Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with liver damage and muscle breakdown after phenazopyridine
By Holahan, Melissa L et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2010·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Presumptive hepatotoxicity and rhabdomyolysis secondary to phenazopyridine toxicity in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old spayed female Chihuahua was brought to the vet after eating a large amount of phenazopyridine, a medication often used for urinary issues. She showed signs of ataxia (uncoordinated movement) and difficulty swallowing, along with limping in all four legs and severe muscle sensitivity. Blood tests revealed significant liver and muscle damage. The dog received intravenous fluids, muscle relaxants, pain relief, and liver support while hospitalized for five days, followed by another five days of care at home. Thankfully, follow-up visits showed she had fully recovered and her blood tests were normal.
People also search for: Chihuahua ataxia treatment · dog muscle pain after medication · phenazopyridine toxicity in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare, but potential clinical manifestation of phenazopyridine (PAP) toxicity in a dog. CASE SUMMARY: A 6-year-old spayed female Chihuahua was evaluated for ataxia and dysphagia after ingestion of 200 mg (66 mg/kg) of PAP hydrochloride. The dog was presented to the hospital with shifting leg lameness involving all 4 limbs, which progressed to reluctance to walk and severe diffuse muscle hyperesthesia. Clinical laboratory abnormalities included marked increases in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, mild increases in alkaline phosphatase, and increased c-Tnl-troponin concentration. Treatment included administration of intravenous fluids, muscle relaxants, pain medications, and hepatoprotectants for 5 days in the hospital, and medical management at home for an additional 5 days. Follow-up examinations performed 1 and 6 months after initial presentation revealed the dog to be clinically healthy with serum biochemical profiles within reference intervals. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: The purpose of this report is to describe an unusual manifestation of PAP toxicosis in a dog, which has not been previously reported in the literature. A review of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center database revealed 347 cases of PAP exposure in dogs during 2000-2009 underscoring the importance of being aware of this toxicity in the dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20636989/