Acute aldicarb toxicity in dogs: 15 cases (2001-2009)

Abstract

Objective: To describe the common clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities, treatment, and prognosis associated with acute aldicarb toxicosis in dogs.

Design: Retrospective observational study from 2001 to 2009.

Setting: Urban referral hospital.

Animals: Fifteen client-owned dogs.

Interventions: None.

Measurements and main results: The most common clinical signs associated with acute aldicarb toxicosis were vomiting, ptyalism, diarrhea, and tremors. Of the 15 dogs, 11 were admitted to the hospital for treatment, 2 were euthanized at presentation and 2 were discharged against medical advice following minimal treatment and lost to follow-up. Laboratory abnormalities included lactic acidosis and hyperglycemia in 12 and 9 patients, respectively. Treatment of hospitalized dogs included induction of emesis with apomorphine (4 dogs), activated charcoal (5), IV fluids (11), atropine (7), methocarbamol (3), diazepam (1), pralidoxime (1) and diphenhydramine (1). Ten of 11 hospitalized dogs survived to discharge; 1 was euthanized following a respiratory arrest after 36 hours of hospitalization. One patient received mechanical ventilation and treatment for pneumonia before discharge from the hospital. The median duration of hospitalization was 22 hours (range 12-168 h).

Conclusions: Acute aldicarb toxicosis carries a good prognosis for survival and hospital discharge with treatment. Supportive care should be considered for at least 18-24 hours to monitor for response to therapy and development of respiratory failure.