Xylitol toxicosis in dogs
Nicola Bates
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Xylitol is a commonly available sugar substitute found in sugar-free chewing gums and as an excipient in some medicines. It is used for its benefits on oral hygiene and its low-calorie content. It is also found in some peanut butters, ice creams and toothpastes, and can be used as a sugar substitute in baking. Xylitol causes hypoglycaemia (due to stimulation of insulin release) and liver failure in dogs, but not in cats, rabbits or rodents. The hypoglycaemia may be rapid in onset but can be delayed if xylitol-containing chewing gum has been ingested. Management of dogs that have ingested xylitol includes gut decontamination, monitoring, correction of hypoglycaemia and liver protectants. Prognosis is good in most cases and death from profound, uncontrolled hypoglycaemia or liver failure is not common.
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