Treatment of phenobarbital intoxication using hemodialysis in two dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of hemodialysis in 2 dogs with severe clinical signs from phenobarbital intoxication. SERIES SUMMARY: Two dogs ingested a toxic dose of phenobarbital, leading to severe neurological dysfunction and a comatose state. Both dogs received a 3-hour session of hemodialysis with complete resolution of clinical signs and returned to normal mentation by the end of the therapy. No negative side effects occurred and phenobarbital concentrations returned to therapeutic range during treatment. NEW INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first report on the utility and safety of using hemodialysis for phenobarbital intoxication in dogs.