Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Amiodarone toxicity in Dobermans with heart arrhythmias
By Kraus, M S et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2009·Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Toxicity in Doberman Pinchers with ventricular arrhythmias treated with amiodarone (1996-2005).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 22 Doberman Pinschers with heart problems called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were treated with a medication called amiodarone for severe irregular heartbeats. Unfortunately, nearly half of the dogs showed signs of toxicity from the medication, which could be linked to the dosage they were receiving. The study suggests that regular monitoring of liver function and signs of toxicity is crucial for these dogs to ensure their safety while on treatment. Adjusting the dosage or stopping the medication may be necessary if toxicity occurs.
People also search for: Doberman Pinscher heart problems · amiodarone side effects in dogs · dog DCM treatment options
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often die suddenly owing to ventricular tachycardia that degenerates into ventricular fibrillation. A safe and effective antiarrhythmic drug treatment is needed. This will require a large, well-controlled, prospective study. HYPOTHESIS: Amiodarone toxicity is common in Dobermans with occult DCM and ventricular tachyarrhythmias refractory to antiarrhythmia therapy. Infrequent monitoring of hepatic function is inadequate. Frequent monitoring may be useful to determine dogs in which the dosage should be decreased or the drug withdrawn. METHODS: Medical records from the University of Georgia and Cornell University were searched for Doberman Pinschers diagnosed with preclinical DCM that received amiodarone for severe ventricular arrhythmias refractory to other antiarrhythmic agents. Echocardiographic data, Holter recording data, hepatic enzyme serum activity, and serum amiodarone concentrations were recorded. The presence of clinical signs of toxicity was recorded. Serum amiodarone concentrations were obtained in some dogs. RESULTS: Reversible toxicity was identified in 10 of 22 (45%) dogs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Adverse effects from amiodarone were common and were, in part, dosage related. Patients should be monitored for signs of toxicity and liver enzyme activity should be measured at least monthly.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19175714/