Abstract
BackgroundIvermectin is widely used in veterinary practice for the treatment of ecto- and endo-parasites. In wildlife, an extra-label use this parasiticide is sometimes associated with toxicity. Different treatment regimens have been used in ivermectin toxicosis. The present report describes a successful reversal of ivermectin toxicity by intravenous administration of a commercially available lipid emulsion in a captive African lion (Panthera leo).Case presentationA 2-year old captive African lion (Panthera leo) weighing ~130 kg was presented with acute neurological impairment and bilateral blindness that had developed 24 h after ivermectin exposure. The animal was treated with a commercially available lipid emulsion along with supportive therapy and experienced complete recovery.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first case report of the use of lipid emulsion in the management of ivermectin induced blindness in an African lion and it appears that intravenous lipid emulsion may be an effective therapy in ivermectin toxicity in lions. Further testing in expanded clinical trials is clearly warranted.
Highlights
Ivermectin is widely used in veterinary practice for the treatment of ecto- and endo-parasites
Case presentation A 2-year old captive African lion (Panthera leo) weighing ~130 kg was admitted to Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan for the treatment of acute neurological impairments, including ataxia, apparent hallucinations, generalized seizures, disorientation and bilateral blindness
It appears likely that the subject lion had blindness due an ivermectin overdose and Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) treatment was instrumental in counteracting the ivermectin toxicosis
Summary
The distinctive aspect of present case report is the intravenous use of a lipid emulsion in a lion for the management of ivermectin induced toxicity, which seemed to significantly truncate the course of recuperation. Consent Consent was obtained from the owner of animal for publication of this case report. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors’ contributions GA designed the report and substantially contributed to analysis and evaluation of clinical data, and wrote the manuscript. MNM and MS performed the clinical examination of the lion, collected the samples and substantially contributed to the manuscript by drafting the clinical section. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript
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