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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Dog died from severe salt poisoning after eating salt mixture

By Khanna, C et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·1997·Department of Clinical Sciences, Canada·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Fatal hypernatremia in a dog from salt ingestion.

Species:
dog
Dog having seizuresStomach & digestionDogs

Plain-English summary

An eight-year-old Airedale terrier started having continuous seizures for 45 minutes after eating a salt-flour mixture used for sculpting. Tests showed that his sodium and chloride levels were dangerously high, indicating salt poisoning. Despite aggressive treatment, the dog sadly did not survive. This case highlights the dangers of salt ingestion in dogs, which can lead to severe health issues and even death.

People also search for: dog seizures after eating salt · Airedale terrier salt poisoning · treatment for dog salt toxicity

Abstract

An eight-year-old, neutered male Airedale terrier was presented for the evaluation of a 45-minute episode of continuous seizure activity after ingesting a salt-flour mixture used as clay for the sculpting of small figurines. Levels of serum sodium (211 mEq/L; reference range, 145 to 158 mEq/L) and chloride (180 mEq/L; reference range, 105 to 122 mEq/L) were elevated. The dog died despite aggressive therapy directed at the hypernatremia. Tissue levels of sodium and chloride were elevated. Brain sodium level (108 mEq/L; reference range, has less than 80 mEq/L) was diagnostic for salt toxicosis. All necropsy findings, except severe hepatocellular necrosis, were consistent with reports of salt poisoning in humans and other species. Hypernatremia from ingestion of salt has not been described previously in the dog.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9111719/