3160. ***Dog Stories: A 6-year-old male neutered poodle had difficulty in breathing after force fed medication

May 21, 2018
Review of this case. TP 50203.


In May 14, 2018, the dog was treated for lethargy, inappetance and vomiting for 3 to 4 days. A slight fever of 39.6C. The owner declined a blood test. IV drip and medication were given. The dog went home.

In May 19, 2018, the dog was not eating. He developed difficulty in breathing after the owner force fed medication. The owner had also syringe fed flaxseed oil for the coat for some time, as advised by the groomer. 

Harsh lung sounds on right lungs. Few harsh sounds on caudal parts of the left lungs. Aspiration pneumonia from medication or flaxseed oil into the lungs was a possibility in view of the sudden onset of dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing).

The dog's tongue was cyanotic. He was still barking loudly when the owner saw him during IV drip and wanted to bring him home.

The blood test showed the following abnormal findings:

Total cholesterol  11.08  (3 - 6.6)
Triglyceride  3.48  (0.3 - 3.3)
Total WCC 41.6   (6 - 17)
Neutrophils 95%  (60 - 70).  Absolute 39.5 (3-11.5). 

There was a bacteraemia. Platelet count was normal and so there was no septicaemia..

In the evening, the dog had breathing difficulties and passed away a few minutes after frothing.

What was the cause of death?
Was there a canine influenza infection since there was an outbreak in some Singapore kennels? There were no signs of eye discharge and coughing and no exposure to other dogs in dog runs.

Blood test was useful in showing that the dog had a severe bacteraemia, most likely from infections in the lungs.  This infection could cause death. As the owner was force-feeding, aspiration pneumonia was possible. 

I advised post-mortem to find out the cause. The owner declined.
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