fruitless. When provided with ongoing intensive treatment and care, the long-term prognosis can still be excellent.…”

Treatment of a case of feline baclofen toxicosis with intravenous lipid therapy

“…The cat that received the higher dose failed to survive, and the survival status of the cat receiving the lower dose was not known. Clinical signs of baclofen toxicosis occur in 92 per cent of cats and dogs following ingestion, and include CNS depression, vomiting, ataxia, vocalisation, coma, lethargy and hypersalivation (Wismer 2004, Scott and others 2007, Torre and others 2008, Khorzad and others 2012). A definitive diagnosis of baclofen toxicosis was not possible in the present case due to the unavailability of toxicological testing for this drug in veterinary patients; however, the history and rapid response to appropriate treatment were very suggestive of this.…”