Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with muscle stiffness and 2,4-D poisoning confirmed
By Chen, Annie V et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2010·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Confirmed 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid toxicosis in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old male Weimaraner was brought to the vet because he was experiencing stiff movements and episodes of muscle rigidity for a day. Tests showed he had been exposed to a herbicide called 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), which was found in his blood and urine. The vet treated him with intravenous fluids for 36 hours, and he showed significant improvement in his symptoms. This case highlights that dogs showing muscle stiffness after exposure to certain chemicals can recover well with prompt treatment.
People also search for: dog muscle stiffness treatment · 2 · 4-D poisoning in dogs · Weimaraner muscle rigidity
Abstract
A 2-year-old, intact male Weimaraner was evaluated for episodic extensor rigidity and a stiff gait of 24 hours' duration. Percussion of the proximal appendicular muscles with a reflex hammer resulted in formation of dimples consistent with myotonia. Electromyography identified myotonic potentials. Residues of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were detected in both serum and urine. The dog was treated with intravenous fluid therapy for 36 hours, and clinical signs improved dramatically. Toxicosis with 2,4-D should be considered a differential for acquired myotonia in dogs with or without systemic signs. Exposed dogs with only clinical signs of myotonia can have good clinical outcomes. A confirmed clinical case of 2,4-D toxicosis in the dog has not previously been reported.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20045836/