Chocolate toxicity

Abstract

Chocolate ingestion is very common in dogs but has also been reported in other animals. Chocolate is produced from the beans of Theobroma cacao that are processed into cocoa solids and cocoa butter. In Europe, the type of chocolate is defined in law by the percentage of cocoa solids. The main toxic component of chocolate is theobromine, a methylxanthine, which causes central nervous system (CNS) stimulation with cardiac and respiratory hyperactivity. Signs include gastrointestinal effects, excitability, hyperactivity, tachycardia, tremors, hypertension and hyperthermia. Less common effects include bradycardia, tachypnoea, cardiac arrhythmias and convulsions. Signs of toxicity generally occur within 2–4 hours of ingestion, but can sometimes occur after 6–12 hours. Recovery can occur within 24 hours but may take longer. The mainstays of treatment are decontamination and supportive care, with rehydration and control of CNS stimulation and arrhythmias as required. Most dogs recover fully and death is rare; however, prognosis is more guarded in dogs with seizures or arrhythmias.