Canine miraculously survives 3 times the lethal dose of 5-Hydroxytryptophan

Mae in the hospital (Image courtesy of DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital)

While at work one day, Nick, the owner of a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd named Mae, noticed that she was acting strange on their home security camera. Nick rushed home to work to discover that Mae had ingested an entire bottle of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5- HTP) capsules, a human supplement that is often used for mood support by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. This caused Mae to develop serotonin syndrome.

Mae’s family rushed her to the local clinic where she was sedated to manage the seizures activity and was encouraged to bring her to DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital (DoveLewis). When the family arrived at DoveLewis, Mae was unresponsive, unable to breathe on her own, experiencing seizures, blindness, and other clinical signs of serotonin syndrome. The team began treating her with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), a dialysis-like treatment that removes toxins from Mae’s blood and support her failing organs.

“We started the treatment with a very poor prognosis,” explained Lindsey McGuire, DVM, DoveLewis staff veterinarian. “We didn’t expect her to survive, but her recovery was nothing short of miraculous. I still can’t believe we were able to send her home.”

Serotonin syndrome occurs when an animal is experiences excessive effects of serotonin, which can lead to a variety of mental challenges, neuromuscular abnormalities, and alter body function. Clinical signs can be gastrointestinal signs, decreased appetite, elevated heart rate, muscle tremors, and muscle rigidity. Pets suffering from serotonin syndrome can also appear restless, panting, and pacing with an agitated appearance.² In severe cases, like Mae, affected dogs can have seizures.

The prognosis of serotonin syndrome depends on the severity of the clinical signs, how fast treatment is initiated, and pets overall health. For those experiencing mild clinical signs and receiving prompt treatment will have a good prognosis and should recover within 36-48 hours. The more severe symptoms or pets being untreated for a prolonged period of time can make the prognosis guarded.

Because of the CRRT treatment, Mae not only survived this ordeal, but made a full recovery and regained her vision. Forty-eight hours after arriving at DoveLewis, Mae walked out the doors with her family and went home.

“Mae didn’t just survive, she’s thriving because of everyone at DoveLewis,” said Kim, Mae’s owner. “Without them, Mae wouldn’t be alive. We’re forever grateful.”

References

1. Mae’s Miraculous Recovery After Ingesting Over 3x the Lethal Dose of 5-HTP. News release. DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital. December 11, 2024. Accessed December 12, 2024.
2. Barnette C. Serotonin Syndrome. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/serotonin-syndrome