Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog poisoned by acetaminophen and codeine diagnosed using earwax test
By de Vicente, Monica Chacon et al.·Published in Veterinary research communications·2026·School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Diagnosis of acetaminophen and codeine poisoning in a dog using earwax analysis by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS/GC-MS).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old male mixed-breed dog was brought to the vet after showing signs of lethargy, excessive drooling, not wanting to eat, dehydration, and neurological issues following an accident and accidental ingestion of a human medication containing acetaminophen and codeine. Tests showed signs of liver damage, and a special analysis of the dog's earwax confirmed the presence of acetaminophen. The vet started intensive treatment, including fluids and an antidote called N-acetylcysteine, which helped the dog recover fully. This case serves as a reminder of the dangers of giving human medications to pets.
People also search for: dog acetaminophen poisoning treatment · why is my dog drooling · mixed-breed dog liver damage symptoms
Abstract
Poisoning of companion animals resulting from exposure to analgesics intended for human use is a frequent and clinically relevant problem in veterinary practice, usually associated with administration without professional supervision. This can induce severe systemic toxicity. Diagnostic confirmation can be particularly challenging in cases presenting with nonspecific clinical signs or when conventional biological samples are unavailable. This case report describes the innovative use of earwax as a non-invasive biological matrix for toxicological confirmation in veterinary medicine. A 9-year-old male mixed-breed dog was admitted following a traumatic accident and subsequent administration by its owner of a human medication containing acetaminophen and codeine. Clinical evaluation revealed lethargy, hypersalivation, hyporexia, dehydration, and neurological abnormalities. Laboratory findings demonstrated neutrophilic leukocytosis and marked increases in hepatic enzyme activities, consistent with acute hepatocellular injury. Toxicological investigation using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected acetaminophen-related signatures in an earwax sample, supporting suspected exposure to the drug. Intensive treatment was promptly initiated and included fluid therapy, antidotal treatment with N-acetylcysteine, opioid antagonism, analgesia, and supportive care. The patient showed progressive clinical improvement, with complete resolution of clinical signs and full recovery. This case highlights the significant risks of administering human medications to companion animals and underscores the need to improve owner awareness of self-medication practices. Furthermore, it demonstrates the diagnostic potential of earwax as a non-invasive biological matrix for toxicological confirmation, expanding the range of complementary diagnostic tools available for veterinary toxicology and supporting improved clinical decision-making in cases of suspected pharmaceutical intoxication.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42176063/