Metaldehyde Poisoning

Re: Metaldehyde Poisoning

Mike Dale — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:00:13 GMT

Thanks to everyone for your considered replies -- pretty much where I am on it. Electrolytes and glucose normal. Mentation now absolutely normal but definitely blind for the time being. I will certainly keep you posted.

Thank you.

Mike

Re: Metaldehyde Poisoning

Mark Lowrie — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:14:27 GMT

I agree with the other posters here. I guess there is little published on prognosis post-toxicity for central blindness as there are lots of variables to consider but would be interesting to see what happens here. Extrapolating from other diseases we see I would suggest there are 2 prognostic factors in this case:

1) The dog is young (8 months) which would suggest the dog has a better ability to recover than an older dog.

2) The dog presented with very severe neurological signs (in a coma – it doesn’t get much worse than this) suggesting a poorer prognosis.

So given there is a good and a bad prognostic indicator in this case I am sitting on the fence – either way I would certainly give the dog a good few weeks as I would not be surprised to see this dog return to normal. It would be great if you could let us know the outcome in weeks to come.

Re: Metaldehyde Poisoning

Busybee — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:27:53 GMT

We had one recently that was blind. Research didn't reveal a lot of information unfortunately but couldn't find much to say it would be permanent. The thoughts seem to be that it can last about 3 weeks.

Re: Metaldehyde Poisoning

jd2008 — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 06:29:24 GMT

Central blindness can occur after severe metabolic or toxic events.

I'm always a little cautious about diagnosing blindness in the early stages of recovery. Neurological exam can be altered for quite some time after the last dose of anti-seizure/anaesthetic/sedative/muscle relaxant given and I usually give a good 48hrs off treatment before making my call on whether my patient is genuinely blind or not.

It's also worth ensuring electrolytes (especially glucose) are WNL.

If you're certain all drug effects have passed and the dog is blind then it's a case of wait and see. It can take a couple of weeks for vision to return if it's going to return at all.

Cheers,

Jane

Re: Metaldehyde Poisoning

serena holmes — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 01:49:16 GMT

"Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care"-Mazzaferro, states that transient blindness has been reported with Metaldehyde toxicity.