Successful treatment of metaldehyde toxicosis with intravenous lipid emulsion in a dog

Abstract

The aim of the present report is to describe a novel successful treatment approach for metaldehyde poisoning in a dog: intravenous lipid emulsion therapy (ILE). A 2.5-month-old female Labrador Retriever was referred to the Emergency Department following deliberate ingestion of a metaldehyde-containing granular bait. Severe continuous tonic-clonic activity, muscle tremors, loss of consciousness, diffuse congestion of the oral mucosa, tachycardia, tachypnoea and nystagmus were observed upon admission. Additional intravenous administration of a 20% lipid emulsion resulted in normalization of the vital signs and complete neurological recovery. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing ILE in the treatment of canine metaldehyde intoxication and the first description of a case of metaldehyde poisoning in a dog in Romania. Considering the severity of the neurological signs and the fact that no specific antidote is known, treatment can be significantly challenging to the veterinary practitioner. This finding should be included in metaldehyde poisoning therapy protocols, especially when severe clinical signs fail to respond to symptomatic treatment.