Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs
Level of toxicity: Generally moderate to severe
Common signs to watch for:
- Walking drunk
- Severe sedation
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
Baclofen is a human medication used as a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is commonly used for patients with MS, diseases of the spinal cord, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s chorea. When ingested in dogs and cats, it can be deadly, as it has a narrow margin of safety – that means a small amount of the drug results in severe poisoning! Clinical signs of baclofen poisoning include vocalization, walking drunk, severe sedation, agitation, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing (respiratory depression). Immediate veterinary attention is necessary and may include decontamination, IV fluids, intravenous lipid emulsion (an antidote for fat-soluble poisons), a mechanical ventilator (in severe cases), anti-seizure medications, and aggressive symptomatic and supportive care.
If you think your dog or cat accidentally ingested baclofen, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for life-saving treatment advice!
Poison type: medications
Alternate names: muscle relaxant, Kemstro, Lioresal, Gablofen