Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Methionine poisoning from urine acidifiers in 1,525 dogs
By Hickey, Mara C et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2015·Advanced Critical Care of Los Angeles·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retrospective evaluation of methionine intoxication associated with urinary acidifying products in dogs: 1,525 cases (2001-2012).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 1,525 dogs showed symptoms after ingesting methionine, a substance found in some urine acidifying products. Many of these dogs experienced vomiting and ataxia (loss of coordination), with symptoms appearing within a few hours of eating the product. Fortunately, all the dogs recovered within 48 hours, and there were no reported fatalities. If your dog has ingested a product containing methionine and shows signs like vomiting or difficulty walking, it's important to contact your veterinarian right away, but the outlook is generally very good.
People also search for: dog vomiting after eating urine acidifier · dog ataxia treatment · methionine poisoning in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the signalment, clinical findings, timing of signs, outcome, and prognosis in a population of dogs exposed to methionine through the ingestion of urine acidifying products. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2012. SETTING: Animal Poison Control Center. ANIMALS: A total of 1,197 case calls yielding 1,525 dogs identified with presumed methionine ingestion. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Records of dogs with presumptive methionine ingestion were reviewed from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center database. Ingested methionine doses ranged from 3.9 mg/kg to 23,462 mg/kg. Clinical signs developed in 47% of dogs. The most common clinical signs were gastrointestinal (GI) and neurologic. The mean onset of GI signs was 2.8 hours following ingestion. The mean onset of neurologic signs was 6.8 hours following ingestion. GI signs were identified with ingested doses ≥22.5 mg/kg. Vomiting was the most common GI sign. Neurologic signs were identified with ingested doses ≥94.6 mg/kg. Ataxia was the most common neurologic sign. Resolution of clinical signs occurred within 48 hours of ingestion, and no fatalities were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis for dogs with methionine intoxication is excellent. Vomiting and ataxia were the most common clinical signs associated with methionine toxicosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26198670/