Multiple casualty poisoning event in dogs after exposure to synthetic drugs of abuse in a public park

Abstract

Poisoning with drugs of abuse is rarely reported in dogs, but there is risk of severe toxicosis and death. We describe an event involving seven dogs exposed to synthetic drugs of abuse in a park. The dogs presented to two veterinary practices over a few hours after exposure to a white powder, either through ingestion and/or inhalation. The signs included ataxia, muscle twitching, hypothermia, coma and seizures. At the time, the police reported that the substance was a mix of synthetic opioids and the dogs were treated supportively with naloxone. Four dogs survived and three were euthanased. It was later confirmed that the powder contained benzyl‐methylpiperazine, a stimulant, and 1‐(cyclohexylmethyl)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxylic acid 8‐quinolinyl ester (BB‐22; Quchic), a synthetic cannabinoid. No biological samples were available for analysis. Multiple casualty events in dogs are rare but may act as public health sentinels. In this incident, signs were rapid in onset and the information available was limited and misleading.