For Emergencies:
Myla, a delightful young dog and certainly a strong contender for one of the cutest patients we have seen, was referred to our Internal Medicine team as an emergency following an accidental medication overdose.
Gorgeous Myla enjoying some sunshine!
Prior to presentation, Myla had been assessed by her primary care veterinary surgeon for mild discomfort when walking and was prescribed the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Meloxicam. Unfortunately, an inadvertent dosing error occurred at home, and Myla received approximately 5ml of the medication rather than the calculated dose based on her body weight.
Recognising the error, her owners acted promptly and sought immediate veterinary attention. Upon assessment, it was determined that Myla had received an estimated 14 times the recommended oral dose, raising concerns regarding potential adverse effects, including gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, as well as kidney and liver injury.
We would like to emphasise that situations such as this are more common than many people realise and are almost always genuine accidents. Our priority was to reassure Myla’s understandably concerned owners while initiating appropriate treatment without delay.
Myla was admitted to the hospital for close monitoring and supportive care. This included:
- Intravenous fluid therapy to support renal function
- Blood and urine analysis to assess for early signs of organ involvement
- Administration of medications designed to reduce further absorption of the drug and promote its elimination
Encouragingly, due to the swift action taken by her owners, Myla’s clinical course was very positive. She experienced only mild, transient vomiting, which resolved quickly with treatment. No significant complications were observed during her hospitalisation.
Myla was discharged once she was bright, comfortable, and clinically stable. We were delighted to later receive an update from her owners, including a video of her back to her normal self, enjoying the sunshine at home.
Key Takeaways for Pet Owners
Accidental medication overdoses can occur, even in the most careful households. To minimise risk, we recommend:
- Always double-checking dosage instructions before administering any medication
- Using appropriate measuring devices rather than estimating doses
- Seeking clarification from your veterinary surgeon if you are unsure about any aspect of treatment
If you are ever concerned that your pet may have received an incorrect dose or ingested any medication unintentionally, whether veterinary or human, prompt veterinary attention is essential. Early intervention and decontamination can significantly reduce the risk of serious side effects and improve outcomes.
