title: Accidental and experimentally induced 5-fluorouracil toxicity in dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To summarize the literature involving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) toxicosis in dogs.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  5-Fluorouracil's mechanism of action revolves around the metabolism of 5-FU into fluorouridine triphosphate which then interferes with RNA synthesis and function as well as the inhibition of thymidylate synthase which ultimately impairs DNA stability. Toxicity of 5-FU is the most pronounced on rapidly dividing cells. Toxicity manifests itself mainly in the neurologic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, or hematopoietic systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  History of accidental exposure to 5-FU-containing products.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapy for 5-FU toxicosis involves typical decontamination procedures and symptomatic therapy for the subsequent toxicity. Seizure control and treatment of the severe gastrointestinal signs that follow are the primary goals in the acute setting. As the disease progresses, management of the sequelae to bone marrow suppression and pulmonary complications are essential.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prognosis for dogs with ingestion of 5-FU is dependent on the amount consumed, with severe intoxication carrying a poor prognosis. Toxic doses can be as little as 5 mg/kg, and doses ≥40 mg/kg are reported to be uniformly fatal.
authors: College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
authors: Rebecca S
authors: RS
authors: Sayre
authors: James W
authors: JW
authors: Barr
authors: E Murl
authors: EM
authors: Bailey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004285:Dogs; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D005472:Fluorouracil