Minimal adverse events occur when inducing emesis with apomorphine in brachycephalic, mesocephalic, and dolichocephalic dogs.

Abstract

To determine risks of complications with emesis induction and whether facial conformation is associated with the frequency of complications. 1,788 client-owned dogs that presented immediately or by referral from a primary care veterinarian following ingestion of toxic or foreign materials. Patients with emesis induced with apomorphine for removal of toxic or foreign materials were retrospectively identified. Collected data included patient factors, routes of apomorphine administration, other therapies, adverse events, and patient outcomes. 2 types of complications were identified in a very small number of patients (11 [0.6%]), with 3 (0.17%) having regurgitation postemesis and 8 (0.44%) having prolonged vomiting. No significant difference was found in the rates of repeated vomiting or regurgitation between brachycephalic dogs and nonbrachycephalic dogs (P = .375 and P = 1.00, respectively). Brachycephalic dogs had 1.6 times greater odds of having emesis induction due to toxin ingestion compared to foreign material ingestion. The presence of clinical signs of toxicity at the time of emesis induction was associated with regurgitation (P < .001), and the development of regurgitation was associated with admission to hospital (P = .001). This study found no increased risk of complications when emesis was induced using apomorphine in brachycephalic breeds compared to nonbrachycephalic breeds, regardless of indication for emesis induction. Facial conformation is not a reason to withhold emesis induction.