PEMOLINE TOXICOSIS IN A DOG

A 3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer was examined because of extrem e agitation, hyperactivity, and vomiting that began within 24 hours af ter ingestion of approximately 750 mg of pemoline, a CNS stimulant. On physical examination, the dog was agitated, tachycardic, hyperrespons ive, pyrectic, disoriented, and had mydriasis. These signs were consis tent with excessive stimulation of the CNS and sympathomimetic effects resulting from pemoline toxicosis. Serial blood and urine samples wer e obtained, and toxicologic analyses were performed. Extrapolation of the plasma pemoline concentration 32 hours after ingestion provided an estimated peak plasma concentration of 368 mu g/ml, dramatically high er than a therapeutic concentration of 1.7 to 7.0 mu g/ml reported for children. Several sedatives were administered intravenously to allevi ate clinical signs and to allow administration of activated charcoal ( PO) and fluids (IV). Clinical signs resolved approximately 72 hours af ter ingestion of pemoline.