Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat developed allergic reaction to phenobarbital seizure medicine
By Sohn, Sang-June et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2019·Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Phenobarbital-induced anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old Russian Blue cat developed breathing problems and a high fever after starting treatment with phenobarbital for seizures. Despite normal blood tests, further examination revealed enlarged lymph nodes and other signs of an immune reaction. The cat was diagnosed with a rare condition called anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) caused by the medication. After stopping the phenobarbital, the cat's symptoms improved, and follow-up tests showed everything returned to normal within ten days.
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Abstract
In this study, we document a case of phenobarbital-induced anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS), which has been rarely reported in veterinary medicine. A 2-year-old, 5.4 kg, neutered male Russian Blue cat was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and started on phenobarbital treatment. Eight days after initiation of phenobarbital treatment, the cat showed tachypnea and hyperthermia. CBC and serum biochemistry were unremarkable. However, the patient showed high serum amyloid A (SAA). On abdominal ultrasonography, generalized enlargement of abdominal lymph nodes and splenic multiple hypo-echoic nodules, which were consistent with reactive lymphadenopathy were found. The cat was diagnosed with AHS, and phenobarbital was discontinued. After 10 days of cessation, the patient had normal SAA, and clinical signs were resolved.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31685729/