Canine status epilepticus due to acute intoxication

Abstract

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to describe the type of toxin ingested, clinical presentation and outcome of dogs with status epilepticus (SE) due to acute poisoning presented to a large referral veterinary hospital. Materials and methods: Retrospective case series. Medical records of all dogs suffering from SE were reviewed (Jan 1, 2002 to April 30, 2009. Results: Fourteen dogs with SE due to acute intoxication were identified. Toxicological analyses (qualitative analysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; n = 11) detected poisonings with carbofuran, crimidine, paraoxone, metaldehyde, strychnine and diazinon. In the other three cases the uptake of a known poison was observed (zink phosphide, metaldehyde). None of the dogs showed evidence of neurological disease up to the day of presentation. The dogs were hospitalised for 2-10 days (median 5 days). The survival rate was 85.7%. None of the dogs experienced any more seizures after discharge (median observation period 2.6 years). Conclusion and clinical relevance: Ancillary to the acute clinical presentation, preliminary reports (possible uptake of poisonous material) and an inconspicuous medical history may suggest a tentative diagnosis. Managed adequately, these patients can have a high survival rate. Clinicians should also keep uncommon intoxications in mind.

Evaluation of the in vitro efficacy of hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, and the combined approach on the removal of metaldehyde from canine plasma

“…No specific antidote is available . Intensive treatment and anticonvulsant agents are frequently required to control seizures in affected dogs, and in severe cases of intoxication even general anesthesia may be indicated . Adverse sequelae to intoxication include respiratory failure, hepatic damage, and temporary blindness .…”

“…6 Intensive treatment and anticonvulsant agents are frequently required to control seizures in affected dogs, and in severe cases of intoxication even general anesthesia may be indicated. 1,5,7 Adverse sequelae to intoxication include respiratory failure, hepatic damage, and temporary blindness. 1,5,8,9 Clinical recovery in surviving patients typically requires 2-3 days, but can be prolonged to a few weeks in cases with complications.…”

Review of the molluscicide metaldehyde in the environment

“…29,30 In companion animals, ingestion of metaldehyde causes seizures and convulsions in combination with a fever, which has given rise to the name 'shake and bake syndrome'. 31 Toxicity of metaldehyde in cats and dogs has been reported [32][33][34] with LD 50 estimates of 207 and 500 mg kg −1 respectively. 17 Poisoning by metaldehyde can occur in cattle 35,36 and horses 37,38 with LD 50 values of 400-500 and 300-400 mg kg −1 respectively.…”

Retrospective evaluation of the use of hemodialysis in dogs with suspected metaldehyde poisoning (2012–2017): 11 cases

“…Supportive treatment includes standard decontamination procedures, anticonvulsive therapy, cooling, and cardiovascular support. In severe cases, continuous sedation or prolonged general anesthesia may be required to control seizures 2–4,7 . Reported mortality rates range from 0 to 23% 2–4 …”

“…In severe cases, continuous sedation or prolonged general anesthesia may be required to control seizures. [2][3][4]7 Reported mortality rates range from 0 to 23%. [2][3][4] Hemodialysis (HD) is an extracorporeal technique used to enhance the elimination of certain drugs and toxins from the blood.…”