Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog vomiting and seizure after eating too many methionine tablets
By Villar, David et al.·Published in Veterinary and human toxicology·2003·Iowa State University, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Overingestion of methionine tablets by a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 39-kilogram Labrador Retriever was brought to the vet after eating about 350 methionine tablets, which caused repeated vomiting. The dog showed signs of coordination problems, suggesting a possible spinal cord issue, and later had a brief seizure that was treated with medication. The vet provided intravenous fluids, steroids, and medications to protect the stomach. Fortunately, the dog recovered well and was sent home the next day, although it had a musty breath odor during treatment, likely from the breakdown of the methionine.
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Abstract
Methionine tablets are used as urinary acidifiers for pets and to decrease damage from dog urine to lawns. A 39-kg Labrador Retriever ingested approximately 350 tablets containing 150 mg methionine/tablet and was presented after repeated episodes of vomiting. The only abnormality was posterior ataxia suggestive of spinal cord injury. The animal was treated with i.v. fluids, steroids and gastrointestinal protectants. Approximately 4.5 h after entering the clinic the dog had a single seizure episode lasting 2-3 min which was treated with phenobarbital. Serum ammonia at that time was normal (0.19 mg/dL). The animal did not show further CNS abnormalities and awoke apparently normal. A musty odor to the breath was noticed through the course of the day, possibly due to volatile mercaptans produced from methionine metabolism. The animal made an uneventful recovery and was discharged the next day.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14640482/