Iatrogenic magnesium overdose in a golden retriever - case study


Published: May 20, 2026
Keywords:
hypermagnesemia dog bradycardia atropine
D Țogoe
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8291-8903
NA Minca
A Ștefănescu
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7869-3094
AB Vițălaru
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9209-3114
Abstract

This case study describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, evolution and treatment of a 1-year-old golden retriever dog who accidentally ingested 100 tablets of magnesium-based dietary supplement. 48 hours after ingestion, he showed clinical signs associated with digestive disorders and cardio-vascular impairment such as vomiting, hypotension, decreased heart rate and the appearance of cardiac compensatory phenomena that are prior to cardiac arrest. The report highlights the therapeutic approach and clinical management strategies, as well as the results of the treatment applied. Hypermagnesemia has been reported rarely, so the protocol applied was focused on stabilization and careful cardiovascular, renal and endocrine monitoring.


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