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Clinical presentation and management of moxidectin toxicity in two dogs
Author(s) -
Snowden N. J.,
Helyar C. V.,
Platt S. R.,
Penderis J.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2006.00081.x
Subject(s) - moxidectin , medicine , toxicity , ataxia , neurotoxicity , pharmacology , anesthesia , drug toxicity , drug , ivermectin , veterinary medicine , psychiatry
Moxidectin is a macrocyclic lactone related to ivermectin used in horses and dogs for endoparasite treatment and prophylaxis. The clinical and neurological presentation of moxidectin toxicity in two dogs following inadvertent poisoning with a moxidectin‐containing equine de‐worming medication is reported here. In both the dogs, the predominant clinical signs were generalised tremors and ataxia. Moxidectin exerts its neurotoxic effects in mammals by potentiating the effect of γ‐aminobutyric acid and, consistent with this, both the dogs demonstrated a poor response to treatment with diazepam. It would be more appropriate to avoid γ‐aminobutyric acid agonists, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, in dogs with moxidectin toxicity and consider using anaesthetic agents with a different mode of action, such as propofol. The prognosis in dogs accidentally exposed to moxidectin‐containing equine de‐worming medication appears to be excellent if the cause of the neurotoxicity is correctly identified and the case is appropriately managed.