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Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs
Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs
CPD article
Nicola Bates BSc (Brunel), BSc (Open) MSc MA. Senior Information Scientist, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS),
2nd Floor, Godfree Court, 29-35 Long Lane, London SE1 4PL. nicola.bates@vpisglobal.com
X
ylitol is a 5-carbon sugar alcohol. Although often baking, so home-baked cakes (Figure 2b), muffins and biscuits are
described as an artificial sweetener this is not the also potential sources of xylitol exposure.
case, as xylitol occurs naturally in low concentrations It is important to note that on some food packaging xylitol may
in fruit and vegetables and is a normal intermediary only be listed by its food additive code, E967.
metabolite in glucose metabolism. It was originally made by In America, xylitol has also been used to lace baits for the control
extracting a precursor from hardwoods but is now produced from of predators such as wolves and coyotes (Talcott et al, 2015).
other, cheaper sources, and is most commonly encountered as a Owners are often unaware of the risk of xylitol poisoning, and
sweetener in a wide variety of foods. xylitol-containing products may be readily accessible to dogs, e.g.
left in handbags, baked goods left out to cool, etc.
Sources of xylitol
Xylitol is found in numerous products (Box 1). It is used as a Species differences in effects of xylitol
sweetener and is frequently found in sugar-free chewing gums There are important species differences in the effect of xylitol but the
(Figure 1) and confectionary, where it protects against tooth decay. reasons for these differences are unknown.
It is also present in some toothpastes. It has multiple effects on
oral hygiene, including the inability of oral bacteria to use it as Cats
an energy source (Nayak et al, 2014). Although xylitol is found in Xylitol-induced hypoglycaemia and liver damage is not seen in
some drinking water additives for animals at low concentrations cats. In an experimental study, oral doses of 100, 500 or 1000 mg/kg
to decrease dental plaque and calculus formation by inhibiting given to cats did not cause significant changes in haematological or
growth of oral bacteria (Clarke, 2006), this is generally not a source biochemical parameters up to 72 hours after ingestion. All the cats
of poisoning in pets (Murphy and Coleman, 2012). Xylitol is also remained well, with only transient salivation reported (Jerzsele et
found as an excipient in some human and veterinary medicines, al, 2018).
particularly in chewable medicines including supplements,
nicotine gums and lozenges for smoking cessation. The ingredients Rabbits and rodents
of any medicine or product labelled as ‘sugar-free’ should also Xylitol is also well tolerated in rabbits and rodents. Acute oral
be checked, as it may contain xylitol. Other sweeteners such as administration does not cause hypoglycaemia or severe liver damage
sucralose, maltitol, sorbitol, saccharin, aspartame and acesulfame in rabbits (Wang et al, 1973) or rodents (Truhaut et al, 1977; Ellwood
K may also be present in sugar-free products; these sweeteners do et al, 1999). The oral LD50 of xylitol in rabbits is >2 g/kg (Pool
not have the same effect as xylitol and generally only cause mild and Hane, 1970) and in mice is 21–25.7 g/kg (Kieckebuch et
gastrointestinal upset if eaten in excess. al, 1961; Salminen, 1982). Xylitol given to rats at a dose of
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Xylitol lowers the calories in products, and the glycaemic 1.25–10 g/kg/day for 14 days did not cause hepatotoxicity or any
index, and is found in some ice creams and peanut butters histopathological changes (Truhaut et al, 1977).
(usually speciality brands). Xylitol is not broken down, denatured
or modified in baking or cooking processes and is available as a Birds
granulated powder (Figure 2a) for use as a sugar replacement in There are no studies on the effects of xylitol in birds, but they appear
to be particularly susceptible. In the only case reported in the 45 minutes of feeding, 29 dead birds were found near the feeder.
literature, wild Cape sugarbirds (Promerops cafer) in South Africa Approximately 15 other birds showed mild to moderate signs
became unwell after drinking a homemade xylitol nectar solution and recovered. These birds flew away and it is not known if they
from a bird feeder. Within 15–30 minutes the birds developed ataxia survived. Although no blood glucose measurements were made,
and lethargy, and some were seen to fall from their perches. Within post-mortem findings supported the diagnosis of death from acute
hypoglycaemia. At post-mortem examination there was cardiac
and pulmonary congestion, severe hepatic necrosis and pancreatic
necrosis, with acute tissue congestion on histological examination
(Gardner et al, 2017).
