Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Case Reports
. 2024 Mar-Apr;34(2):179-185.
doi: 10.1111/vec.13363. Epub 2024 Feb 26.

Medical management of pneumoperitoneum, gastric pneumatosis, and hepatic venous gas secondary to 3% hydrogen peroxide toxicity in a dog

Stefan B Gordon  1 , Amy C Nadolski  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Medical management of pneumoperitoneum, gastric pneumatosis, and hepatic venous gas secondary to 3% hydrogen peroxide toxicity in a dog

Stefan B Gordon et al. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2024 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the medical management and outcome of a dog suffering severe hydrogen peroxide toxicity.

Case summary: A 3-year-old neutered female Bichon Frise was presented to an emergency and referral practice after ingestion of 10-20 mL/kg 3% hydrogen peroxide. On presentation, the dog was obtunded, was tachypneic, and had severe gastric tympany. Abdominal radiographs revealed pneumoperitoneum, gastric pneumatosis, and hepatic venous gas. The dog was managed conservatively with supportive care and oxygen therapy. Repeat radiographs 6 hours later showed complete resolution of all gas inclusions. While hospitalized, the dog developed severe hematemesis, and abdominal ultrasound revealed severe gastric wall thickening. Subsequent endoscopy confirmed severe gastric mucosal necrosis without evidence of deeper ulceration and relatively mild petechiation of the esophagus. The dog was ultimately discharged after 5 days of hospitalization and continued to do well at home. Recheck ultrasound 5 weeks postdischarge showed normal gastric wall appearance.

New or unique information provided: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of pneumoperitoneum secondary to hydrogen peroxide toxicity and the first description of the clinical course of severe toxicity in dogs.

Keywords: canine; emetic; gastric necrosis; hematemesis; hyperbaric oxygen.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

REFERENCES

    1. Schildt JC, Jutkowitz LA. Approach to poisoning and drug overdose. In: Silverstein DC, Hopper K, eds. Small Animal Critical Care Medicine. 1st ed. Elsevier; 2009:326‐329.
    1. Khan SA, Mclean MK, Slater M, Hansen S, Zawistowski S. Effectiveness and adverse effects of the use of apomorphine and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to induce emesis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;241(9):1179‐1184.
    1. Niedzwecki AH, Book BP, Lewis KM, Estep JS, Hagan J. Effects of oral 3% hydrogen peroxide used as an emetic on the gastroduodenal mucosa of healthy dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Car. 2017;27(2):178‐184.
    1. Moon JM, Chun BJ, Min YI. Hemorrhagic gastritis and gas emboli after ingesting 3% hydrogen peroxide. J Emerg Medicine. 2006;30(4):403‐406.
    1. Herny MC, Wheeler J, Mofenson HC, et al. Hydrogen peroxide 3% exposures. Clin Toxicol. 2008;34(3):323‐327.

Publication types

Substances

LinkOut - more resources