Liver problems after Hetastarch in dogs

32 reports to the FDA describe liver problems in dogs given Hetastarch. That is 47% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

32Reports
84%Marked serious
6.3%Recovered
66%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
8 28%
1–2 days
5 17%
3–7 days
6 21%
1–4 weeks
2 6.9%
Over a month
8 28%

How the animals did

Recovered
2 6.3%
Still unwell when reported
9 28%
Died
8 25%
Euthanised
13 41%

Problems reported at the same time

21 66%
20 63%
14 44%
Hyperphosphataemia
10 31%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
7
4–7 years
9
8–11 years
10
12+ years
4

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Hetastarch cause liver problems in dogs?
32 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 6 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Liver problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Hetastarch in dogs · Medicines most reported with liver problems