Severe lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia due to acute metformin intoxication in a dog

Abstract

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia is a severe complication in human patients, but has not been reported in veterinary medicine. Aggressive treatment with supportive care including IV fluids and dextrose administration resulted in resolution of the clinical signs in this patient. Metformin toxicosis should be considered in dogs with severe hyperlactatemia and hypoglycemia of unknown etiology.