Plasma ammonia concentration after L-asparaginase therapy in 27 dogs with high-grade lymphoma or leukemia.

Objectives: To establish the occurrence of increased plasma ammonia concentration after L-asparaginase (L-asp) administration in dogs with high-grade lymphoma or leukemia; to identify risk factors for the development of hyperammonemia after L-asp administration; and to determine occurrence of adverse events related to hyperammonemia.

Design: Prospective case controlled study of sequentially enrolled dogs between May 2011 and March 2012.

Setting: A university veterinary teaching hospital.

Acute hyperammonemia after L-asparaginase administration in a dog.

Objective: To describe a previously unreported and potentially fatal complication of L-asparaginase (L-asp) administration in a dog.

Case Summary: A 7-year-old, 6.6 kg, female spayed Beagle presented with a 1-week history of progressive inappetance and lethargy.