Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bromethalin poisoning causes brain swelling and paralysis in dogs
By Peterson, Michael E·Published in Topics in companion animal medicine·2013·Reid Veterinary Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Bromethalin.
Plain-English summary
A dog or cat that has ingested bromethalin, a dangerous neurotoxin, can show serious symptoms like muscle tremors, seizures, and even paralysis. After exposure, pets may start to show signs like unsteady walking and weakness within 12 to 24 hours. If your pet is suspected of having eaten this poison, immediate treatment is crucial, which may include inducing vomiting and giving activated charcoal to limit absorption. Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote, and pets often require extensive supportive care. The outlook for recovery can be quite poor, so quick action is essential.
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Abstract
Bromethalin is a potent neurotoxin capable of inducing fatal cerebral edema in companion animals. Bromethalin decreases adenosine triphosphate production resulting in cerebral edema. Toxicosis can be seen in cats and dogs with oral exposures as low as 0.3 and 2.5mg/kg, respectively. High doses produce severe muscle tremors, hyperthermia, seizures, and death within a couple hours postingestion. The usual presentation after moderate to low exposure develops over 12-24 hours with progressive ataxia, paresis, and hindlimb paralysis. Central nervous system depression continues to semicoma or coma. Diagnosis is based upon history of exposure, development of progressive appropriate clinical signs and chemical confirmation in tissues. Treatment relies heavily upon early emesis induction and prolonged decontamination with pulse dosing of activated charcoal. There is no specific antidote; attempts to control cerebral edema with diuretics and corticosteroids have met with limited success. Significant supportive care is usually required, often including seizure management, nutritional support, and defense against decubital ulceration. Prognosis is guarded to poor.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23796484/