Postmastectomy Life-threatening Hypersensitivity Reactions Induced by Rifamycin SV in Companion Animals: Evaluation of Seven Cases

Drug-induced hypersensitivity and adverse symptoms related to the high mortality remain as a major problem for veterinary practitioners. Although application of Rifamycin SV without intradermal susceptibility tests have been commonly used in wound management in veterinary medicine, there is no literature about this subject. In cases presented here, neoplastic masses on the mammary glands of queens (n=3) and bitches (n=4) were removed by mastectomy. Subcutaneous Rifamycin SV was performed intra- and post-operatively. After the multiple subcutaneous usage of Rifamycin SV, acute symptoms including hypersensitivity reactions such as facial and sublingual swelling, hypersalivation, respiratory distress, tachycardia, acute vomiting, erythema and itchiness around the face, seizures and ataxia developed. In conclusion, although Rifamycin SV provides better healing effects on incision line, veterinary practitioners should consider the serious side effects of subcutaneous Rifamycin SV usage after gynaecological surgeries in companion animals