BROMIDE TOXICOSIS SECONDARY TO RENAL-INSUFFICIENCY IN AN EPILEPTIC DOG

Bromide toxicosis was diagnosed in an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever th at had been treated for epilepsy with potassium bromide, at a dosage o f 29 mg/kg of body weight/d. Clinical signs included hind limb weaknes s, ataxia, and disorientation. Renal insufficiency, diagnosed by deter mination of endogenous creatinine clearance, was believed to be respon sible for the development of bromide toxicosis in this dog. Diuresis w ith physiologic saline solution and discontinuation of bromide and phe nobarbital treatment resulted in rapid resolution of abnormal neurolog ic signs; however, serum bromide concentrations decreased dramatically during diuresis and seizures recurred. Although saline diuresis has b een recommended for the treatment of bromide intoxication in human bei ngs, more conservative measures, such as discontinuation of bromide an d short-term fluid administration, may be more appropriate for epilept ic dogs.