It's all to easy at Christmas for our pets to find something to eat that they shouldn't. I can picture myself feet up on the couch, stomach fully of wine and good food, drifting into sleep with the telly on in the background. That's the oppurtinuty my Spaniel has been waiting for and almost certainly the best time to do some counter surfing in the kitchen.
At Christmas remember to watch out for your pets eating food items that contain:
• Grapes, raisins, currants or sultanas
• Chocolate
• Peanuts
• Macadamia nuts
• Onions, garlic, leeks etc
• Xylitol (a sweetener)
CHOCOLATE POISONING
Chocolate poisoning is one of the most common problems we see, particularly at this time of
the year! The severity of poisoning depends principally on two things, obviously the amount
of chocolate ingested but also the type of chocolate (i.e. milk or dark).
The amount of
theobromine (a methylxanthine similar to caffeine) in milk and dark chocolate differs
considerably, which is reflected in the toxic dose for dogs. Chocolate is also toxic to
other species (for example cats, rodents, rabbits etc). The foremost clinical effects seen
in chocolate poisoning are vomiting and diarrhoea (and coupled with the fact that
theobromine is a diuretic (makes you urinate), animals may become severely dehydrated).
Theobromine is also a stimulant, and therefore some animals may become hyperactive and
develop hyperthermia, high blood pressure and often severe increase in heart rate. Muscular
rigidity, tremors and convulsions may also be observed in some extreme cases. Treatment is
largely supportive, with particular emphasis on rehydration, reducing the stimulant effects
with sedatives, monitoring of vital signs and repeat doses of activated charcoal to enhance
elimination.
GRAPES, RAISINS, CURRANTS AND SULTANAS
Fruits of the Vitis vinifera (grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas) can, surprisingly,
cause renal failure in dogs. Some dogs seem able to eat large quantities without any
effects, while others develop renal failure after as little as a few grapes or a small
handful of raisins. We therefore recommend treatment for any amount. Some dogs may initially
develop vomiting and diarrhoea and develop renal failure from 24 - 72 hours post ingestion.
Treatment requires intravenous fluids to protect the kidneys, and repeat doses of activated
charcoal may be of benefit (the fruits often pass out in the stools so absorption may occur
throughout the gut). It is possible cats are also susceptible. Foods to watch out for at
Christmas include; Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, Stollen and mince pies.
DANGEROUS FOODS
Peanuts (including monkey nuts) have been reported to cause adverse effects in some pets.
Most symptomatic animals develop gastrointestinal signs and in a small number of cases
twitching, muscle spasm, agitation, hallucinations and occasionally convulsions can occur.
Macadamia nuts are also toxic and can cause weakness, tremor, ataxia, vomiting, depression,
pyrexia, abdominal tenderness, lameness and stiffness in dogs. Be aware that
chocolate-coated peanuts and macadamia nuts are also available.
Allium species (onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives) can cause toxicity, even when
cooked. Initially there are gastrointestinal signs followed by haemolytic anaemia from 1-5
days. Christmas foods to avoid are onion gravy and sage and onion stuffing. Mouldy food
(e.g. mouldy walnuts, bread, cheese) can contain toxins that cause rapid onset convulsions
with tremors, vomiting, hyperaesthesia and rigidity. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, found
in some chewing gums and medicinal products can also be bought by the bag load to sweeten
home cooking. Unfortunately although healthy for humans it can cause hypoglycaemia and liver
failure in dogs.
"POISONOUS" PLANTS AT CHRISTMAS TIME
Well, if cats or dogs decide to eat Holly or Ivy at Christmas there's probably not too much
to worry about. Some sources quote 20 holly (Ilex spp) berries causing death in a dog - but
there's no substantive case data. The ivy used in wreaths and decorations is Hedera helix
spp (not Rhus radicans which is "poison ivy"). Both holly and ivy usually only result in
drooling, retching or even vomiting.
However, ivy can cause muscle twitching, paralysis, convulsions and death in rabbits. Holly
spines may also cause mechanical injury. Mistletoe (Viscum album) - ingestion seems to
result in retching, vomiting and salivation but occasionally weakness has been reported. The
reports of this plant causing neurological signs probably refer to cases involving the plant
the Americans call mistletoe (Phoradendron spp). Poinsettia has a bad reputation, probably
as it belongs to the Euphorbia family. Although it is reported to be very toxic to cats,
experience is generally that ingestion only produces gastric irritation. We recommend these
plants are kept out of reach of your pets. With Christmas trees this is obviously
impossible! If parts of these are consumed the major risk would appear to be mechanical
injury or obstruction from the "needles". For all these plants it is recommended that owners
keep cats and dogs well hydrated and on a bland diet. If owners report protracted vomiting
you might want to bring the animal in and consider giving some rehydration therapy. There
are indoor plants that are toxic remember - especially lilies (toxic to cats).
SUBSTANCES OF LOW TOXICITY
All of the items mentioned below are considered to be of low toxicity by ingestion. Any
ingestion of these substances would be expected to cause a mild gastrointestinal upset,
however treatment or observation in a veterinary surgery is unnecessary and cases can
usually be managed at home.
Silica gel - comes in small sachets and is often found in the packaging for new handbags,
shoes or cameras.
Christmas decorations - are usually made of paper, foil or plastics (N.B this does not
include decorations that contain batteries). Decorations made of glass could pose a risk of
mechanical damage.
Candles - could potentially cause obstruction or a choking hazard.
Wrapping or crepe paper - may cause staining of the mouth that can look alarming.
Source: Veterinary Poisons Information service Dec 2009
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