Theobromine poisoning in dogs

Chocolate ingestion-induced non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in a puppy: a case report

“…In general, no specific pathological lesions are associated with methylxanthine intoxication (Jansson et al 2001;Carson 2006). Apart from gastrointestinal irritation, dilatation of coronary, systemic, and pulmonary vessels can develop that may lead to congestion or haemorrhage (Strachan and Bennett 1994;Stidworthy et al 1997;Jansson et al 2001), seen mainly in agonic stages. Signs of pulmonary congestion and oedema have been traditionally attributed to arrhythmias (Gwaltney-Brant 2001;Jansson et al 2001;Albretsen 2004); however, based on the evidence of the effects of methylxanthines and the pathogenesis of NCPO these conditions might be related.…”

“…Increased diuresis and haematuria are reported and can progress to more detrimental cardio-respiratory and neurological signs such as tachycardia, rhythm disturbances, seizures, cyanosis and tachypnoea (Gwaltney-Brant 2001;Albretsen 2004;Carson 2006;Luiz and Heseltine 2008;Smit 2011). Death is caused mainly due to arrhythmias, hyperthermia, respiratory failure, congestion and oedema (Strachan and Bennett 1994;Stidworthy et al 1997;Jansson et al 2001). To our knowledge this complication has not yet been reported in cases of chocolate intoxication; the few cases of pulmonary oedema have been described only as a necropsy finding and not in a clinical patient.…”

Cardiotoxicodynamics

“…40 Theobromine toxicity is primarily reported in the veterinary literature. 41 Pathophysiology b-ARs are G protein complex (G s )-linked receptors that activate adenylate cyclase, which leads to various downstream effects. Activation of b 1 -receptors, found primarily in cardiac tissue, increases cardiac inotropy and chronotropy with resultant increased myocardial oxygen demand.…”

Theobromine Intoxication in a Red Fox and a European Badger in Sweden

“…The LD 50 -value of the dog is reported to be 250-500 mg TB/kg bodyweight (Hooser and Beasley, 1986). Deaths have been reported af-ter ingestion of less than 100 mg TB/kg bodyweight (Glauberg and Blumenthal, 1983;Gustafsson, 1993;Strachan and Bennet, 1994). The main pharmacological effects of methylxanthines in the dog include central nervous system stimulation, diuresis, cardiovascular and metabolic effects, bronchial relaxation and increased secretion of gastric acids (Hornfeldt, 1987).…”