LipidRescue™ Resuscitation

I am a veterinarian practicing in Toronto, Canada. Recently, I was consulted on a toxin case of a 3.5 kg puppy who had likely eaten a fatal dose of avermectin, a commonly used parasiticide. The puppy had been in contact with the horse formulation and was exhibiting signs consistent with this toxin, namely tremors, seizures, and severe respiratory depression requiring ventilation.He had been treated by the attending veterinarian for several hours and was getting progressively worse.

When I became involved, he was comatose and was on a ventilator. Typical treatment for avermectin toxicity involves prolonged intensive and supportive care. Fatality is high, and recovery time is usually measured in weeks and is often incomplete.

I advised administration of 1.5 ml/kg bolus and then 0.25 mL/kg/min intralipid for 30 minutes. Quite miraculously, within 60 minutes, the puppy was extubated, got up, started chewing it's bandages, and started barking and eating. It is now 24 hours after administration of the intralipid, and he appears to have recovered completely. We will continue to monitor him closely for the next few days, and final blood confirmation of the toxin is pending.

one other thing. is this a heart warming tale, or a heart worming tail?

Thank you to Dr Weinberg and Dr. Crandell, the puppy mentioned here is mine. Zipper is presently happily snoring at my feet, and doing great. I think it is a heart warming tail for sure!, Zippers tail, and my heart!

Thanks again!