Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Three dogs got sick from amitraz after being in a rice field
By Epstein, Steven E et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2021·Department of Veterinary Surgical and Radiological Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Amitraz toxicosis in 3 dogs after being in a rice field.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three Labrador Retrievers suddenly became very lethargic and unresponsive after spending time in a rice field. When they were taken to the vet, they showed signs like slow heart rate and high blood sugar levels. After receiving supportive care, all three dogs recovered within 18 to 48 hours. However, one dog returned to the vet with similar symptoms a few days later after visiting another rice field. Tests confirmed that they had been exposed to amitraz, a pesticide, which caused their symptoms.
People also search for: dog lethargy after rice field · amitraz poisoning in dogs · Labrador Retriever slow heart rate treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical course and novel biochemical findings in 3 dogs with amitraz toxicosis. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Three Labrador Retrievers developed acute onset obtundation to stupor after being in a rice field. On admittance to the hospital, they all displayed bradycardia, hyperglycemia, hyperlactatemia, respiratory acidosis, and metabolic alkalosis. All clinical signs resolved in 18-48 hours with supportive care. One dog represented with similar clinical signs and biochemical abnormalities 3 days after discharge following spending time in a different rice field owned by the same owner. Toxicological analysis of serum from all 3 dogs and vomitus from 1 dog returned positive for amitraz and one of its metabolites. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first case series of dogs with confirmed amitraz toxicosis following an environmental exposure. Novel biochemical findings of hyperlactatemia, respiratory acidosis, and metabolic alkalosis were documented in all 3 dogs. Clinicians should be concerned for amitraz toxicosis when presented with an animal with the constellation of signs including decreased mental status, bradycardia, and hyperglycemia, particularly if relevant acid-base abnormalities are also detected.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33929762/