title: Methylphenidate toxicosis in dogs: 128 cases (2001-2008).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine clinical signs and outcomes of methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) toxicosis in dogs; to assess effects of amount (ie, dose) and formulation (immediate or extended release) of ingested MPH on onset, duration, and severity of clinical signs; and to describe management of MPH intoxication.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  128 dogs with MPH toxicosis or exposure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from an Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) database from November 1, 2001, to November 30, 2008, were reviewed. Records of dogs were searched for APCC classifications of confirmed (n = 71) or suspected (39) MPH toxicosis; dogs (18) that ingested MPH but did not develop clinical signs of toxicosis were also included. Signalment, dose, clinical signs, treatment, and outcome were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinical signs of toxicosis were reported in 107 of 128 (84%) dogs that ingested MPH; these included hyperactivity in 42 (33%), tachycardia in 27 (21%), vomiting in 19 (15%), agitation in 16 (13%), and hyperthermia in 13 (10%). Doses ranged from 0.36 mg/kg (0.164 mg/lb) to 117.0 mg/kg (53.18 mg/lb). Severity of clinical signs was not strongly associated with dose. More severe and prolonged clinical signs were associated with ingestion of extended-release formulations of MPH; 3 dogs that consumed these formulations (doses, 10.2 mg/kg [4.64 mg/lb], 15.4 mg/kg [700 mg/lb], and 31.1 mg/kg [14.14 mg/lb]) died. Favorable outcomes were reported for most (31/34 [91%]) dogs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ingestion of even small amounts of MPH can cause severe clinical signs in dogs. Monitoring and supportive care are recommended regardless of dose.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Genovese
authors.forename: Sharon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gwaltney-Brant
authors.forename: Margaret R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Slater
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000506:poisoning / Q000633:toxicity*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004285:Dogs; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000506:poisoning / Q000633:toxicity*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate