Tremor-Salivation Syndrome in Canine following Pyrethroid/Permethrin

A 17-month-old male King Charles cavalier was presented with acute onset of generalized body tremors, facial twitching and salivation after being exposed to 2 different classes of compounds of the pyrethrins/pyrethroids group as well as to imidacloprid. Bifenthrin toxicity was confirmed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Pyrethroid toxicosis in dogs is to the best of our knowledge rarely reported in the literature. The dog displayed neurological signs highly characteristic of Tremor-Salivation-syndrome associated with pyrethroid toxicosis. The plasma half-life of bifenthrin in dogs was 7.6 hr). Initial therapy consisted of diazepam, methocarbamol and IV fluids, followed by general anesthesia with isofluran and diazepam CRI. Supportive nursing care was provided as needed. Twenty-four hours post admission, the dogs was no longer under general anesthesia. Seventy two hours post admission the dog was discharged had no menace response, was alert and responsive when stimulated, ataxic while walking and showed normal eating behavior.