The use of hyperinsulinemia‐euglycaemia therapy in the treatment of amlodipine overdose in a dog

Abstract

A 1‐year‐old, female, spayed, mixed breed dog presented for lethargy, ataxia and possible ingestion of amlodipine. Based on clinical signs, history and clinicopathological findings, a diagnosis of amlodipine toxicosis was made. The patient's clinical signs and bloodwork derangements were refractory to traditional medical management for calcium channel blocker toxicosis, but a significant improvement was made after initiation of hyperinsulinemia‐euglycaemia therapy. The dog survived and made a full recovery. The use of hyperinsulinemia‐euglycaemia therapy for amlodipine toxicosis has not previously been reported in dogs. Hyperinsulinemia‐euglycaemia therapy can be used for treatment of hypotension as well as other clinical signs associated with calcium channel blocker toxicosis. The use of hyperinsulinemia‐euglycaemia therapy should be considered for amlodipine toxicosis in dogs.