Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chocolate poisoning in dogs: symptoms and outcomes from 156 cases
By Weingart, C et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2021·*Clinic for Small Animals, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Chocolate ingestion in dogs: 156 events (2015-2019).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Labrador was brought in after eating a large amount of dark chocolate and showing signs of agitation, vomiting, and tremors. The vet assessed the situation and found that the dog had elevated heart rate and mild dehydration. They treated the dog by inducing vomiting and giving activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the chocolate, along with fluids and other supportive care. Fortunately, the dog recovered well and was sent home after treatment, highlighting the importance of quick action in cases of chocolate ingestion.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical features and outcome of dogs after chocolate ingestion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of clinical signs, clinical pathological findings, therapy and outcome of 156 dogs after chocolate ingestion. The concentration of methylxanthines (theobromine, caffeine) was calculated based on the type of chocolate and the amount ingested. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve dogs had no clinical signs. Forty-four dogs had clinical signs of chocolate intoxication. Twenty-eight of these 44 dogs ingested dark and bitter chocolate. Reasons for presentation were agitation (33), tremor (22), vomiting (21), panting (11), polyuria/polydipsia (seven) and diarrhea (two). Common clinical findings were sinus tachycardia (28), tachypnea/panting (14), hyperthermia (10) and dehydration (seven). Clinical pathological findings in 34 of 44 dogs consisted of hyperlactataemia (23), hypokalaemia (16), mild hyperglycaemia (16) and mild alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation (14). After decontamination (apomorphine, activated carbon) and symptomatic treatment (fluid therapy, esmolol, forced diuresis, sedatives), 43 of the 44 dogs survived. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In dogs with potential chocolate intoxication, the type and amount of chocolate and the time of ingestion are important factors. Cardiovascular, neurological and gastrointestinal signs are the most common clinical signs. In this case series, the prognosis after decontamination and symptomatic therapy was good, with a mortality rate of less than 3%.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33788297/