Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bone marrow problems in dog and cat after albendazole use
By Stokol, T et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1997·Department of Pathology, 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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Development of bone marrow toxicosis after albendazole administration in a dog and cat.
Plain-English summary
A dog and a cat both developed serious bone marrow issues after being treated with albendazole, a medication used for giardiasis. The dog showed signs of low blood cell counts due to severe bone marrow damage, while the cat had different but related problems. Fortunately, both pets recovered quickly after receiving supportive care, including fluids and antibiotics. This case highlights the potential risks of using albendazole, and pet owners should discuss any concerns with their veterinarian before treatment.
People also search for: dog bone marrow problems after medication · cat low blood cell count treatment · albendazole side effects in pets
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 on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9187723/