Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog ingested dibucaine ointment causing poisoning symptoms
By Hanzlicek, Andrew S & Van der Merwe, Deon·Published in Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology·2010·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dibucaine toxicosis in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 18-month-old female Parson Russell terrier became very sick after eating about 23 grams of dibucaine ointment, which is a topical anesthetic meant for treating minor skin issues. Within just five minutes, she started showing symptoms like vomiting, drooling, muscle twitching, confusion, and trouble walking. Fortunately, her symptoms resolved within an hour after the ingestion. This case highlights the dangers of keeping products like dibucaine ointment within reach of pets, as they can be toxic if ingested.
People also search for: dog vomiting after eating ointment · dibucaine toxicity in dogs · Parson Russell terrier disorientation treatment
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Dibucaine is a potent, long-lasting local anesthetic (LA). Topical dibucaine ointments are marketed directly to consumers in the USA without prescription. Dibucaine ointment is intended to treat discomfort associated with sunburn, eczema, minor rashes, minor scratches, insect bites, and poison ivy and is used alone or in combination with other active ingredients to treat pain associated with hemorrhoids or other anorectal disorders. Oral dibucaine toxicosis has been reported in children and includes gastrointestinal upset and neurologic and cardiovascular dysfunction. CASE REPORT: An 18-month-old, female, Parson Russell terrier ingested approximately 23 g of 1% dibucaine ointment (approximately 38 mg/kg dibucaine) recommended to the owner for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Onset and resolution of clinical signs were relatively rapid, 5 min and 60 min, respectively. Clinical signs included vomiting, ptyalism, whole-body muscle fasciculations, disorientation, and severe ataxia. DISCUSSION: Oral dibucaine toxicosis in dogs is similar to oral dibucaine toxicosis in children. Dibucaine ointment poses a real and potentially serious toxicological risk to pets and thus should be stored in a safe location.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20224995/