Life-threatening metabolic disorders after application of a sodium phosphate containing enema in the dog and cat

Application of a sodium phosphate containing enema caused life-threatening metabolic disorders in a Dachshund and a two cats. Clinical signs were char acterised by dehydration and various neurological deficits including seizur es. Most striking laboratory abnormalities were hypernatremia, hypocalcemia , hyperphosphatemia, and polycythemia. Despite intensive treatment the dog dies, whereas the cats recovered completely. IN face of possible severe and potentially fatal metabolic abnormalities sodium, phosphate enemas, such a s Practo-Clyss(R), should be used with caution or not at all in cats and sm all dogs.