Chocolate toxicity: The need to know about Chocolate toxicity in dogs.

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Etiology of Chocolate Toxicosis in Dogs
Theobroma cacao is the scientific name for the chocolate plant.
The tree grows pods that carry the seeds, which are about 40-50% fat.
Chocolate is derived from roasted seeds.
What makes chocolate toxic?
The primary toxic principles in chocolate are  

• Theobromine
•  caffeine. 

These are known as Methylxanthines. 
Theobromine and caffeine are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and widely distributed throughout the body. They are metabolized in the liver with enterohepatic recirculation. 
LD50 of Theobromine is 250-500 mg/kg of body weight
Half life is 17.5 hours 
LD50 caffeine in the dog varies from 110 to 200 mg/kg of body weight
Half life is 4.5 hours
Clinical Signs

• Mild signs >20 mg/kg theobromine
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, excitability, PU/PD
• Moderate signs >40-50 mg/kg theobromine
  • Tachycardia
• Severe signs >60 mg/kg theobromine
  • Tremors, seizures
  • Death is rare- arrhythmias and respiratory failure

Assessing the situation

• What kind of chocolate?
  • White, Milk, Dark etc 
    • Brand, Recipes, checking labels
  • Raisins
  • Xylitol
  • Caffeine
  • THC
  • Alcohol
  • Macadamia Nut

Cocoa Butter

• Contains the 40-50% fatty component of the cocoa bean. 
• Virtually no theobromine or caffeine 
• Can be found in many skin care products.

Cocoa Powder
A.K.A Solids 

• Remaining non-fat component of the bean
• Contains theobromine and caffeine
• Solid brown form
• Bitter taste

Cocoa bean + fat (cocoa butter) + sugar +/- milk +/- other ingredients = Chocolate

Theobromine Content by Chocolate

• White: 0.25mg/oz
• Milk: 44-60 mg/oz
• Dark: 135-150 mg/oz
• Unsweetened: 390-450 mg/oz
• Cocoa Powder: 400-737 mg/oz

Chocolate Decontamination

• Induce vomiting
• Activated charcoal
• Monitor electrolytes 
  • Hypernatremia

Outpatient Treatment 

• Antiemetic
• SQ fluids
• GI supportive care as needed

Inpatient Treatment 

• Antiemetics, GI Support 
• IV fluids
• Beta blockers if persistent tachycardia HR >180 bpm

Antiarrhythmics

• Methocarbamol or benzos for tremors
• Anticonvulsants for seizures

Benzodiazepine

• Monitor for pancreatitis

Helpful Tips to determine Theobromine dose

1. Chocolate Calculators
2. Recipes, Labels
3. Online data 

USDA Food Data Central: http://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html    

Written by: Cynthia, CVT Candidate​

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