Cutaneous‐only hypersensitivity reaction presumed due to intravenous administration of atracurium in a dog

Summary There are limited case reports of hypersensitivity reactions to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in veterinary species, and none describe cutaneous‐only signs. This case report describes a Grade 1 cutaneous‐only hypersensitivity reaction to atracurium in a 7‐year‐old dog undergoing general anaesthesia for cataract surgery with bilateral phacoemulsification. No cardiorespiratory signs, which would suggest a more severe grade of reaction, were observed. The dog was treated successfully with chlorphenamine only and recovered uneventfully. Suggestions on reducing the risk of an anaphylactic reaction, current guidelines on anaphylaxis treatment, and previous reported reactions to NMBAs in dogs are discussed.