If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources listed:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661
Morphine
Generic Name: Morphine
Brand Names: Avinza, Kadian, MS Contin, MSIR, Oramorph SR, Roxanol, Roxanol-T, Rms
Morphine, as well as other opiates and opioids, is commonly used in both human and veterinary practice to provide pain relief.
Drugs classified in this category include Percocet, Vicodin, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. It also includes illicit drugs such as heroin.
Though your pet may be prescribed opioids, it is important to note that these medications can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. Never give your pet more medication than prescribed and always consult your veterinarian before altering your pet’s medication regimen.
Signs and symptoms of toxicity: depression and fatigue (dogs), excitation and aggressiveness (cats), involuntary muscle movements, seizures, increased production of saliva, vomiting, defecation (dogs), constipation (cats), changes in urination (dramatic increase or decrease), decreased heart rate, increased panting and dramatic changes in pupil size.
Toxic consumption:
In dogs, 210 mg/kg injected and 133 mg/kg given IV can be lethal. In cats, 40 mg/kg of injected morphine can be lethal.
| X-Small Yorkie, Chihuahua |
Small Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle |
Medium Beagle, Scottish Terrier |
Large Boxer, Cocker Spaniel |
X-Large Retriever, German Shepherd |
XX-Large Great Dane, St. Bernard |
|
| 1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg) |
11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg) |
26 – 40 lbs. (11.8 – 18.2 kg) |
41 – 70 lbs. (18.6 – 31.8 kg) |
71 – 90 lbs. (32.3 – 40.9 kg) |
91 – 110 lbs. (41.4 – 50 kg) |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Morphine (SQ) | > 94 mg | > 1049 mg | > 2477 mg | > 3905 mg | > 6782 mg | > 8693 mg |
| Morphine (IV) | > 59 mg | > 664 mg | > 1569 mg | > 2473 mg | > 4295 mg | > 5506 mg |
| Most Cats | Large Cats | |
| 1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg) |
11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg) |
|
 |
 |
|
| Morphine (SQ) | > 17 mg | > 199 mg |
References:
– Malouin A, Boiler M. Sedatives, muscle relaxants, and opiods toxicity. In: Silverstein DC, Hopper K, eds. Small Animal Critical Care Medicine. St. Louis: Elsevier, 2009; pp.350-356.
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
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