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Diphenhydramine Intoxication in a Dog 1
Author(s) -
Lagutchik Michael S.,
Hackett Timothy B.,
Carter Leslie J.,
Wagner Ann E.,
Wingfield Wayne E.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of veterinary emergency and critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.886
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1476-4431
pISSN - 1479-3261
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-4431.1997.tb00048.x
Subject(s) - diphenhydramine , medicine , anesthesia , tachypnea , phenytoin , ataxia , bolus (digestion) , mydriasis , tachycardia , surgery , psychiatry , histamine , epilepsy
Summary We report a case of diphenhydramine intoxication in a dog. A five month old intact male Labrador Retriever was presented after ingesting approximately 36 diphenhydramine tablets (50 mg/tablet; approximate ingested dose of 1800 mg or 67 mg/kg). Physical examination findings included severe ataxia, profound disorientation, severe continuous spastic muscle tremors, hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hyperesthesia. The dog was unresponsive to intravenous diazepam and phenobarbital, but rapidly responded to an intravenous bolus and subsequent continuous infusion of guaifenesin and supportive fluid therapy. The serum diphenhydramine level on admission was 537 ng/ml. The toxic level is not reported for dogs, but is considered>60 ng/ml in people. The dog was discharged 24 hours after admission with no apparent residual effects.