Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Acute hepatic failure and coagulopathy associated with xylitol ingestion in eight dogs.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Dunayer, Eric K & Gwaltney-Brant, Sharon M
- Affiliation:
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Eight adult dogs were treated for being very tired and vomiting after they ate xylitol, a sweetener found in many products. Along with these symptoms, five of the dogs also had bleeding spots on their skin and in their digestive tract. Tests showed that their liver enzymes were very high, they had low blood sugar, and their blood wasn't clotting properly. Treatments included giving fluids through an IV, blood plasma transfusions, and sugar if needed. Unfortunately, three dogs had to be put to sleep, two died, two fully recovered, and one was improving but could not be followed up.
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17014359/