Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neurologic side effects in 3 cats given voriconazole
By Quimby, J M et al.Ā·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicineĀ·2010Ā·Department of Clinical Sciences, United StatesĀ·View original on PubMed ā
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Original publication title: Adverse neurologic events associated with voriconazole use in 3 cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Three cats developed serious neurological problems after being given voriconazole, a medication used to treat fungal infections. All three cats showed signs of unsteady movements (ataxia), and two of them lost the ability to use their back legs (paraplegia). Additionally, two cats experienced vision issues and heart rhythm problems. These findings suggest that while voriconazole can be effective, it may also cause significant side effects in cats, and more research is needed to understand how to use it safely.
People also search for: cat ataxia treatment Ā· voriconazole side effects in cats Ā· cat paraplegia causes
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Voriconazole has a broader spectrum of activity in comparison to fluconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B. Little documentation regarding appropriate dosing, efficacy, or adverse effects exists for cats. Neurologic adverse effects have been reported as a result of administration in other species. HYPOTHESIS: Voriconazole administration resulted in neurologic abnormalities in 3 cats. ANIMALS: Three cats that received voriconazole. METHODS: Observational study of adverse effects associated with voriconazole administration. RESULTS: All 3 cats had ataxia, which in 2 cats progressed to paraplegia of the rear limbs. Two of the cats had visual abnormalities including mydriasis, decreased to absent pupillary light responses, and decreased menace response. Arrhythmia and hypokalemia were noted in 2 separate cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Voriconazole has potential neurologic adverse effects in cats. Additional information regarding pharmacokinetics of the drug in this species must be gathered to help determine how it can be dosed most effectively with minimal adverse effects.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20384957/