Chocolate ingestion in dogs: 156 events (2015-2019)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Toxicology
• Canine Health

Background:

• Chocolate ingestion is a common cause of toxicosis in dogs.
• Theobromine and caffeine are the primary toxic methylxanthines in chocolate.
• Severity of toxicosis depends on chocolate type, amount ingested, and time to treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail clinical features and outcomes in dogs following chocolate ingestion.
• To identify key factors influencing chocolate toxicosis in canines.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 156 dogs with known chocolate ingestion.
• Evaluation of clinical signs, clinicopathological findings, and treatment protocols.
• Calculation of methylxanthine concentrations based on chocolate type and quantity.

Main Results:

• 44 out of 156 dogs exhibited clinical signs of intoxication.
• Common signs included agitation, tremors, vomiting, and cardiovascular changes (tachycardia, tachypnea).
• Clinicopathological findings revealed hyperlactatemia, hypokalemia, and elevated liver enzymes.

Conclusions:

• Type and amount of chocolate are critical in predicting intoxication severity.
• Cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal signs are most prevalent.
• Prognosis is favorable with decontamination and symptomatic therapy, evidenced by a <3% mortality rate.