Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Opioids causing muscle jerks in dogs with hydrocephalus
By Nam, Changhoon et al.·Published in Veterinary medicine and science·2025·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Opioid-Induced Myoclonus During Premedication in Two Dogs With Hydrocephalus Proactively Managed With Antiepileptic Medications.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs with hydrocephalus (a condition where fluid builds up in the brain) experienced muscle twitching (myoclonus) after receiving opioid pain medications before their procedures. The twitching stopped after they were given midazolam, a medication that helps calm the nervous system. The vets ruled out other causes for the symptoms, suggesting that the opioids affected the dogs' brain chemistry. This case highlights that even normal doses of opioids can cause issues in dogs with existing brain conditions, so caution is needed when using these drugs.
People also search for: dog muscle twitching after surgery · hydrocephalus in dogs treatment · midazolam for dog seizures
Abstract
This report describes opioid-induced neurotoxicity (OIN) in two dogs with hydrocephalus undergoing the investigation of recurrent seizures; in both dogs, myoclonus occurred following premedication with butorphanol and remifentanil and resolved following the administration of midazolam. Thorough clinical evaluation excluded underlying systemic disease and increased intracranial pressure as possible causes, and opioid-induced modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory and dopaminergic interneurons was assumed. Benzodiazepines, like midazolam, enhanced GABA and appeared to be effective in managing these symptoms. The findings suggest that even at therapeutic doses, certain opioids can cause OIN in dogs. Caution is advised when using opioids, particularly in dogs with pre-existing central nervous system disorders, and further research is needed to better understand dosage effects and alternative treatment options for OIN prevention.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40159443/