Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog had severe reaction and breathing failure after fast IV
By Biddick, Allison A et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2018·Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A serious adverse event secondary to rapid intravenous levetiracetam injection in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old female spayed Chihuahua was brought in for cluster seizures and rapid breathing. After receiving a high dose of levetiracetam through an IV, she quickly developed a fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, and became lethargic. Despite attempts to stabilize her with fluids, her condition worsened, leading to respiratory failure and eventually cardiac arrest. She required emergency treatment with epinephrine to improve her blood pressure, but sadly, she did not survive. This case highlights the risks associated with administering undiluted levetiracetam too quickly in dogs.
People also search for: Chihuahua cluster seizures treatment · levetiracetam side effects in dogs · dog breathing problems after medication
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a serious adverse event as a result of rapid intravenous injection of undiluted levetiracetam in a dog. CASE SUMMARY: An 8-year-old female spayed Chihuahua was evaluated for cluster seizures and tachypnea. The patient was administered an intravenous dose of undiluted levetiracetam (60 mg/kg) and immediately developed tachycardia, hyperglycemia, hypotension, and a dull mentation. The patient's blood pressure and mentation did not respond to intravenous fluid boluses but improved immediately after administration of epinephrine intravenously. The patient subsequently developed respiratory failure necessitating mechanical ventilation, prior to cardiac arrest. Necropsy examination noted a pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltrate, pulmonary edema, and interstitial pneumonia. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This report documents a serious adverse event associated with intravenous levetiracetam administration to a dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29419933/