𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬
An overview of chocolate toxicity in dogs, focusing on the ingredients, dosing, mechanisms of action and treatment options.
𝙄𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚
𝟏. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞:
Primary Toxic Compound: Theobromine is the most significant toxin found in chocolate. It is a methylxanthine, a class of compounds that stimulate the central nervous system and cardiovascular system.
Sources:
Baking Chocolate: 15-25 mg of theobromine per gram.
Dark Chocolate: 5-16 mg per gram.
Milk Chocolate: 1-2.5 mg per gram.
White Chocolate: Contains minimal theobromine (0.1 mg or less per gram).
𝟐. 𝐂𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞:
Secondary Toxic Compound: Caffeine, also a methylxanthine, has similar effects to theobromine but is usually present in lower concentrations in chocolate.
Effects: Caffeine can exacerbate the effects of theobromine, increasing the risk of toxicity.
𝐃𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬
The severity of chocolate toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, the amount ingested, and the size of the dog.
Mild Toxicity: 20 mg of theobromine per kg of body weight. Symptoms may include mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Moderate Toxicity: 20-40 mg/kg. Symptoms may include increased heart rate, restlessness, and hyperactivity.
Severe Toxicity: Over 40 mg/kg. This can lead to more severe symptoms, such as seizures, muscle tremors, cardiac arrhythmias or even death.
𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
1. Central Nervous System Stimulation:
Theobromine acts as a stimulant, increasing alertness and energy levels, which can lead to restlessness and hyperactivity.
2. Cardiovascular Effects:
Theobromine dilates blood vessels and increases heart rate, which can lead to arrhythmias or elevated heart rates, potentially causing stress on the heart.
3. Diuretic Effects:
Theobromine has diuretic properties, leading to increased urination and potentially dehydration.
4. Smooth Muscle Relaxation:
Theobromine relaxes smooth muscles, which can affect gastrointestinal motility, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲
1. Immediate Steps:
Assessment: Get information about the type and amount of chocolate ingested, as well as dog’s weight.
2. Veterinary Intervention:
Induction of Vomiting: Induce vomiting within 1-2 hours (using apomorphine or H2O2 3%) to prevent further absorption of theobromine.
Activated Charcoal: Administering activated charcoal may help absorb remaining toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
Fluid Therapy: Intravenous fluids should be given to maintain hydration and help flush out toxins.
Medications:
Medications may be used to control symptoms, including:
Antiarrhythmic drugs: To stabilize heart rate if arrhythmias develop (propranolol or lidocaine)
Anticonvulsants: To control seizures (Diezepam or methocarbamol)
Sedatives: To calm hyperactivity and agitation.
