Vetnuus | December 2024 41 nervous system depression (Hjelle). Beer contains 4 – 9ml of pure Ethanol per 100ml, whereas wine, contains 16ml per 100ml (i.e. 12gm/100ml) and the liqueurs and infusions 20 – 40ml per 100ml. The toxic signs from ethanol become visible in dogs consuming a minimum of 3mg/kg. Raw Bread Dough: Reports of ethanol toxicosis have been documented in dogs who consumed raw bread dough. They presented with vomiting, ataxia, blindness, hypothermia, and recumbency. Ingesting bread dough can cause gastric obstruction or bloat (“stok-brood“ awareness). (Means, 2003) Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener containing fewer calories and is becoming a more frequent addition to health products and drinks. Xylitol can be found in certain toothpaste, chewing gum, sweets, drinks, diabetic snacks, chocolates, jams, peanut butter, over-the-counter medications etc. Ingesting doses of more than 0,1g/kg are considered toxic to dogs. Xylitol toxicity can produce hypoglycaemia from insulin stimulation, resulting in acute hepatic necrosis. Clinical signs include lethargy, weakness, vomiting, collapse, anorexia, malaise, tremors, and seizures. If hepatotoxic doses are ingested the patient may present with melena, icterus, increased liver enzymes, diarrhoea, and hypoglycaemia. Hypocholesterolaemia, decreased BUN, hypoalbuminemia etc, (Lee). Xylitol absorption is rapid and should be seen as an emergency at all times. Cannabis toxication: Cannabis intoxication in pets usually occurs through the ingestion of Cannabis-infused foodstuff as well as second-hand smoke. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in the brain than humans. Cannabis alters the pet’s brain chemical hormones such as norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine. Intoxicated patients will present with tachycardia, slow respiration, lethargy, an increased or decreased body temperature, ataxia, hyperactive or drowsy, disorientated, vocal, dilated pupils and may drool or vomit. Urinary incontinence may also be apparent, as well as tremors, seizures and comatosis in severe cases. The THC in cannabis is lipid-soluble, easily crossing the blood-brain barrier. It is then stored in the fatty tissue of the liver, brain, and kidneys before elimination. The majority is excreted in the faeces, and 10 -35 % via the kidneys. The minimum lethal dose of Cannabis is anything greater than 3-9g of plant material per kg, and signs are visible within a few minutes of inhaled toxicity and 60 minutes after ingestion. The half-life is 30 hours, and 80% will be excreted within 5 days. Recovery from ingestion is usually within 24 hours but potentially up to 72 hours, (Brutlag et.al.2018). Bear in mind that one gram of cannabis has anywhere between 100 and 300 mg of THC. Chocolate: Even though our pets do not have “sweet” detecting tastebuds, chocolate is often shared with our pets. Chocolates contain methylxanthines such as theobromine and caffeine. Both can stimulate the central nervous system and increase norepinephrine which increases calcium intake to the cardiac and skeletal muscles. Toxicity may present as agitation, vomiting, diarrhoea, panting, tachycardia, polyuria, hyperthermia, muscle tremors and seizures. Signs become visible within a few hours to 12 hours after ingestion as absorption time is slow, and has a 17-hour half-life. Treatment is thus necessary for 72-96 hours post ingestion. Toxicity occurs from Theobromine intake greater than 20mg/ kg and greater than 60mg/kg can induce neurotoxic symptoms (Lee). There is a website which assists in calculating whether chocolate ingestion is critical or not. One can bookmark it on the receptionist’s computer namely, www.omnicalculator.com/biology/dog-chocolate-toxicity or https://dog-chocolate-calculator.vets-now.com A 10kg dog which ate a whole 80g slab of chocolate would be in danger of toxicity but a 20kg dog having eaten less than half a slab will be safe. Caffeine: Sharing a coffee with your pet is usually safe (but not advised) and we must be aware of toxic doses. Dogs are more prone to experience toxicities, so it is advisable to educate your clients on the dangers of feeding pets bones, entire hooves, rich foods, mouldy foods, garlic, onions, grapes, raisins etc. Only animal-approved edible items should enter a pet’s mouth. Love is more than food or treats, and can be shown through touch, quality time and providing good nutrition, water, and shelter for our pets. Enjoy this festive season with prepared clients, and less disruptive emergencies. (References are available on request)
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