Food Flashcards
Xylitol
-sweetner found in sugar free food (peanut butter and baked goods)
-Affects DOGS
Xylitol toxicity mechanism
Sever hypoglycemia secondary to insulin secretion because more insulin released for xylitol compared to glucose. Liver effects mechanism is unknown
*results in CNS signs and liver failure
Other names for xylitol
Clinical signs of xylitol
-within mins to hours depending on form
-vomiting, lethargy, weakness
-hypoglycemia- seizures, ataxia
-acute liver failure 1-3 days post ingestion
-hepatocellular leakage on histology
Xylitol management
-decontamination (emesis or gastric lavage BUT no activated charcoal because alcohol products are not bound to
-manage hypoglycemia with IV dextrose
-supportive care
-hosptalization for 24 hrs to monitor delayed onset hypoglycemia
Xylitol tox diagnosis
-can have hypoglycemia without liver damage and vice versa!
-history of ingestion
Prognosis of xylitol
good for uncomplicated hypoglycemia and aggressive management
Xylitol DDx
-insulin overdose
-sago palm
-death cap mushrooms
-metaldehyde
-acetaminophen
-microcystins
Grapes and Raisins
Toxin= likely tartaric acid
-affects DOGS
Mechanism of grape toxicity
Believed to inhibit Na/K ATPase in proximal tubular epithelum= necrosis of kidneys
Clinical signs of grapes and raisins toxicity
Onset 24hrs
-vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea
-dehydration, PU/PD
-After 24hrs, dehydration and oliguria
Clinical pathology of grapes and raisins
-hypercalcemia
-hyperphosphatemia
-hyperkalemia
-azotemia
Histology of grape and raisin toxicity
Renal tubular degeneration and necrosis
Management of grapes and raisins
-no antidote
-decontamination and activated charcoal
-renal support with IVFT
-antiemetics
-monitor for 48-72hrs
Diagnosis of grape and raisin toxicity
-history of ingestion and compatible clinical signs
-not all dogs will develop AKI because toxic threshold unknown but all exposures should be clinically significant
DDx for grape and raisin toxicity
Any acute kidney injury in dogs
-ethylene glycol
-vit D
-heavy metals
-aminoglycasides
-NSAIDs
Prognosis of grapes and raisins
Varies- approx 50% survival
-good with early decontamination and aggressive treatment
*if they have oliguria/anuria= poor
Chocolate
-toxic to dogs and cats
-#1 ingestion at VMC
Mechanism of chocolate
Theobromine and caffeine (methylxanthines) = CNS and CV excitation
**results in sympathomimetic toxidrome
Chocolate varieties impact
Dark>milk>white
-cocoa powder greatest, followed by bakers chocolate and semisweet and dark
-white chocolate is negligible
Clinical signs of chocolate toxicity
Onset within 2-4hrs
-GI: vomiting, diarrhea
-CV: tachycardia, tachypnea
-CNS: hyperactivity, agitation, seizures
-PU/PD
-coma and death
-risk of pancreatitis
Management of chocolate
-no antidote
-decontamination (emesis/gastric lavage + activated charcoal)
-supportive care
*long half life= hospitalize up to 72hrs
Chocolate diagnosis
-history and clinical signs
-wrappers in vomit
-analysis of stomach contents, liver, blood for toxins
What is the important history concerning chocolate ingestion?
- type of chocolate
- amount
- recipe if applicable
Prognosis of chocolate toxicity
Good with early decontamination
-if seizures= guarded
DDx of chocolate toxicity
-nocotine
-strychnine
-amphetamines
-cocaine
-cardiotoxic plants
-mycotoxins
-stimulant drugs
Onions and garlic
-Any form of onions and garlic = true threshold unknown
dogs and cats >cattle (rumen enhances) >horses>small ruminants
Mechanisms of onions and garlic
Organosulfur compounds target RBCs= oxidative damage hemolytic anemia
-results in heinz bodies and eccentrocyte formation from membrane cross linking, methemoglobin = increased RBC fragility= intravascular and extravascular hemolysis
Clinical signs of onions and garlic toxicity
Dose dependent
-weak, exercise intolerance
-vomiting and diarrhea
-Pale, muddy or icteric MM
-tachypnea, tachycardia
-abortion in pregnant animals
Clinical pathology in onions and garlic
-extravascular and intravascular hemolysis
-heinz bodies and eccentrocytes
Management of onion and garlic toxicity
-no antidote
-decontamination
-supportive care (blood, fluids, antioxidants)
Diagnosis of onions and garlic
-history
-rule out other hemolytic anemia
DDx for onions and garlic toxicity
Avocado
-toxic to exotic birds and livestock; not an issue in dogs and cats except GI obstruction
-all parts of plants above ground; esp. leaves
Mechanism of avocado toxicity
Percin toxin but mechanism unknown
-targets the heart and mammary tissue
*myocardial necrosis and hemorrhagic necrosis of mammary tissue in livestock
Clinical signs of avocado toxicity in livestock
CV: edema, pericardial effusion, pulmonary edema, cough, resp depression, weakness, sudden death
Mammary: non infectious mastitis, decreased milk production, hard udders
Clinical signs of avocado toxicity in exotic birds
CV
-“sick bird signs”- sitting at bottom of cage, weak, depression, behaviour change
-dyspnea
-acute death
Management of avocado toxicity
-no antidote
-crop lavage in birds
-activated charcoal in livestock
-CV monitoring
Prognosis of avocado toxicity
-guarded to grave without treatment in exotics
DDx of avocado toxicity
-cardiotoxic plants (yew, foxglove, etc.)
-sympathomimetic agents
-ionophores
Macadamia nut toxicty
-DOGS
-mechanism unknown
-onset in 12 hrs; results in CNS depression, weakness, tremours, joint and muscle pain
-resolves in 12-28hrs= excellent prognosis
