Digoxin Toxicity in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, ECG Monitoring & Treatment [2025]
Digoxin toxicity often results from drug accumulation due to overdose or declining kidney function. Signs include cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, and weakness. Management involves stopping the drug and providing supportive care; severe cases may require antidotal treatment.
When to See a Vet
Seek emergency care immediately
- •Severe or persistent breathing difficulty or labored breathing
- •Frequent brief loss of consciousness or repeated fainting episodes
- •Sustained extremely slow or extremely fast heart rate with lethargy
Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)
- •Noticeably depressed mood, persistent drowsiness, or lack of energy
- •Significant decrease in appetite or refusal to eat for more than one day
- •Repeated vomiting or diarrhea while otherwise alert
01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?
Digoxin toxicity commonly causes mental, gastrointestinal, and cardiac signs in pets, ranging from mild abnormalities to life-threatening emergencies.
- Changes in mental status — noticeably reduced activity or excessive sleepiness
- Markedly decreased appetite or complete refusal to eat
- Repeated vomiting, possibly bringing up stomach contents
- Diarrhoea or loose stools with changes in bowel frequency
- Sensation of a racing or irregular heartbeat
- Slow heart rate accompanied by weakness, drowsiness, or a sense of numbness
- If a heart rhythm problem is suspected, arrange a consultation where an ECG can be performed
Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
- ⚠️ Difficulty breathing or severe respiratory distress
- ⚠️ Repeated fainting or brief loss of consciousness
- ⚠️ Persistent abnormally slow or fast heart rate with no improvement
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02How can you assess the situation at home? Key observations and when to go to emergency
Information you collect at home — including timelines, frequencies, and video clips — helps your vet assess the situation quickly and accurately.
- Note the time symptoms began and any possible recent exposure to the drug
- Record appetite and actual food intake changes each day
- Log the number of vomiting episodes, the content, and the time they occur
- Observe and record bowel movements, noting any blood in the stool
- Monitor and note changes in heart rate and breathing pattern
- Film any symptoms (behaviour, breathing, or vomiting episodes) and keep the video for the vet
- If you notice abnormal heart rhythm or breathing, arrange an ECG-capable consultation as soon as possible
03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common tests and examinations
At the clinic your vet will start with a physical examination, then order blood work and cardiac tests to gauge the severity of toxicity.
Full physical examination including cardiac and pulmonary auscultation and neurological assessment
Complete blood count to evaluate blood cell values and electrolyte abnormalities
Biochemistry panel to assess liver and kidney function and electrolyte imbalances
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate heart rate and conduction abnormalities
Chest X-ray to assess lung fields and heart size; echocardiography or CT if needed
04How is the condition treated and managed? Medications, diet, and home care guide
Treatment centres on in-hospital monitoring and supportive care. After discharge, cardiac and haematological values need ongoing follow-up, along with adjustments to lifestyle and diet.
- The acute phase typically requires hospitalisation with continuous monitoring and symptomatic management
- Antidotal therapy or supportive care with electrolyte correction will be provided based on the vet's assessment
- After discharge, track appetite, body weight, and activity level and report changes to your vet
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits for repeat ECG, blood panels, and liver/kidney function tests
- At home, ensure your pet has adequate rest, avoids strenuous activity, and is kept in a low-stress environment
05What should you prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help your vet quickly identify the cause
This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.