Every year, Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, compiles a list of toxins
from calls received regarding potential animal exposures. The top 10 toxins change from year to
year based on social trends, state and federal law updates, the Environmental Protection
Agency requirements and FDA drug approvals. These are the top 5 from the results of the 2023
calls. I’ll list the next 5 in next month’s blog.
1. Always at the head of the class, CHOCOLATE is readily available in most of our homes
(I know it is in mine!) and found in candies, baked goods and many recreational edibles.
The main components are theobromine and caffeine. Most of the clinical signs are
caused by theobromine. The theobromine concentrations vary by the type of chocolate
with unsweetened and baker’s chocolate being the highest. They are followed by
semisweet, dark and milk chocolate. White chocolate has minimal effect on our pets.
Signs of chocolate toxicity vary according to how much and what type of chocolate is
ingested. Mild signs might include GI upset and low grade agitation or restlessness.
Moderate signs show significant excitation and tachycardia (fast heart rate). With more
severe signs tremors, seizures, high heart rate and irregular beats may be present.
These signs are usually seen 1-2 hours after ingestion with the full extent present by 6-8
hours.
Treatment depends on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. Because of slow
absorption in the dog and cat, emesis (making the pet vomit) can help up to 6 hours after
ingestion. An oral dose of activated charcoal will help prevent further absorption and
either subcutaneous or IV fluids may be beneficial to encourage excretion of the toxins
by the kidneys. Sedation or antiarrhythmic drugs may be needed in severe cases.
Prognosis is usually good with prompt and aggressive care by your veterinarian.
2. GRAPES AND RAISINS are known to cause acute kidney disease in dogs. The toxin is
still unknown. Although the fruit itself is obvious, granola bars and other food products
may contain the less recognizable raisin paste. Currants and cream of tartar also may
contain the toxin. Wine and grape jams/jellies do not seem to be a problem although
neither of these are recommended by this veterinarian.
The first and most common sign of toxicosis is vomiting, often within a few hours after
ingestion. This may be followed by lack of appetite, lethargy and continued vomiting.
Treatment again consists of emesis and activated charcoal to minimize absorption.
Close monitoring of kidney function with blood work is important for the first 72 hours. If
treatment is delayed more than 18 hours, prognosis is guarded.
3. IBUPROFEN is a main stay in many of our medicine cabinets. It is toxic in both dogs
and cats, but it appears that cats are more sensitive to its effects. Even a small amount
in cats can be fatal.
Ibuprofen causes both GI and kidney problems for our pets. Vomiting and diarrhea,
sometimes with blood, occurs within a few hours after ingestion. Pets lose their appetites
and become lethargic as well.
Treatment again includes emesis and activated charcoal to minimize absorption.
Unfortunately the damage to the GI tract can often be immediate extreme and usually
requires several days of medications to protect the stomach lining and use of a resin
powder to help with reabsorption of any remaining toxins. Hospitalization with fluid
therapy and constant monitoring of kidney function is often necessary.
4. XYLITOL can be found in several human products. Not only is it a popular artificial
sweetener in gums, candy, mints, protein bars and weight-loss foods but can also be
found in toothpaste, mouthwash, oral rinses, nasal spray, lotions and deodorants. Xylitol
is toxic to dogs, rabbits and cattle with dogs being the most sensitive. Cats do not
appear to be affected.
It is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and quickly converted to glucose which
stimulates an insulin release resulting in hypoglycemia. With larger amounts, acute liver
damage can also occur. Clinical signs occur as early as 20-30 minutes after ingestion.
Vomiting and hypoglycemia followed by lethargy, tremors and seizures can be seen.
Following immediate emesis by your veterinarian, treatment often involves
hospitalization with IV fluids and close monitoring of blood glucose and liver enzyme
levels. Liver protectants and dextrose in the IV fluids may also be required. Following
liver damage, normal blood coagulation may be compromise and Vitamin K treatment
may be indicated.
5. BROMETHALIN is a neurotoxic rodenticide that since 2012 has experienced increasing
commercial use. Cats appear to be more sensitive than dogs, but it is extremely
dangerous in both species. Unlike the older anticoagulant rodenticides, there is no
antidote. Unless immediate and aggressive GI decontamination with emesis and
activated charcoal occurs, successful outcomes are rare.
Bromethalin causes edema in the brain and spinal cord. Lethargy and weakness follow
by loss of balance, tremors, seizures, paralysis, increased body temperature and coma
will occur if not treated immediately. Unfortunately, euthanasia is often the end result of
this toxication.