Toxicology

What is xylitol and where is it commonly found?

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods, and some medications.

What effect does xylitol have on insulin release in dogs?

Xylitol is a potent stimulator of insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia.

What are the clinical signs of xylitol toxicity in dogs?

Clinical signs include weakness, ataxia, lethargy, seizures, collapse, and potentially hepatic necrosis.

How is xylitol toxicity diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosis is based on history of exposure, clinical signs, and laboratory findings indicating low blood glucose.

What is a common source of nicotine toxicity?

Common sources include tobacco plants, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, and certain insecticides.

What are the clinical signs of acute nicotine toxicity?

Clinical signs include tremors, ataxia, seizures, tachycardia, hypertension, and respiratory failure.

What is paraquat and what is its mechanism of action?

Paraquat is a bipyridyl herbicide that generates reactive oxygen species, leading to lipid peroxidation and tissue necrosis.

What are the clinical signs associated with paraquat toxicity in dogs?

Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, pulmonary fibrosis, and renal failure.

What is cantharidin and which beetle is it associated with?

Cantharidin is a potent vesicant found in Epicauta spp. beetles, which can contaminate alfalfa hay.

What clinical signs are associated with cantharidin poisoning?

Signs include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea (possibly bloody), dysuria, hematuria, and shock.

What toxic substance is found in the Sago Palm and what does it cause?

Cycasin is the toxic principle in Sago Palm

What is the primary toxic principle of blister beetles (Epicauta spp.) that affects dogs?

Cantharidin, a potent vesicant.

What are the main toxic components of honeybee venom?

Melittin, phospholipase $A_2$, and hyaluronidase.

What are the clinical signs of honeybee sting toxicity in dogs?

Pain, swelling, erythema, localized urticaria, and potentially systemic reactions like anaphylaxis (vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, collapse) with multiple stings.

What is 2,4-D and what are common sources of exposure for dogs?

2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) is a phenoxy herbicide. Dogs are typically exposed through ingestion of sprayed vegetation or contaminated water.

What are the clinical signs of 2,4-D toxicity in dogs?

Muscle weakness, ataxia, vomiting, diarrhea, myotonia, and stiffness.

What are aflatoxins, what produces them, and what is their primary target organ in dogs?

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by certain molds (e.g., Aspergillus flavus) that primarily cause hepatotoxicity (liver damage) in dogs.

What are the clinical signs of acute aflatoxin toxicity in dogs?

Vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, jaundice, ascites, dark urine, and coagulopathy.

What are the clinical signs of chronic aflatoxin toxicity in dogs?

Weight loss, poor coat quality, liver failure, and increased susceptibility to cancer.

What is glyphosate and how are dogs typically exposed?

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide. Dogs are usually exposed by ingesting freshly sprayed weeds/grass or contaminated water immediately after application.

What are the clinical signs of glyphosate toxicity in dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, ptyalism (hypersalivation), and potentially respiratory distress or metabolic acidosis in severe cases.

What is malathion and what is its mechanism of action in dogs?

Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide that inhibits acetylcholinesterase, leading to overstimulation of acetylcholine receptors.

What are the clinical signs of malathion toxicity in dogs?

Excessive salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI upset (SLUDGE syndrome), muscle tremors, bradycardia, miosis, and respiratory depression.