|
CHOCOLATE
AND COCOA |
| Source |
| Chocolate and cocoa contain two compounds that are toxic to
animals, caffeine and theobromine.
|
| Typically, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is-
from least to most toxic: |
- White chocolate
- Milk
chocolate- 1oz/1 pound body weight is a toxic dose
- Semi-sweet
chocolate and sweetened cocoa mix
- Cocoa beans
- Baker’s
chocolate- 1oz/10 pounds body weight is a toxic dose
- Dry cocoa powder
|
| Symptoms |
- Restlessness
- Hyperactivity
- Elevated body temperature
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Coma
|
| Toxicity |
| Both caffeine and theobromine affect the nervous system and
the heart. One ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight can cause
symptoms in cats and dogs. Higher doses or ingestion of darker chocolate can
cause more severe signs. Please call a veterinary professional to see if your
pet ingested a dangerous amount of chocolate or cocoa. |
| Diagnosis |
| Diagnosis is based on history and clinical signs. Often
candy wrappers and foil will be seen in the vomit and diarrhea after an
ingestion of chocolate. |
| Treatment |
| Treatment initially consists of eliminating the chocolate
from the body. This is partially accomplished by making the animal vomit (if the
ingestion was within 4 hours) to help remove any remaining chocolate from the
stomach. Your veterinarian may then give your pet multiple doses of an activated
charcoal suspension to help prevent further absorption of any charcoal that is
still in the intestinal tract or is recirculating through the body.
Hospitalization for supportive care and monitoring may be necessary. |
| Prognosis |
| The prognosis in cases of chocolate toxicity is good if
early and aggressive treatment is initiated. |
|
