Allium (Onion and Garlic) Toxicity Flashcards

Vocabulary-based flashcards focusing on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of onion and garlic toxicity in domestic animals.

Allium spp.

A genus (including onions and garlic) that contains oxidants causing oxidative damage to RBCs, resulting in methemoglobinemia and Heinz bodies.

Heinz bodies

Inclusions seen on labwork at $24\,h$ and increasing until $72\,h$ post-ingestion of onions or garlic.

Hemolytic anemia

A condition characterized by red blood cell destruction that occurs $3-5\,d$ after onion or garlic ingestion.

Hemoglobinuria

The presence of hemoglobin in urine which can result in hemoglobinuria-induced nephrosis.

Azotemia

A potential result of AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) occurring after hemoglobinuria-induced nephrosis.

Clinical signs of Allium toxicity

Key signs include depression, weakness, tachypnea, tachycardia, icterus, and collapse.

Hematocrit monitoring

Evaluation that must be performed daily for at least $5\,d$ post-ingestion of Allium spp.

Toxic dose types

Toxicosis can result from a single large ingestion or from small chronic doses.

Species susceptibility

In Allium toxicity, cats are more susceptible than dogs (cats > dogs).

Allium toxicity treatment

The management protocol includes emesis, unknown efficacy of AC, IV fluid support, blood transfusions, and oxygen support.