Xylitol Poisoning in dogs
Xylitol Poisoning in dogs
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About Xylitol
Xylitol occurs naturally in various plants. It is found in tiny quantities in various fruits & vegetables.
Xylitol is commercially produced from birch wood or corncobs.
It is beneficial to humans, but is extremely harmful to our canine companion.
- Symptoms
-Xylitol poisoning in dogs is increasing since 2007 as per the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
-Xylitol poisoning in dogs is increasing since 2007 as per the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
-Signs of xylitol poisoning like vomiting—may begin as quickly as 30 minutes after consumption of xylitol and proceed to lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, incoordination, collapse, and seizures.
-Signs of xylitol poisoning like vomiting—may begin as quickly as 30 minutes after consumption of xylitol and proceed to lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, incoordination, collapse, and seizures.
-In some cases, xylitol may be absorbed more slowly and symptoms may not appear for hours.
-In some cases, xylitol may be absorbed more slowly and symptoms may not appear for hours.
-Small dogs are more in danger than larger dogs.
-Small dogs are more in danger than larger dogs.
- Mechanism
-Intake of Xylitol by dogs can lead to hypoglycaemia and hepatic necrosis.
-Intake of Xylitol by dogs can lead to hypoglycaemia and hepatic necrosis.
-Xylitol stimulates release of insulin, which further decreases blood sugar leading to condition called hypoglycemia.
-Xylitol stimulates release of insulin, which further decreases blood sugar leading to condition called hypoglycemia.
-Xylitol can cause hepatic necrosis (destruction of liver tissue) when ingested in higher quantities.
-Xylitol can cause hepatic necrosis (destruction of liver tissue) when ingested in higher quantities.
-Hypokalemia (deficiency of potassium) and hypophosphatemia (low phosphate levels) cause further distress.
-Hypokalemia (deficiency of potassium) and hypophosphatemia (low phosphate levels) cause further distress.
- Prognosis
-The prognosis for dogs with hypoglycemia is good with immediate and proper treatment, while the prognosis for dogs that have developed liver toxicity is poor.
-The prognosis for dogs with hypoglycemia is good with immediate and proper treatment, while the prognosis for dogs that have developed liver toxicity is poor.
-Large ingestions of xylitol (a relatively small amount of the product) that are not caught immediately can result in fulminant liver failure and death despite aggressive supportive care.
-Large ingestions of xylitol (a relatively small amount of the product) that are not caught immediately can result in fulminant liver failure and death despite aggressive supportive care.
- Treatment of Xylitol Poisoning
-Consult your vet immediately, who generally advises hospitalization of dogs.
-Consult your vet immediately, who generally advises hospitalization of dogs.
-Vet may induce vomiting and give activated charcoal to help with the toxins as per the toxicity conditions.
-Vet may induce vomiting and give activated charcoal to help with the toxins as per the toxicity conditions.
-Close monitoring of blood sugar levels and intravenous infusions of glucose (sugar) may also be needed depending on the amount ingested and how quickly the problem was recognized.
-Close monitoring of blood sugar levels and intravenous infusions of glucose (sugar) may also be needed depending on the amount ingested and how quickly the problem was recognized.
-Intravenous fluid therapy will be administered which usually helps in correcting glucose, potassium, and phosphorous levels of dogs.
-Intravenous fluid therapy will be administered which usually helps in correcting glucose, potassium, and phosphorous levels of dogs.
-Liver protectants, along with antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and K can be helpful.
-Liver protectants, along with antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and K can be helpful.
-Antibiotics may be recommended as well as per the conditions.
-Antibiotics may be recommended as well as per the conditions.
-Lastly, store any human xylitol products and foodstuffs out of the reach of your dog. If you give your dog nut butter as a treat or as a vehicle for pills, check the label first to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol.
-Lastly, store any human xylitol products and foodstuffs out of the reach of your dog. If you give your dog nut butter as a treat or as a vehicle for pills, check the label first to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol.
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