#United States #Multiple Sclerosis #Pet Poison Helpline #Cedar Rapids #Kaya the Dog

Dog's Near-Fatal Encounter with Multiple Sclerosis Medication

In an alarming incident that underscores the importance of pet safety, a dog named Kaya nearly lost her life after accidentally ingesting medication typically used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). This story not only brings attention to the dangers of keeping medications within reach of pets but also highlights the vital roles that quick action and expert veterinary care play in saving lives.

Betsy Momany and her husband, residents of Amana, Iowa, were well aware of the potential risks posed by having multiple pets in the home. They made the unfortunate discovery that their dog, Kaya, had managed to access her husband's tremor medication, dalfampridine — a drug designed to improve walking conditions in MS patients. With five dogs in the house, identifying who was to blame became a challenge.

Betsy suspected it was Roxie, their new rescue dog, who had knocked the pill bottle onto the floor, but it was Kaya who chewed open the bottle and ingested a potentially dangerous amount of the medication. After consuming the pill, Kaya displayed signs that alarmed both Betsy and her husband. They noticed she was acting disoriented and ‘drunk’ — a clear indication that something was off.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Betsy and Tim rushed Kaya to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Cedar Rapids. On the way, they witnessed Kaya experiencing continuous seizures. Upon their arrival, medical staff confirmed the worst; Kaya was suffering from severe symptoms including dangerously high blood pressure and body temperature.

Thankfully, the swift action of Betsy, along with the professionalism of the veterinary team, set the stage for Kaya's recovery. Knowing the risks associated with dalfampridine, Betsy contacted the Pet Poison Helpline, which provided urgent guidance for the treatment of Kaya's condition. Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist at the Helpline, noted that the margin of safety for the medication in animals is extremely low, allowing for even small amounts to turn deadly.

The veterinary team at BluePearl swiftly implemented a comprehensive treatment plan involving various anticonvulsants to control Kaya's seizures, medications to manage her tremors, and intravenous fluids designed to lower her elevated temperature and facilitate the expulsion of the toxin from her body. Continuous monitoring ensured that they could keep track of the secondary effects resulting from the neurological signs, and the combined efforts of the care team proved pivotal in stabilizing Kaya.

“The treatment plan was the magic that saved Kaya,” Betsy later remarked, relieved that the two teams worked in concert for her pet's recovery. After days of intensive care, Kaya began to improve, although the medical team faced challenging moments, including the concern that Kaya might not survive her ordeal. Fortunately, Kaya eventually showed signs of healing and was able to return home to her family.

Grateful for the successful outcome, Betsy and Tim took preventive measures to avoid a repeat of the incident. They resolved to keep medication secured and to push chairs away from tables, ensuring that their dogs wouldn't be able to access harmful items unattended.

Kaya's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of pet safety and vigilance in the presence of potentially hazardous materials. Pet Poison Helpline, which aims to educate the public about the various dangers pets may encounter, advises pet owners to always act promptly when they suspect their pets may have ingested something toxic.

While Kaya's outcome is fortunate, it could have ended in tragedy without immediate action or the expertise of veterinary professionals. Pet owners are encouraged to educate themselves about toxic substances and to maintain a vigilant watch over their furry friends in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.