Neurologic complications after melarsomine dihydrochloride treatment for Dirofilaria immitis in three dogs.

Hettlich, Bianca Felicitas; Ryan, Kirk; Bergman, Robert L; Marks, Steven L; Lewis, Barbara C; Bahr, Anne; Coates, Joan R; Mansell, Joanne; Barton, Claudia L (2003). Neurologic complications after melarsomine dihydrochloride treatment for Dirofilaria immitis in three dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 223(10), pp. 1456-1461. American Veterinary Medical Association

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Melarsomine dihydrochloride is highly effective against both sexes of adult and L5 Dirofilaria immitis. Common adverse reactions include injection site irritation and reluctance to move. Neurologic complications associated with i.m. injection of melarsomine dihydrochloride for treatment of heartworm disease in 3 dogs are described. Different degrees of neurologic complications have been identified; the pathophysiologic features are unknown. It is speculated that the compound migrates out of the injection site via fascial planes and causes an ascending inflammation along nerve roots. The resulting extradural cord compression secondary to extensive inflammation and necrosis of epidural fat could induce a variety of neurologic deficits. Alternatively, inappropriate injection technique may result in direct contact of melarsomine with neural tissue. A heightened awareness of proper injection technique might prevent the development of most neurologic complications.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine (DKV) 05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine (DKV) > Small Animal Clinic > Small Animal Clinic, Surgery 05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine (DKV) > Small Animal Clinic
UniBE Contributor:	Hettlich, Bianca Felicitas
Subjects:	600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health
ISSN:	0003-1488
Publisher:	American Veterinary Medical Association
Language:	English
Submitter:	Bianca Felicitas Hettlich
Date Deposited:	29 Mar 2016 17:09
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2022 14:52
PubMed ID:	14627097
URI:	https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/77361