Severe Cannabinoid Intoxication in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo) Treated With Intravenous Lipid Emulsion

TL;DR

A ferret showed severe symptoms after ingesting cannabis candies and was successfully treated with intravenous lipid emulsion and supportive care.

Contribution

First reported case of successful ILE treatment for severe cannabinoid intoxication in a ferret.

Findings

ILE was administered to a ferret with severe cannabinoid intoxication and led to gradual clinical improvement.

An over-the-counter urine test confirmed the diagnosis of cannabinoid toxicosis in the ferret.

The ferret was discharged after four days and remained healthy 30 days post-discharge.

Abstract

To describe the clinical signs and outcome of a ferret with cannabinoid toxicosis diagnosed with an over‐the‐counter urine tetrahydrocannabinol test and treated with intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE).

A 1‐year‐old spayed female ferret was admitted for evaluation of abnormal mentation after being found vocalizing under a recliner chair. The physical examination revealed severe bradycardia, bradypnea, hypothermia, and stuporous to comatose mentation. Blood analyses revealed hypercapnia and severe acidemia. Treatment for presumptive traumatic brain injury was initiated. A full body lateral radiograph and computed tomography of the skull did not reveal any signs of traumatic injuries. Seventeen hours after admission, the owner reported that the ferret potentially ingested three cannabinoid containing candies. An over‐the‐counter urine test confirmed cannabinoid intoxication. Due to the severity of clinical signs and the lack of response to supportive therapy, ILE was administered 18 and 22 h after admission with the aim of enhancing decontamination. The ferret's vital signs, neurological status, and laboratory results gradually improved. Four days after admission, the ferret was bright, alert, and responsive, neurologically normal, had a normal appetite, and was discharged from the hospital. Thirty days after discharge, the owner reported that the ferret appeared to be healthy.

The diagnosis of cannabinoid toxicosis in a ferret was confirmed with an over‐the‐counter human urine test, and the ferret was successfully treated for severe cannabinoid toxicosis with ILE and supportive care.