Fatal hypernatremia in a dog from salt ingestion

Abstract

An eight-year-old, neutered male Airedale terrier was presented for the evaluation of a 45-minute episode of continuous seizure activity after ingesting a salt-flour mixture used as clay for the sculpting of small figurines. Levels of serum sodium (211 mEq/L; reference range, 145 to 158 mEq/L) and chloride (180 mEq/L; reference range, 105 to 122 mEq/L) were elevated. The dog died despite aggressive therapy directed at the hypernatremia. Tissue levels of sodium and chloride were elevated. Brain sodium level (108 mEq/L; reference range, has less than 80 mEq/L) was diagnostic for salt toxicosis. All necropsy findings, except severe hepatocellular necrosis, were consistent with reports of salt poisoning in humans and other species. Hypernatremia from ingestion of salt has not been described previously in the dog.