[ SHOWGSD-L ] Our Scary Weekend
- From: "terraf" <Terraf@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "show gsd" <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:07:56 -0500
Got this note from a Corgi friend--she had a very scary weekend.
We have spent quite the scary weekend, and while it looks like Kobi is going to
be OK, I wanted to take the time to make sure other dog owners are aware of the
danger that could have easily killed my corgi.
I had done some research a while ago for a biochem class and an article for our
dog club newsletter on the dangers of Xylitol poisoning. I never dreamed that
it would happen to me.
Xylitol is a natural sweetener, different enough in molecular structure from
glucose, that it is not absorbed in the normal way. It is safe for humans and
is used in diabetic diets and calorie free gum, candies, puddings etc. But it
is deadly to dogs. A small amount causes uncontrolled insulin production,
which results in a dramatic drop in blood sugar levels. If left in the system,
and the dog survives the initial glucose drop, it will go on to cause acute
liver failure and death within 24 to 48 hours.
Yesterday morning one of my four dogs actually unzipped my camera bag and
chewed through some of the contents. One of the items left on the floor was a
soggy piece of cardboard which I recognized as an "ORBIT" gum package. I don't
even remember buying sugarless gum - I don't usually chew gum, but there it was.
Fortunately I knew of the danger and packed up the most likely culprits and
left my husband with strict instructions to watch the other two for signs of
weakness, ataxia or seizures. I would estimate that I arrived at the
veterinarian's office within 30 minutes of when the gum was eaten. We started
with a blood sugar test and then induced vomiting. Kobi's glucose was already
below 60 and she vomited 12 pieces of gum. 2 to 3 sticks can kill a 20 lb. dog.
They gave an IV glucose bolus and began supportive treatment. In addition to
liver failure, it can cause clotting problems and renal failure. I honestly
think if there had been any further delay in her treatment, we would have lost
her. I was able to bring her home this afternoon, but we still have some
follow up blood testing to make sure her liver values continue to be OK.
Thanks goodness that A) I was home (my husband had no idea there could be a
problem - chocolate was the only real danger he knew of) B) she left me enough
of the package to know what it was and C) she never chews her food, so many of
the pieces were still in the wrappers. She had also eaten breakfast beforehand
and that may have helped.
Please read the labels of products you buy to ensure they do not contain
Xylitol. The companies that manufacture them refuse to label them about the
potential danger to dogs. They claim that the products are intended for human
consumption and are not for pets. My point is that household cleaners and
other chemicals aren't meant for pets either, but they are labeled if they are
dangerous to pets.
Give your dogs a hug from Kobi and I. Feel free to forward to any dog friends
who may not know about the dangers of Xylitol.
Sharla Glick
Kelley, IA
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