Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Puppy Labrador got serotonin syndrome after 5-HTP supplement ingestion
By Jennifer, Hopkins et al.·Published in Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology·2017·Cornell University, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Serotonin Syndrome from 5-Hydroxytryptophan Supplement Ingestion in a 9-Month-Old Labrador Retriever.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-month-old female Labrador retriever became very agitated after accidentally ingesting a 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplement, which is often used as a sleep aid for humans. Within an hour, she showed signs of distress, including excessive drooling and rapid breathing. After being taken to the vet, she was found to have serious symptoms like high heart rate and fever, and later developed gastrointestinal bleeding. The vet treated her with fluids, medications to protect her stomach, and a drug to counteract the effects of serotonin. Thankfully, she responded well and was able to go home within two days.
People also search for: Labrador 5-HTP overdose symptoms · dog serotonin syndrome treatment · what to do if my dog ingests a supplement
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplements are available over the counter and labeled as sleeping aids and anxiolytics for human use. 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor and overdose can lead to serotonin syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 9-month-old female Labrador retriever was evaluated after ingestion of a 5-HTP supplement. Signs of agitation developed within 1 h of ingestion, and emesis was attempted by the owner with  3% hydrogen peroxide (HO) orally. On presentation, the dog was obtunded, bilaterally mydriatic and salivating. Physical exam revealed tachypnea, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and hypertension. Eighteen hours post presentation, the dog developed melena, hematemesis, and pigmenturia. A hemogram revealed mild anemia with evidence of oxidative erythrocyte damage (eccentrocytes, Heinz bodies, and siderocytes). A chemistry panel revealed markedly elevated creatine kinase and hyperbilirubinemia, supporting hemolytic anemia. A urinalysis revealed pigmenturia. Hemolytic anemia was presumed to be caused by oxidative damage secondary to gastrointestinal ulceration and circulatory embolism of HO. Treatment included fluid therapy, a mannitol constant rate infusion, antiemetics, gastroprotectants, and cyproheptadine as a serotonin antagonist. The patient responded well to treatment and was discharged within 48 h of presentation. DISCUSSION: Serotonin syndrome is an increasingly common toxic syndrome in veterinary medicine with the availability of over-the-counter medications that alter serotonin metabolism. The importance of appropriate client education regarding emesis with HOis highlighted.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28210931/