Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Effects of oral xylitol on blood sugar and liver in cats
By Jerzsele, Á et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics·2018·Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Effects of p.o. administered xylitol in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of six healthy middle-aged cats was given xylitol, a sugar substitute known to be toxic to dogs, to see if it would cause similar health issues. The cats received different doses, but researchers found no harmful effects on their health or blood sugar levels, except for a slight increase at the highest dose, which was still within normal limits. Overall, the study concluded that xylitol does not appear to be toxic to cats.
People also search for: is xylitol safe for cats · cat sugar substitute toxicity · xylitol effects on pets
Abstract
Xylitol is commonly used as sugar substitute in households. While it has numerous beneficial effects on human health, it is highly toxic to dogs. The goal of this study was to examine whether xylitol has similar deleterious effects, such as hypoglycaemia and acute hepatic failure, on cats. Our research included six healthy middle-aged cats. Xylitol was dissolved in deionized water and administered p.o. at three doses (100, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg body weight). These dosages have been considered toxic and can cause liver failure or even death in dogs. After every xylitol administration, the basic health status and the blood glucose of cats were observed regularly. Additionally, prior to and 6, 24 and 72 hr after xylitol administration, blood samples were taken to check complete blood count, clinical biochemical parameters and enzymes such as ALT, ALKP, GGT, GLDH, bile acids, BUN, creatinine, phosphate, total protein, albumin, sodium and potassium. There were no significant changes (p > .05) in any of the haematological or biochemical parameters. Blood glucose concentrations did not show any significant alterations, except at 1,000 mg/kg dose, where a mild but significant increase was observed, but it was in physiological range. Based on our results, xylitol did not induce toxic effects on cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29430681/