Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lethargy and vomiting in dogs after xylitol poisoning causing liver
By Dunayer, Eric K & Gwaltney-Brant, Sharon M·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2006·American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Acute hepatic failure and coagulopathy associated with xylitol ingestion in eight dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Eight adult dogs were brought to the vet for treatment after they ingested xylitol, a sweetener found in many products, and showed symptoms like lethargy and vomiting. Some of the dogs also had bleeding issues and high liver enzyme levels, indicating severe liver damage. Treatment included IV fluids, plasma transfusions, and dextrose to manage low blood sugar. Unfortunately, three dogs were euthanized, two died, while two others fully recovered. This case highlights the serious risks of xylitol ingestion in dogs, which can lead to liver failure.
People also search for: dog vomiting lethargy xylitol · xylitol poisoning treatment for dogs · dog liver failure symptoms
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: 8 adult dogs were evaluated for treatment of lethargy and vomiting after ingestion of xylitol, a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in various products. CLINICAL FINDINGS: In addition to vomiting and lethargy, 5 of the dogs had widespread petechial, ecchymotic, or gastrointestinal tract hemorrhages. Common clinicopathologic findings included moderately to severely high serum activities of liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, hyperphosphatemia, prolonged clotting times, and thrombocytopenia. Necropsies were performed on 3 dogs and severe hepatic necrosis was found in 2. In the third dog, histologic examination revealed severe hepatocyte loss or atrophy with lobular collapse. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Treatments varied among dogs and included IV administration of fluids; plasma transfusions; and, if indicated, administration of dextrose. Three dogs were euthanatized, 2 dogs died, 2 dogs made a complete recovery, and 1 dog was recovering but was lost to follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although xylitol causes hypoglycemia in dogs, hepatic failure after ingestion has not previously been reported. Because an increasing number of consumer products contain xylitol, clinicians should be aware that ingestion of xylitol can have serious, life-threatening effects.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17014359/