Hypoglycaemia
Xylitol is a potent stimulator of insulin release in dogs, and this causes
a decrease in blood glucose. Experimental studies have shown that
oral or intravenous (IV) administration of xylitol can cause a dose-
dependent and rapid increase in insulin concentrations, resulting
in a decrease in blood glucose concentrations in dogs (Hirata et al,
1966; Kuzuya and Kanazawa, 1969; Kuzuya et al, 1969; Asano et al,
1977). In dogs, xylitol is more effective than glucose in stimulating
insulin release (Asano et al, 1977), particularly at high doses
Figure 1. Chewing gum is a common source of xylitol in dogs. (Kuzuya et al, 1969) but is thought to act on the pancreas in a similar
way to glucose. It is thought that xylitol is metabolised in the liver
to metabolites that interfere with the normal pentose phosphate
pathways affecting the synthesis and release of insulin (Kuzuya et al,
1969). In addition, dogs appear to absorb xylitol at a faster rate and
more extensively than humans (Kuzuya et al, 1969).
In an experimental study in dogs, the insulin concentration
increased from 20 minutes after oral administration of xylitol (1 or
4 g/kg) and the blood glucose concentration started to fall from 30
minutes. There were also falls in blood potassium and phosphorous
concentrations from 30–60 minutes and an increase in liver enzymes,
which was dose-related and noted by 4 hours (Xia et al, 2009).
The electrolyte changes seen with xylitol toxicosis are due to
the effect of insulin shifting magnesium and potassium into cells
resulting in low blood concentrations.
Based on first principles, xylitol is likely to have a minimal effect
on the blood glucose in diabetic dogs, since diabetes is usually due to
insulin deficiency or interference with the action of insulin.
Liver failure
The mechanism of xylitol-induced liver damage is unknown. It
may be due to prolonged adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion
from xylitol metabolism resulting in cellular necrosis, or production
of reactive oxygen species that damage cell membranes and
macromolecules (Dunayer and Gwaltney-Brant, 2006).
Toxic dose
A dose of 0.05 g/kg (50 mg/kg) xylitol can cause hypoglycaemia in
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dogs (Box 2). A dose of more than 0.5 g/kg (500 mg/kg) can cause
liver failure (Dunayer, 2006), although this may be an idiosyncratic
reaction rather that a dose-related effect (Dunayer, 2006) since not
Figure 2. Xylitol is available as granulated powered for baking (a, b) and may be all dogs that ingest more than 0.5 g/kg develop liver failure (Piscitelli
found in home-baked cakes, cookies, muffins or cupcakes (b). et al, 2010).
Dogs have survived xylitol doses of up to 45 g/kg with aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), with a
treatment (Dunayer 2004; Dunayer and Gwaltney-Brant, 2006; less marked rise in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and elevated bilirubin.
Todd and Powell, 2007; Fawcett et al, 2010; Schmid and Hovda, More rarely there is prolonged clotting time, thrombocytopenia and
2016, Veterinary Poisons Information Service case data; see Case hyperphosphataemia (secondary to liver failure).
Reports, Boxes 4 and 5).
The xylitol content of many products is not provided on the Diagnosis
packaging; for medicines this is because it is an excipient and not an There is no simple test to confirm xylitol poisoning. Diagnosis is
active ingredient. Xylitol is present in some veterinary medicines based on a history of exposure, clinical signs and ruling out other
but xylitol poisoning from these sources does not appear to have potential causes of hypoglycaemia (see Box 3).
been reported. A poisons information centre may be able to help
or give guidance on the possible maximum concentration in the Treatment
type of products involved, as poisons information centres actively Aggressive treatment is recommended in dogs after ingestion of
seek this information from manufacturers. The amount of xylitol xylitol. The aims of treatment are to monitor blood glucose and
in sugar-free gums varies enormously (1–90%). correct hypoglycaemia, and to support liver function.
In many cases, however, it may not be possible to determine
how much product has been ingested: for example the dog may
have eaten or chewed the packaging, or the owner may not recall Box 1. Sources of xylitol
how much product was left in the container or packet. zzChewing gum — this is the most common source in dogs (DuHadway et
al, 2016).
