Chocolate Poisoning-Dog

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Introduction

Toxicity is due to the presence of methylxanthines such as theobromine and caffeine in chocolate.[1]

Signalment

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


Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Chocolate poisoning results in CNS, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and urological signs.[2], Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

  • 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]
  • Urological: polydypsia and polyuria may also be present [2]

Laboratory Tests

Diagnosis is usually on the basis of clinical signs and a known history of chocolate ingestion. The following laboratory tests are possible but not commonly used;

  • Detection of methylxanthines in bodily fluids such as plasma, urine and stomach contents [2].
  • Blood Glucose: Hypoglycaemia as a consequence of hyperactivity. not seen consistently with chocolate poisoning [2].
  • Urinalysis: Proteinuria, low specific gravity; not seen consistently with chocolate poisoning [2].

Pathology

The methylxanthines yield their effects through

  • Antagonism of Adenosine Receptors:[1] this antagonism results in stimulation of the central nervous system, vasoconstriction and increase in heart rate [2] and also diureses [2]
  • Inhibition of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase:[1] consequently there is an increase in cyclic AMP, which in turn leads to greater catecholamine release and its effects [2].
  • Modulate 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. [2].

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. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 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 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 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 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 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