Do those begging eyes, drooling mouth, and fidgeting tail leave you tender-hearted? Eventually, do you end up sharing your favorite food, just to see them relish it? Well, they all have that effect on us!

Chocolate toxicosis is a life-style disease.  The prime sources of chocolate toxicity are deliberate offering of chocolates/candies/choco cakes/puddings/ biscuits to pets, and accidental consumption of readily available chocolates by pets. Whole Chocolate/foodstuffs containing chocolate has numerous deleterious effects on both animals and birds.  Chocolate toxicities often go undetected due to a lack of awareness among pet-parents. After consumption of chocolate, the next day when they notice that their pet is sick, they rush to the hospital. On interrogation, by the vet, they often omit the part that they had offered chocolate. This omission is not deliberate it is just because they don’t think it is a piece of relevant information. However, this can alter the quality of treatment that your pet receives.

WHAT DOES CHOCOLATE CONTAIN?

Chocolate is made from beans of Theobroma cacao (plant). Chocolate contains Methylxanthines such as theobromine and caffeine. These Methylxanthines are responsible for the toxicity. Based on the type and brand of the chocolate the proportion of these compounds varies.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER INGESTION OF CHOCOLATE

After ingestion, theobromine, and caffeine will be absorbed and circulated in the body through blood. These compounds compete with the adenosine receptors which results in tachycardia (increased heart rate), CNS stimulation (Central Nervous System) and diuresis (increased urination).  It increases the strength and contractility of skeletal and cardiac muscles.

SYMPTOMS

Clinical signs may appear from 6-10hrs after ingestion and can last up to a few days. Initial symptoms may include:

• Restlessness
• Vomiting
• Abdominal distention
• Diarrhea
• Increased thirst

These signs may progress to:

• Increased heart rate
• Hyperactivity
• Increased urination
• Incoordination
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Hypertension
• Cyanosis

In case of intense toxicity: death due to cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory failure. 

HOW MUCH CHOCOLATE IS TOO MUCH?

Generally, initial signs may start if your pet has ingested 20mg of methylxanthine per kilogram of the body weight. Its ill-effects on the heart may progress if the quantity consumed is between 40-50mg/kg body weight. Seizures may occur when the dosage is above 60mg/kg body weight. Consumption of methylxanthine 200mg/kg body weight will certainly lead to death.  These values may vary from animal to animal depending upon the genetic composition. For example, experimental studies prove that dogs with CYP1A2 1117C>T polymorphism are likely to have high risk due to reduced theobromine metabolism.

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

On presentation of the clinical signs, it is better to hurry into an emergency veterinary clinic. Treatment suggestions provided by internet should be avoided. Chocolate toxicity is a life-threatening condition. Please do not take chances with your pet’s life. Recollect all the symptoms and feeding history of your pet. If you can note the details like what type of chocolate or how much quantity has been ingested it will be of great use. Give a complete history, so that your vet will be in a better position to help.  As a treatment, your vet may recommend repeated doses of adsorbents, intra-venous fluids, anti-emetic drugs, anticonvulsants, and diuretics according to the condition of your pet.

Kindly note

• Do not offer chocolates to your pets
• Always read the ingredient label before offering any type of food
• Do not leave the food items unattended at home
• Do not keep the chocolate items within the reach of your pets
• Be aware of the food that should be avoided in your pet’s diet

In this Easter, let’s try not to slip any more chocolates and Easter eggs to our furry babies. The only way to prevent chocolate toxicity is by avoiding it!

Have a paw-fect Easter!

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