# Case Report: Multi organ dysfunction in a dog following massive paper wasp (Polistes rothneyi) envenomation

## TL;DR

A dog suffered severe organ failure after being stung multiple times by paper wasps, highlighting the dangers of this type of envenomation in animals.

## Contribution

This is the first documented case of multi-organ dysfunction in a dog due to envenomation by Polistes rothneyi wasps.

## Key findings

- Massive paper wasp envenomation caused anemia, azotemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated creatine kinase in the dog.
- The dog developed renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal damage, leading to cardiac arrest despite treatment.
- This case emphasizes the severity of paper wasp envenomation in veterinary medicine.

## Abstract

Paper wasp (Polistes rothneyi) envenomation is an emerging public threat in Asian countries, but its clinical manifestations are limited in veterinary medicine. A 2-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier was evaluated for symptoms including vomiting, melena, and anuria, and upon presentation, exhibited lethargy and signs of jaundice. The dog had a history of being stung multiple times by paper wasps (Polistes rothneyi) 3 days prior to admission. On blood examination, anemia, severe azotemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and significant elevation of creatine kinase were noted. Treatment was initiated with epinephrine, glucocorticoids, antihistamines, and fluid therapy. Despite these interventions, the condition worsened, necessitating the initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy. However, the dog subsequently developed bradycardia and hypotension, leading to cardiac arrest 48 h after presentation. This is the first case report describing the clinical manifestation of dogs envenomated by paper wasps (Polistes rothneyi). Massive paper wasp envenomation can cause multiple organ lesions, including renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal damage.