Bifenthrin Toxicity in a Dog

A 17-month-old male King Charles cavalier was presented with acute onset of generalized body tremors and facial twitching after being exposed to 2 different compounds of the pyrethrins/pyrethroids group and imidacloprid. Bifenthrin toxicity was confirmed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Initial therapy consisted of diazepam, metacarbamol and IV fluids, followed by general anesthesia with isofloran and diazepam CRI. Blood specimens were collected for following bifebthrine blood levels over time. Supportive nursing care was provided as needed. Twenty-four hours post admission, the dog was no longer under general anesthesia. Seventy two hours post admission the dog was discharged had no menace response, was alert and responsive when stimulated, ataxic while walking and showed normal eating behavior. Pyretroid toxicosis in dogs was to our best knowledge never been reported before. We describe the clinical signs, bifenthrin pharmacokinetics during hospitalization, and the successful treatment of bifenthrine toxicity in a young dog.