title: Neurologic complications after melarsomine dihydrochloride treatment for Dirofilaria immitis in three dogs.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
authors: Bianca F
authors: BF
authors: Hettlich
authors: Kirk
authors: K
authors: Ryan
authors: Robert L
authors: RL
authors: Bergman
authors: Steven L
authors: SL
authors: Marks
authors: Barbara C
authors: BC
authors: Lewis
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Bahr
authors: Joan R
authors: JR
authors: Coates
authors: Joanne
authors: J
authors: Mansell
authors: Claudia L
authors: CL
authors: Barton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001152:Arsenicals / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000187:drug effects; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary*; D014227:Triazines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D001152:Arsenicals; D014227:Triazines; C076253:melarsomine