An Update on Calcium Channel Blocker Toxicity in Dogs and Cats

The widespread use and availability of calcium channel blockers in human and veterinary medicine pose a risk for inadvertent pet exposure to these medications. Clinical signs of toxicosis can be delayed by many hours after exposure, with lethargy, hypotension, and cardiac rhythm changes as the predominant signs. Prompt decontamination and aggressive treatment using a variety of modalities may be necessary to treat patients exposed to calcium channel blockers. The prognosis of an exposed patient depends on the dose of the ingested calcium channel blockers, promptness of decontamination and other treatment measures, severity of clinical signs, and response to treatment.