Chocolate Poisoning-Dog



Introduction

Toxicity is due to the presence of methylxanthines such as theobromine and caffeine in chocolate. They are also present in stimulant preparations and other products.[1]

Signalment

Dog that live indoors are more likely to have access to chocolate.[2]


Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Chocolate poisoning results in CNS, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular signs.[2]

  • CNS: hyperexcitability, hyperactivity, ataxia initially can evolve into muscle tremors, clonic seizures and hyperthermia.[2], [1]
  • Gastrointestinal: diarrhoea, emesis, haematemesis, colic.[2], [1]
  • Cardiovascular: arrhythmias,infrequently bradycardia but usually tachycardia.[2], [1]

Laboratory Tests

Pathology

The methylxanthines yield their effects through

  • Antagonism of Adenosine Receptors:[1]
  • Inhibition of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase:[1]

Treatment

Prognosis

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical CareSecond Edition,2007 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiple" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiple" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiple" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiple" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiple" defined multiple times with different content
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Tilley SmithThe 5-Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline (Second Edition), Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiples" defined multiple times with different content