Oral pentobarbital intoxication in a bitch

Pentobarbital intoxication in a 5-year-old female Samoyed was confirmed by the finding of a high concentration of the drug in serum. The dog apparently had consumed one of her pups, which had been euthanatized the day before with a 26% sodium pentobarbital solution. She was admitted in a condition consistent with light general anesthesia. The dog recovered after gastric lavage supportive therapy, and the administration of an alkalinizing solution to hasten drug excretion. This case demonstrates the hazards associated with indiscriminate disposal of carcasses containing large amounts of euthanasia solution.