LetItShine
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- May 24, 2012
- Messages
- 123
Hi Pricescope-
I'm not on this site often but felt compelled to share a little story. There is a sugar substitute called Xylitol that is found in many sugar free candies, gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, and baking goods. It is safe for humans and is great for diabetics and the health conscious as it won't affect insulin levels. However, it is EXTREMELY TOXIC if consumed by dogs. They processes it differently and their bodies release a surge of insulin because it isn't recognized as fake sugar. It is absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly and a downward spiral can start in as quickly as 15-30 minutes. It doesn't take much either. As little as 1-2 pieces of gum can kill a 20 lb dog! Dogs can suffer the effects of extremely low blood sugar. In addition, there is risk to liver injury/failure as the liver processes the toxin. For you cat lovers...good news is it doesn't seem to affect cats. I'm bothered that I never knew about the dangers of xylitol. It is fairly new and many veterinarians aren't even aware of its danger.
The story...I returned from vacation a couple days ago. I emptied my carry on of snacks but missed the gum that was in a small pocket. I don't even chew gum but had bought it for the flights. I left for the grocery store and sometime in that 1 1/2 hours I was gone my small cockapoo had eaten the entire package...42 pieces!!! I quickly googled xylitol and immediately knew we were in serious trouble. We jumped in the car and 20 minutes later we were at the emergency hospital. By that time his blood sugar was extremely low . He was lethargic and his hind legs were shaking. They induced vomiting and up came the gum. I'm sure that helped but the xylitol had already leached into his bloodstream. They put him on an IV drip and has since been able to maintain proper blood glucose. The new concern is damage to his liver. Two liver tests have shown a steady increase in enzymes. That means that his liver cells are dying. They are trying to protect the liver with meds. The liver has the ability to repair and regrow if not too much damage is done. He shows no outward signs of liver problems and is acting like his usual happy self. He is still at the animal hospital and they will run another test this afternoon. The prayer is that the numbers go down. If they don't that is a very bad sign which means damage to the liver is still happening. I am more optimistic than I was 24 hours ago but it is still very concerning. Please send PS dust his way.
The message I want to get across is if you have a dog at home please make sure you have no products containing xylitol or at the very least make sure they are out of reach. Time is of the essence! If your pet eats xylitol, don't wait. Seek care immediately! Many dogs have died and have left behind heartbroken owners
My dog is still in danger but am 100% certain he would be dead if I didn't seek help when I did. I will update on his condition when this is over, hopefully with good news.
I'm not on this site often but felt compelled to share a little story. There is a sugar substitute called Xylitol that is found in many sugar free candies, gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, and baking goods. It is safe for humans and is great for diabetics and the health conscious as it won't affect insulin levels. However, it is EXTREMELY TOXIC if consumed by dogs. They processes it differently and their bodies release a surge of insulin because it isn't recognized as fake sugar. It is absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly and a downward spiral can start in as quickly as 15-30 minutes. It doesn't take much either. As little as 1-2 pieces of gum can kill a 20 lb dog! Dogs can suffer the effects of extremely low blood sugar. In addition, there is risk to liver injury/failure as the liver processes the toxin. For you cat lovers...good news is it doesn't seem to affect cats. I'm bothered that I never knew about the dangers of xylitol. It is fairly new and many veterinarians aren't even aware of its danger.
The story...I returned from vacation a couple days ago. I emptied my carry on of snacks but missed the gum that was in a small pocket. I don't even chew gum but had bought it for the flights. I left for the grocery store and sometime in that 1 1/2 hours I was gone my small cockapoo had eaten the entire package...42 pieces!!! I quickly googled xylitol and immediately knew we were in serious trouble. We jumped in the car and 20 minutes later we were at the emergency hospital. By that time his blood sugar was extremely low . He was lethargic and his hind legs were shaking. They induced vomiting and up came the gum. I'm sure that helped but the xylitol had already leached into his bloodstream. They put him on an IV drip and has since been able to maintain proper blood glucose. The new concern is damage to his liver. Two liver tests have shown a steady increase in enzymes. That means that his liver cells are dying. They are trying to protect the liver with meds. The liver has the ability to repair and regrow if not too much damage is done. He shows no outward signs of liver problems and is acting like his usual happy self. He is still at the animal hospital and they will run another test this afternoon. The prayer is that the numbers go down. If they don't that is a very bad sign which means damage to the liver is still happening. I am more optimistic than I was 24 hours ago but it is still very concerning. Please send PS dust his way.
The message I want to get across is if you have a dog at home please make sure you have no products containing xylitol or at the very least make sure they are out of reach. Time is of the essence! If your pet eats xylitol, don't wait. Seek care immediately! Many dogs have died and have left behind heartbroken owners
My dog is still in danger but am 100% certain he would be dead if I didn't seek help when I did. I will update on his condition when this is over, hopefully with good news.
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