The authors declare no conflict of interests.
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Retrospective Study
Retrospective evaluation of toxicosis from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants: 313 dogs (2005–2010)
Article first published online: 30 OCT 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00805.x
© Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2012
Issue
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
Volume 22, Issue 6, pages 674–681, December 2012
Additional Information
How to Cite
Thomas, D. E., Lee, J. A. and Hovda, L. R. (2012), Retrospective evaluation of toxicosis from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants: 313 dogs (2005–2010). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 22: 674–681. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00805.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 6 DEC 2012
- Article first published online: 30 OCT 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 3 AUG 2012
- Manuscript Received: 31 AUG 2011
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- canine;
- serotonin uptake inhibitor;
- toxicology
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate a clinical population of dogs exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medications and describe the clinical findings, epidemiological characteristics, outcome, and prognosis.
Design
Retrospective study (February 1, 2005–August 31, 2010).
Setting
Animal poison control helpline.
Animals
Three hundred thirteen dogs with presumed SSRI toxicosis.
Interventions
None.
Measurements and Main Results
Dogs with presumptive SSRI medication toxicosis identified by a review of the electronic database of Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center, were evaluated. No clinical signs were reported in 76.3% (239/313) of cases. The remaining 23.6% (74/313) of cases demonstrated the following clinical signs: neurological 79.7% (59/74), gastrointestinal 25.6% (19/74), cardiovascular 9.5% (7/74), respiratory 8.2% (6/74), and thermoregulatory 6.7% (5/74). Of the dogs exhibiting neurological signs, 62.7% (37/59) showed depression, 37.2% (22/59) showed hyperactivity, 10.1% (6/59) exhibited ataxia, and 1.7% (1/59) showed other miscellaneous signs (eg, hyperesthesia). There was a significant difference between the dose ingested by symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs for fluoxetine (P = 0.0039), but not with any other SSRI. Ninety-four patients were confirmed to have received veterinary care. In cases where duration of veterinary care was determined (55/313), 67.2% (37/55) of dogs were hospitalized and 32.7% (18/55) treated as outpatients. The average duration of hospitalization was 18.5 hours, excluding outpatient visits. Of those patients that had complete follow-up information available (136/313), overall survival was 100%.
Conclusions
The overall prognosis for animals with SSRI toxicosis is excellent with veterinary attention. Central nervous system depression was the most common clinical sign associated with SSRI toxicosis.