Oral thermal injury associated with puncture of a salbutamol metered-dose inhaler in a dog.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical features, diagnostic work-up, treatment, and outcome of a dog with oral thermal injury secondary to chewing on a salbutamol metered-dose inhaler (MDI).


METHODS
A Boxer dog was presented after chewing on a salbutamol MDI. The dog was anxious, tachycardic and had moderate hypokalemia. The dog was treated with potassium supplementation and discharged after 24-hour hospitalization. Five hours after the discharge, the dog represented for dysphagia, anorexia, cervical pain, and a left-sided head tilt. Oral examination revealed edematous and erythematous swelling of the soft palate causing airway compromise; histopathology demonstrated vascular necrosis and infarction. The dog was treated with supportive care including the placement of a tracheostomy tube. The dog recovered fully and was discharged 8 days after initial presentation.


CONCLUSIONS
Salbutamol toxicity has been documented previously in dogs but oral thermal injury associated with a salbutamol MDI has not been reported in dogs. Although a rare complication, dogs who have been exposed to MDIs should have a thorough oral exam and be monitored closely for signs of respiratory compromise.
Health Sciences Center, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada. smacken@uoguelph.ca
Shawn D
SD
Mackenzie
Shauna
S
Blois
Galina
G
Hayes
Andrew R
AR
Vince
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D000420:Albuterol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D036501:Metered Dose Inhalers; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*
D000420:Albuterol