Successful Therapautic Management of Ivermectin Toxicity in American Pitbull Terrier

Nabarka Chanda, BVSc and AH

College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Udgir, Dt Latur, Maharashtra, India; Tel. 7001720068; E-mail: nabarka.chanda17398@gmail.com

A BRIEF HISTORY

A 2-year-old American Pitbull Terrier bitch weighing 25 kg was presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical complex at College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Udgir District, Latur, Maharashtra, India on 24/02/2020 with a history of convulsions, restlessness, severe howling, muscle tremors along with inappetance for 1-day and muscle weakness. On obtaining the history from owner it was found out that the owner had accidentally fed the bitch Hitex (Ivermectin) bolus of 80 mg.

CASE DISCUSSION

The case had been presented with the information that the animal was accidentally fed Ivermectin bolus of 80 mg, and subsequently which led to the clinical manifestations. The recommended dosage of Ivermectin for dogs is 0.2 mg/kg of body weight. Thus the required dosage in this case was 5 mg, but the animal was given 80 mg, thus 75 mg was overdosed to the animal. Also the clinical signs like congested palpebral mucous membrane, dry mouth, convulsions along with supporting haemogram indicated that the bitch had developed toxemia due to Ivermectin overdosage. Thus the bitch was treated on lines of Ivermectin toxicity which is as discussed below and resulted in the uneventful recovery of the bitch with disappearance of clinical manifestations and normalization of the physiological parameters along with normal appetite and activeness in behaviour.¹

Clinical Examination

The clinical examination revealed congested mucous membranes, heart rate (86 pm), respiration rate 44/minute and rectal temperature of 103 °F along with panting. The complete blood cell count examination revealed mild leukocytosis (Granulocytosis), along with haemo-concentration and mild dehydration indicative of toxemia.

Diagnosis

Based on the history obtained from the owner and on the basis of complete blood count (CBC) examination, it was diagnosed that the bitch was suffering from Ivermectin toxicity which led to the above mentioned clinical manifestations.

Figure 1. (A) Before the Treatment (B and C) After the Recovery which Shows that the Animal is Quite Healthy (D) Haematology Report

Treatment

Therefore the bitch was treated on the basis of above mentioned diagnosis with Neostigmine 1 ml administered subcutaneously which was repeated at an interval of 4 hrs. Also supportive therapy comprising of Isofluid acetate (2 ml) -M, DNS 500 ml slow IV(BID), RL 500 ml slow IV (BID), calcium sandoz 10 ml IV slow and vitamin-B complex 2 ml IM was administered for three-days.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with Antidote of Ivermectin along with supportive therapy resulted in the uneventful recovery of the bitch with resolution of signs of convulsions, howling, and muscle tremors along with normalization of urination, defecation and normal food and water intake. Thus a bitch suffering from Ivermectin toxicity was successfully treated with Neostigmine.

DECLARATION

The approval of ethical committee was taken for conducting this study and followed all the animal ethics and welfare guidelines.

1. Rasool GE. Blood and Radiostats Veterinary Medicine. 10th ed. 2016.