Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog shows brain damage signs after fast low sodium fix
By Churcher, R K et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·1999·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected myelinolysis following rapid correction of hyponatremia in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog showed signs of neurological problems five days after a quick treatment for low sodium levels caused by a severe intestinal parasite infection. The rapid correction of the sodium levels led to a condition called myelinolysis, which affects the brain's protective covering. Fortunately, recovery is possible with proper treatment and careful management of sodium levels. Following established guidelines for correcting low sodium can help prevent this issue in the future.
People also search for: dog neurological problems after treatment · myelinolysis in dogs · low sodium treatment in dogs · dog brain issues after hyponatremia
Abstract
A dog developed signs of neurological dysfunction five days after rapid correction of severe electrolyte derangements, including hyponatremia, caused by gastrointestinal parasitism (i.e., trichuriasis). History, laboratory findings, and onset of neurological signs following correction of hyponatremia led to a diagnosis of myelinolysis. Myelinolysis is a noninflammatory, demyelinating brain disease caused by sudden, upward osmotic shifts in central nervous system plasma, often a result of rapid correction of chronic hyponatremia. The pathogenesis is complex, but recovery is possible. Iatrogenic damage due to myelinolysis can be avoided by adherence to therapeutic guidelines for correction of chronic hyponatremia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10580909/