In January, we published a case series of salbutamol toxicosis in dogs in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, discussing the common clinical signs, with onset and duration, treatments given, and outcome.
The article retrospectively studies the data from five hundred and one canine cases reported to the VPIS.
Most dogs exposed to salbutamol rapidly develop clinical signs; these are commonly increased heart and respiratory rates. Hypokalemia and arrhythmias (particularly ventricular arrhythmias) are potential complications. Any dog that chews a salbutamol inhaler should be assessed promptly for signs of toxicosis. Prognosis in dogs with acute salbutamol exposure is good, but more guarded in those with severe tachycardia who are at risk of cardiac injury.
The abstract for this paper can be found here.
