Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog developed methemoglobinemia and breathing trouble
By Rigot, Manon et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2024·Department of Clinical Studies, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical methemoglobinemia secondary to administration of hydroxyurea at therapeutic doses in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 2.5-year-old female spayed mixed breed dog developed serious breathing problems and a bluish tint to her skin after receiving a medication called hydroxyurea, which was given to manage her blood condition. Initially, she was treated with phlebotomies (blood removal) and hydroxyurea, but shortly after the medication was administered, she showed signs of methemoglobinemia, a condition where blood can't carry oxygen properly. Although her symptoms improved within a day, they returned after a second dose of a lower amount of the medication. Unfortunately, due to ongoing neurological issues and lack of improvement, the dog was humanely euthanized.
People also search for: dog breathing problems after medication · hydroxyurea side effects in dogs · dog cyanosis treatment
Abstract
Methemoglobinemia secondary to administration of hydroxyurea is only reported in veterinary medicine as a result of accidental ingestion of high doses, and once at therapeutic dose in human medicine. A 2.5-year-old female spayed mixed breed dog was presented for acute signs of neurologic disease and diagnosed with severe erythrocytosis without an identified underlying cause, leading to suspicion of polycythemia vera. The dog was managed with phlebotomies, supportive care, and administration of hydroxyurea. Within 2 h of administration of hydroxyurea (37 mg/kg) administration, respiratory distress with cyanosis, and methemoglobinemia developed. Signs resolved within 24 h but recurred after a second administration of lower dosage of hydroxyurea (17 mg/kg) 20 days later. The dog remained asymptomatic except for mild cyanosis but was humanely euthanized for lack of relevant improvement of signs of neurologic disease. This case report documents the repeated occurrence of methemoglobinemia in a dog after administration of hydroxyurea at therapeutic doses.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38822748/