Metabolic acidosis during general anaesthesia: presumed systemic toxicity caused by topical dorzolamide in a dog

Severe metabolic acidosis due to acetazolamide intoxication in a dog

CASE REPORT

This case report describes the clinical signs and case management of a 1-year-old neutered male Siberian Husky that accidentally ingested 635 mg/kg of oral acetazolamide (a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor). The dog presented with severe tachypnoea due to the development of hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis and associated hypokalaemia that persisted for 7 days. Clinical and biochemical changes resolved with intravenous and subsequent oral supplementation of sodium bicarbonate and potassium. Complete recovery occurred within 9 days of presentation.

CONCLUSION

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case that reports overdosage of an oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor in a dog and subsequent recovery with adequate supplementation and supportive care.