Successful management ofsuspected minoxidil toxicosis inacat following accidental dermal exposure.

Abstract

Minoxidil was originally introduced asapotent vasodilator, but isnow widely used asatopical treatment for human alopecia. A4-year-old neutered male Norwegian Forest cat presented with a2-day history ofanorexia, lethargy, and dyspnoea. Aphysical examination revealed hypothermia, tachypnoea, hypotension, and bilateral pulmonary crackles. The radiographs revealed pulmonary oedema and pleural effusions. The hypotension and pleural effusions exacerbated despite the supportive therapy, and the underlying cause remained undetermined. Afurther medical inquiry revealed the cat had been exposed toatopical minoxidil solution 3days before admission. Accordingly, minoxidil toxicosis was managed using both i.v. fluids and vasopressors. Dopamine and norepinephrine were infused for 3days tonormalise the patient's blood pressure and related clinical signs. The cat recovered fully and was discharged 6days after the minoxidil exposure. This isthe first report onthe successful management ofminoxidil toxicosis inacat. Tobroaden our knowledge ofminoxidil toxicosis incats, wehave also described the serial changes inthe clinical findings ofthis cat over the treatment period. Furthermore, onthebasis ofthe experience gained from this case, wesuggest anoptimised management plan for future cases offeline minoxidil toxicosis.