Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog developed methemoglobinemia and breathing trouble
By Manon Rigot et al.·Published in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·2024·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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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 mixed breed dog was brought in for sudden neurological issues and was found to have a high red blood cell count. The vet treated her with phlebotomies and hydroxyurea, a medication used for certain blood disorders. Unfortunately, within two hours of receiving the hydroxyurea, she developed breathing problems and a bluish tint to her gums, a condition known as methemoglobinemia. Although her symptoms improved within a day, they returned after a second dose of a lower amount of the medication. Ultimately, the dog was euthanized due to ongoing neurological issues and lack of improvement.
People also search for: dog breathing problems after medication · hydroxyurea side effects in dogs · dog neurological issues 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 Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/38822748