Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
07:33
Therapeutic Effectiveness of a Dietary Supplement for Management of Halitosis in Dogs
Published on: July 6, 2015
Xylitol toxicosis in dogs
Lisa A Murphy1, Adrienne E Coleman
1Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center Toxicology Laboratory, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA. murphylp@vet.upenn.edu
Summary
Xylitol, a sugar alcohol sweetener, causes severe hypoglycemia and potential liver failure in dogs by stimulating insulin release. Prompt veterinary care improves prognosis for uncomplicated hypoglycemia in dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary toxicology
- Canine pharmacology
Background:
- Xylitol is a common sugar alcohol sweetener.
- It is safe for humans but toxic to dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the toxic effects of xylitol in dogs.
- To outline clinical findings and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical cases and veterinary literature.
Main Results:
- Xylitol ingestion in dogs causes rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia.
- Potential complications include acute liver failure, coagulopathies, thrombocytopenia, hypokalemia, and hyperphosphatemia.
Conclusions:
- Xylitol poses a significant risk to dogs.
- Early and aggressive veterinary intervention is crucial for managing xylitol toxicity and improving outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Toxicity Testing in Animals
Toxicity tests in animals are grounded on two main assumptions: first, the effects observed in laboratory animals can be extrapolated to humans, especially when adjusted for body surface area; second, high-dose exposure in animals is essential to identify potential human hazards from lower doses. This is based on the quantal dose-response concept, which faces the challenge of extrapolating results from relatively few test animals to much larger human populations. For example, a 0.01% incidence...
01:25Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction
DefinitionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by a triad of hyperglycemia (blood glucose >250 mg/dL), ketonemia or ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis (arterial pH <7.30 and serum bicarbonate <18 mEq/L). It results from insulin deficiency combined with elevated levels of counterregulatory hormones—glucagon, catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormone—leading to increased lipolysis, hepatic ketone production, and...
01:22Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a metabolic emergency characterized by hyperglycemia, ketonemia, and metabolic acidosis. It results from severe insulin deficiency and an excess of counterregulatory hormones, leading to uncontrolled lipolysis, ketogenesis, and widespread electrolyte and fluid disturbances.Pathophysiology The central event in DKA is a profound loss of insulin action. Without insulin, glucose uptake in insulin-dependent tissues is impaired, while hepatic glucose production...
01:30Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
01:24Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
Drug toxicities can be stratified into pharmacological, pathological, or genotoxic based on their mechanisms. The incidence and severity of these toxicities generally increase with the drug's concentration in the body and exposure time.Pharmacological toxicity is evident when the therapeutic effects of drugs overshoot into adverse reactions in a predictable, dose-dependent manner. Central nervous system (CNS) depression from barbiturates is a classic example, with effects escalating from...
01:00Drug Toxicity: Overview
Drug toxicity quantifies the harm a compound causes to an organism, varying by dose and potentially impacting whole systems or specific organs like the liver. Toxic reactions may arise from venomous insect or spider bites, with effects ranging from mild symptoms to severe outcomes such as brain damage or death. Common forms of acute poisoning include ethanol intoxication and overdose of pain or fever medications, with substances like GHB and heroin being particularly lethal at doses close to...