Chocolate toxicity
Chocolate contains a xanthine compound, theobromine, that is toxic
in sufficient quantities. Examples of other xanthine compounds are
caffeine and theophylline. The toxicity from all of these compounds
is similar.
It takes a fairly large amount of chocolate to cause problems. In
"The Handbook of Small Animal Practice" by Dr. Rhea Morgan, the
following data is given: The toxic dose of theobromine is about 100
to 150mg/kg Milk chocolate contains 6mg of theobromine per ounce.
Semi-sweet chocolate contains about 22mg/oz. and baking chocolate
about 35 to 45mg/oz.
From this it is pretty easy to see that milk chocolate poses only a
minor threat while the other forms of chocolate can be a bigger
problem.
Xanthines affect primarily the central nervous system, the
cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. There is a diuretic
effect as well. So the sign seen with toxicity include
hyperexitablility, hyper irritability, increased heart rate,
restlessness, increased urination, vomiting and muscular tremors or
tenseness. Under some circumstances these signs can lead to
secondary problems like hyperthermia. In severe cases, seizures or
cardiac arrest can occur. Death can result from severe intoxication.
There is no specific antidote for this poisoning. Inducing vomiting
can help if the ingestion is known and has occurred within one to
two hours. Administration of activated charcoal may inhibit
absorption of the toxin from the digestive tract. It may be
necessary to use medications to control the effects of the
poisoning, especially seizure control medications, oxygen therapy,
intravenous fluids, and medications to control the effects on the
heart.
With ingestion of milk chocolate, diarrhoea is a common secondary
problem. This may require therapy and often occurs 12 to 24 hours
after eating the chocolate. If you suspect chocolate poisoning and
your dog or cat is showing clinical signs of the problem, it is
important to contact your vet.