Clinical effects zzMedicines including prescription and over-the-counter medicines — be
Onset suspicious of any chewable formulations
Xylitol-induced hypoglycaemia can occur rapidly, sometimes zzDrinking water additives for oral hygiene
within an hour (Dunayer, 2006) but it may be several hours after zzDiet bars and drink powders
ingestion of chewing gum (up to 12 hours in some cases). This zzToothpaste
delay in hypoglycaemia with xylitol-containing chewing gums is zzPeanut butter
likely due to the formulation and because dogs generally do not zzIce cream
chew the gum but tend to swallow it whole (Murphy and Coleman, zzSugar substitute for baking, therefore homemade cakes, biscuits,
2012). In some cases, particularly those with subsequent liver muffins, etc.
damage, hypoglycaemia can even be delayed 24–48 hours (Dunayer
and Gwaltney-Brant, 2006), making diagnosis in the absence of
observed ingestion difficult. Liver failure can occur in the absence Box 2. Toxic dose of xylitol in dogs
of hypoglycaemia and signs occur 2–72 hours after ingestion zz50–100 mg/kg — mild hypoglycaemia (Murphy and Coleman, 2012).
(Dunayer and Gwaltney-Brant, 2006; Murphy and Coleman, 2012; zz100–500 mg/kg — hypoglycaemia (Dunayer, 2006).
Schmid and Hovda, 2016), but liver enzymes generally start to rise zz>500 mg/kg — hypoglycaemia and liver failure (Dunayer, 2006).
within 4–24 hours (Xia et al, 2009; Murphy and Coleman, 2012).
Hypoglycaemia
The fall in blood glucose concentration in dogs after ingestion Box 3. Differential diagnoses for hypoglycaemia
of xylitol is due to the release of insulin. Clinical features of zzInsulin overdose
hypoglycaemia include tachycardia, ataxia, lethargy, weakness, zzIngestion of oral hypoglycaemia drugs
coma, convulsions, hemiparesis, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia zzJuvenile hypoglycaemia (toy and miniature breeds)
and hypophosphataemia. Vomiting is common after ingestion of zzOther drug and toxin-associated causes (e.g. beta-blockers, ACE inhibitor
xylitol (Dunayer, 2006). drugs, ethylene glycol toxicity)
In animals with severe hypoglycaemia there may be metabolic zzExtrapancreatic neoplasia
acidosis, status epilepticus, cerebral oedema, hypotension, zzIslet cell hyperplasia
ventricular tachycardia and cardiovascular collapse. Permanent zzHypopituitarism
neurological sequelae may occur, usually as a result of delayed zzPancreatic beta-cell tumour (insulinoma)
recognition leading to prolonged hypoglycaemia. zzGlycogen storage disease
Hyperglycaemia may sometimes occur with xylitol ingestion and zzSepsis
is a result of the Somogyi phenomenon (rebound hyperglycaemia zzHypothyroidism
or post-hypoglycaemic hyperglycaemia) that can occur zzHypoadrenocorticism
with insulin overdose. zzExtreme exertion
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Gut decontamination platelets, erythrocyte count and clotting parameters every 24 hours
If the dog has not vomited already, ingestion occurred within for at least 72 hours (Dunayer, 2006). As regular sampling is required
1 hour and the dog is asymptomatic, emesis can be induced. in these patients, it may be beneficial to use a sampling line.
Emesis is generally not recommended in dogs with clinical signs It is also important to monitor mentation and cardiovascular
of hypoglycaemia, due to the risk of aspiration if the dog has status, as these can change in animals with low blood glucose
hypoglycaemic-induced central nervous system (CNS) depression. concentrations.
Xylitol is also rapidly absorbed, so delayed emesis is unlikely to
be useful. The binding of xylitol to activated charcoal is low, but Initial management
activated charcoal may still be beneficial if given within 1 hour In dogs without clinical features of hypoglycaemia, frequent small
of ingestion, particularly if a large dose has been ingested (Cope, meals or oral sugar may be given for 8–12 hours (Dunayer, 2004).
