xylitol/aspca

[Guest guest]

someone on another list posted about the aspca and the toxicity with

animals...so thought I'd share it here also.

It does make me wonder though...if it is toxic to animals..what is it doing to

humans?

Kim

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Alert Veterinary Staff and Pet Owners:

Products Sweetened With Xylitol Can Be Toxic to Dogs

Wednesday July 28, 2004

Since July 2003, the Center managed approximately 45 cases of dogs ingesting

xylitol-containing products.

Media Contact: Ruth Goldstein,

(212) 876-7700 ext. 4661

Dana Farbman, CVT

(217)-337-5030 ext. 751

(NEW YORK, NY) July 29, 2004 -- The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center cautions

animal owners that xylitol, a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing

gums, candies and other products can potentially cause serious and even

life-threatening problems for pets.

According to Dr. Dunayer, Consulting Veterinarian in Clinical Toxicology

for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, dogs ingesting significant amounts

of gum or candies solely or largely sweetened with xylitol may develop a fairly

sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and

seizures. " These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes

after ingestion of the product. Therefore, it is important that pet owners seek

veterinary treatment immediately. " Dr. Dunayer also stated that some data

appears to point to a possible link between xylitol ingestions and the

development of liver failure in dogs. However, he cautions " as there is not yet

enough solid information pertaining to the relationship between xylitol and

liver failure, it would not be appropriate at this point to draw any firm

conclusions. "

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners avoid offering their

animals food meant for human consumption, and to be especially diligent in

keeping candy, gum or other foods containing xylitol out of the reach of pets.

" Typically the main concerns are with products that contain xylitol as one of

the first ingredients, " advises Dr. Dunayer. As with any potentially toxic

substance, should accidental exposures occur, it is important to contact your

local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for immediate

assistance.