Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with terbutaline poisoning treated successfully with propranolol
By Gustafson, B W·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1994·Big Horn Animal Clinic·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Terbutaline toxicosis in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old Collie-type dog was brought to the vet after showing signs of lethargy, rapid heart rate, fast breathing, and muscle tremors. This happened about 10 hours after the dog chewed on an inhalation canister containing terbutaline, a medication that can cause toxicity. The vet found abnormal heart rhythms due to the terbutaline and initially treated the dog with fluids and lidocaine, but those didn't help. Fortunately, the dog's symptoms improved quickly after receiving propranolol, which helped restore a normal heart rhythm and resolve the other signs of toxicity.
People also search for: dog lethargy fast breathing terbutaline · Collie heart problems treatment · dog muscle tremors after chewing canister
Abstract
A 2-year-old Collie-type dog with lethargy, tachycardia, tachypnea, and muscle tremors was examined 10 hours after the dog had bitten into an inhalation canister containing the beta 2-adrenergic agonist, terbutaline sulfate. Electrocardiographic findings (ventricular premature contractions and paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia) were consistent with excessive adrenergic activity resulting from terbutaline toxicosis. Serum terbutaline concentration was similar to that reported in human beings with terbutaline toxicosis. The dog did not respond to initial treatment with fluids and lidocaine administered IV, but rapid resolution of signs and conversion to normal sinus rhythm was achieved after IV infusion of propranolol.
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/8077136/