2004). It should not be given if the dog has CNS depression, due to An antiemetic may be required to control vomiting.
the risk of aspiration. Dogs that have ingested more than >0.5 g/kg (500 mg/kg)
should be started on IV dextrose therapy, with monitoring of the
Monitoring blood glucose ever 2-4 hours (Dunayer, 2006). Dextrose therapy
Dogs that have ingested a potentially toxic dose of xylitol (Box 2) can be stopped after 24 hours if the blood glucose remains normal
should be admitted for monitoring. The following parameters (Piscitelli et al, 2010).
should be obtained as baseline and monitored: blood glucose Dogs that have ingested a potentially hepatotoxic dose
every 1–2 hours for at least 12 hours (Dunayer, 2006), potassium should also be given liver protectants, although their efficacy in
and phosphorus concentrations every 4–6 hours and corrected xylitol-induced liver damage has not been evaluated. S-adenosyl-
if necessary (Piscitelli et al, 2010), total bilirubin, liver enzymes, L-methionine (SAMe, 20 mg/kg orally), silymarin (50 mg/kg
orally) or acetylcysteine can be considered (Piscitelli et al, 2010).
For acetylcysteine the paracetamol treatment regimen can be
Box 4. Case 1 used (140 mg/kg oral or IV, then 70 mg/kg orally every 6 hours for
A 11.4 kg Cocker Spaniel raided the bin and ate an entire cake containing 36 hours or more).
450 g of xylitol, which the owner had found too sweet and thrown away. Supportive fluid therapy may be required, particularly if the dog
The dose of xylitol ingested was 39.5 g/kg. Within 1 hour the dog began is not eating or drinking or requires rehydration following vomiting.
vomiting and then collapsed. On admission he had severe hypoglycaemia. Electrolyte supplementation may be required, and this can be given
He was unstable for the first 12 hours and the glucose had to be monitored orally or IV, depending on the clinical condition of the dog and
every 5–10 minutes using a continuous monitor. He was treated with glucose severity of biochemical changes.
boluses intravenously but then required a continuous rate infusion with the
occasional bolus. The liver enzymes were elevated when tested at 4 hours Management of hypoglycaemia
and he was started on S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe). He was discharged If feeding is ineffective or the dog is symptomatic, then
at 72 hours. When retested on day 3, the liver enzyme levels were improving hypoglycaemia should be corrected with an IV bolus dose of 1 ml/
and had halved from their initial elevated values (VPIS case report 230385). kg of 50% dextrose (0.5 g/kg) diluted 1:2 in crystalloid solution
(Piscitelli et al, 2010). A 2.5% or 5% dextrose constant rate infusion
may be required in severe cases to maintain blood glucose.
Box 5. Case 2 If possible, the electrocardiogram should be monitored,
An 18-month-old, 15.8 kg Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross presented with because hypokalaemia can cause arrhythmias.
a 48-hour history of vomiting after she had eaten homemade muffins
containing xylitol. The estimated dose ingested was 10.5 g/kg. She Management of liver damage
had vomited 3 hours after ingestion and the owners had noticed she The management of dogs in liver failure is supportive. Plasma
was very thirsty. On examination she was quiet, with marked jaundice. transfusions and vitamin K1 may be required in animals with
She had increased urea, haematocrit, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and coagulopathy.
hypoglycaemia. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was too high to
measure in-house, despite serial dilution of samples. She received Prognosis
intravenous (IV) glucose, IV fluids and maropitant. Financial constraints The prognosis for uncomplicated xylitol-induced hypoglycaemia
meant she could not be transferred to a critical care facility. The next that is managed promptly is good. Mild increases in liver enzymes
day she had marked depression, with haematomas and bruising around usually resolve within a few days if supportive care is provided. The
venepuncture site. She was normoglycemic with an alanine transferase prognosis in dogs with repeated episodes of severe hypoglycaemia
of 26 050 IU/L and was started on acetylcysteine, S-adenosyl-L-methionine or severe elevation of liver enzymes with clotting abnormalities is
(SAMe), vitamin E, vitamin K, ascorbic acid, omeprazole and ampicillin. guarded to poor. Hyperphosphataemia, which occurs secondary to
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She was brighter by day 3 but still jaundiced, with thrombocytopenia. She liver failure, is also an indicator of poor prognosis (Dunayer, 2006;
continued to improve, hepatic enzyme activities began to decline from day Murphy and Coleman, 2012). In one review of cases, four of the
5, and she was discharged. On examination 5 days later she was well, with five dogs that died or were euthanised had hyperphosphataemia;
normal liver enzymes (Fawcett et al, 2010). a phosphate concentration was not available for the fifth dog
(Dunayer, 2006).