Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tremors and ataxia in two dogs from moxidectin poisoning
By Snowden, N J et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2006·Animal Health Trust·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical presentation and management of moxidectin toxicity in two dogs.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two dogs experienced severe tremors and difficulty walking after accidentally ingesting a horse deworming medication that contained moxidectin, which is toxic to dogs. Traditional treatments with benzodiazepines like diazepam did not help, so the veterinarians switched to using propofol, an anesthetic with a different action. Fortunately, both dogs responded well to the new treatment, and their prognosis for recovery was excellent once the moxidectin toxicity was recognized and managed properly.
People also search for: dog tremors after medication · moxidectin toxicity treatment for dogs · dog ataxia after dewormer
Abstract
Moxidectin is a macrocyclic lactone related to ivermectin used in horses and dogs for endoparasite treatment and prophylaxis. The clinical and neurological presentation of moxidectin toxicity in two dogs following inadvertent poisoning with a moxidectin-containing equine de-worming medication is reported here. In both the dogs, the predominant clinical signs were generalised tremors and ataxia. Moxidectin exerts its neurotoxic effects in mammals by potentiating the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid and, consistent with this, both the dogs demonstrated a poor response to treatment with diazepam. It would be more appropriate to avoid gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, in dogs with moxidectin toxicity and consider using anaesthetic agents with a different mode of action, such as propofol. The prognosis in dogs accidentally exposed to moxidectin-containing equine de-worming medication appears to be excellent if the cause of the neurotoxicity is correctly identified and the case is appropriately managed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17004957/