Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Development of bone marrow toxicosis after albendazole administration in a dog and cat.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1997
- Authors:
- Stokol, T et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Pathology · United States
Plain-English summary
A dog and a cat both developed a serious condition affecting their bone marrow after being treated with a medication called albendazole, which is used for a parasite infection. They were both found to have low levels of blood cells, a condition known as pancytopenia. In the dog, this was due to a significant reduction in bone marrow activity, while the cat showed a different pattern of bone marrow changes. After stopping the medication and providing supportive care, including fluids and antibiotics, both animals recovered quickly. This case suggests that while albendazole can be effective, it may also cause harmful effects on bone marrow, so veterinarians should be cautious when prescribing it.
Abstract
Bone marrow toxicosis was detected in a dog and cat following albendazole administration. Both animals were admitted with pancytopenia. In the dog, pancytopenia was attributed to severe panmarrow hypoplasia, whereas the cat had hypoplasia of erythroid and megakaryocytic series, but with a left-shifted granulocytic hyperplasia. Results of cytologic examination of bone marrow from both animals were compatible with acute injury. Both animals had been treated with albendazole for giardiasis prior to the onset of clinical signs. Bone marrow toxicosis was attributed to albendazole administration for the following reasons: this was the only or most recent drug administered, other causes of bone marrow toxicosis were not found, and both animals recovered rapidly with supportive care that consisted of fluid and antibiotic administration. Albendazole induced toxicosis appeared to be dose related in the dog and idiosyncratic in the cat. On the basis of the findings in this report, there is a potential for the development of albendazole induced bone marrow toxicosis in dogs and cats; therefore, veterinarians should exercise caution when using this drug.
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: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9187723/