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5-Fluorouracil toxicosis in the dog
D C Dorman1, K A Coddington, R C Richardson
1Illinois Animal Poison Information Center, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Accidental ingestion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is highly toxic to dogs. Doses over 20 mg/kg can cause severe poisoning, with survival unlikely above 43 mg/kg.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Small Animal Medicine
Background:
- 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy drug with known toxicity.
- Accidental ingestions in companion animals pose a significant risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of accidental 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) ingestion in dogs.
- To identify toxic doses and clinical signs associated with 5-FU poisoning in dogs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 26 accidental 5-FU ingestions in dogs.
- Data collected via phone calls to the Illinois Animal Poison Information Center (1987-1988).
- Analysis of ingested dose, clinical signs, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Ingestion of >20 mg/kg 5-FU was associated with toxicosis.
- Dogs ingesting >43 mg/kg 5-FU did not survive.
- Clinical signs included seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, tremors, depression, and death.
- Signs appeared within 45-60 minutes; death occurred 6-16 hours post-ingestion.
Conclusions:
- 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is acutely toxic to dogs.
- Dose-dependent toxicity is evident, with high mortality at significant ingestions.
- Rapid onset of severe clinical signs necessitates prompt veterinary intervention.