Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Toxicity is due to the presence of methylxanthines such as theobromine and caffeine in chocolate.<ref name="multiple"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care'''Second Edition,2007 </ref>

Toxicity is due to the presence of methylxanthines such as theobromine and caffeine in chocolate.<ref name="multiple"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care'''Second Edition,2007 </ref>. The concentration of methylxanthines in chocolate differs between products. For example the average methylxanthine content of milk chocolate is 2mg/g, while that of baking chocolate is 16mg/g. <ref name=multiples> Tilley, Smith'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition), ''Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins''</ref>.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Dog that live indoors are more likely to have access to chocolate.<ref name="multiples">Tilley Smith'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition), ''Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins''</ref>

Dog that live indoors are more likely to have access to chocolate. Also puppies are at a greater risk of eating food that is not intended for their consumption <ref name="multiples">Tilley Smith'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition), ''Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins''</ref>.

The methylxanthines yield their effects through

The methylxanthines yield their effects through

*'''Antagonism of Adenosine Receptors:'''<ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care''' Second Edition, 2007</ref> this antagonism results in stimulation of the central nervous system, vasoconstriction and increase in heart rate <ref name="multiples">Tilley Smith'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline''' (Third Edition), ''Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins'' </ref> and also diureses <ref name=multiples> '''http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/211104.htm''', accessed on 04.10.2010 </ref>

*'''Antagonism of Adenosine Receptors:'''<ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care''' Second Edition, 2007</ref> this antagonism results in stimulation of the central nervous system, vasoconstriction and increase in heart rate <ref name="multiples">Tilley Smith'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline''' (Third Edition), ''Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins'' </ref> and also diureses <ref name=multiples> '''http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/211104.htm''', accessed on 04.10.2010 </ref>

*'''Inhibition of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase:'''<ref name="multiple"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care''' Second Edition,2007</ref> consequently there is an increase in cyclic AMP, which in turn leads to greater catecholamine release and its effects <ref name="multiples">Tilley Smith'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline''' (Third Edition), ''Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins'' </ref>.

*'''Inhibition of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase:'''<ref name="multiple"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care''' Second Edition,2007</ref> consequently there is an increase in cyclic AMP, which in turn leads to greater catecholamine release and their effects <ref name="multiples">Tilley Smith'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline''' (Third Edition), ''Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins'' </ref>.

*'''Modulation of Intracellular Calcium Concentrations:'''Enhanced uptake and decreased sequestration within the cell leads to amplification of intracellular calcium levels in cardiac and skeletal muscle, the net result of which is a positive inotropic effect on these muscles. <ref name=multiples> '''http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/211104.htm''', accessed on 04.10.2010 </ref>.

*'''Modulation of Intracellular Calcium Concentrations:'''Enhanced uptake and decreased sequestration within the cell leads to amplification of intracellular calcium levels in cardiac and skeletal muscle, the net result of which is a positive inotropic effect on these muscles. <ref name=multiples> '''http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/211104.htm''', accessed on 04.10.2010 </ref>.

Ventricular fibrillation, and other cardiac dysrhythmias are most frequently the ultimate cause of death.<ref> Carson TL (2006) Methylxanthines. In: ''Small Animal Toxicology'', ed. MEPeterson, PA Talcott, pp.845-852. Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis in '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''' Second Edition,2007 </ref>, <ref> Holmgren P, Norden-Petterson L and Ahlner J (2004)Caffeine fatalaties: four case reports. ''Forensic Science International'' '''139''', 71-73 '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''' Second Edition,2007 </ref>

Ventricular fibrillation, and other cardiac dysrhythmias are most frequently the ultimate cause of death.<ref> Carson TL (2006) Methylxanthines. In: ''Small Animal Toxicology'', ed. ME Peterson, PA Talcott, pp.845-852. Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis in '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''' Second Edition,2007 </ref>, <ref> Holmgren P, Norden-Petterson L and Ahlner J (2004)Caffeine fatalaties: four case reports. ''Forensic Science International'' '''139''', 71-73 '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''' Second Edition,2007 </ref>

==Treatment==

==Treatment==