[acb-diabetics] more about xylitol and pets

[Grant E. Metcalf]

Here's a link that makes xylitol sound like the cure all of cure alls.

http://www.angelfire.com/az/sthurston/xylitol_natural_sweetener.html

On the other hand, the same website has a highly critical view of aspartame. 
That link is:

http://www.angelfire.com/az/sthurston/aspartame.html

Lastly I am including a lengthy article on xylitol and pets for those of you 
who have dog guides as I do. Sorry, but I couldn't find an easily accessible 
link.

     How to Avoid Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
The Xylitol Sugar Substitute in Candy, Chewing Gum is Toxic to Dogs
   Nov 11, 2008, Mia Carter

Xylitol toxicity in dogs can be deadly. Xylitol is a sweetener used in
gum and candy and Xylitol can kill a dog by triggering a drop in blood
sugar.
Xylitol toxicity is a fairly common source of poisoning in dogs, and
unfortunately, few dog owners are aware of what xylitol actually is,
where xylitol can be found and what happens when a dog ingests xylitol.
The first and most important step to preventing cases of xylitol
poisoning in dogs is pet owner education on the dangers of xylitol in
dogs.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sweetener that's contained in many sugar-free gums, breath
mints, candies and even a few baked goods. Xylitol is used in place of
sugar, and it's most commonly found in "sugar free" chewing gum and
candy products, which are the primary source of xylitol poisoning for
dogs. Xylitol is the ingredient that makes gums and many other
sugar-free foods toxic to dogs.

Why is Xylitol Dangerous to Dogs?

It's easy to forget about a package of chewing gum left in a jacket
pocket, or maybe you or a guest leaves a purse slung over the back of a
chair or on the floor - at the perfect level for a dog to explore and
snatch any gum or breath mints that are stashed inside. It's scenarios
like these that most often lead to cases of xylitol poisoning in dogs.
Xylitol is dangerous to dogs because it triggers a sudden release of
insulin, which causes a dramatic drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia),
essentially throwing the dog's body into a form of shock. The dog's
blood sugar can drop 50 points or more in the span of just 30 minutes,
causing shock and liver failure shortly thereafter.
Xylitol is considered very toxic to dogs and ferrets, among others.
This is, in part, due to the fast-acting nature of xylitol. A dog who
is suffering from xylitol poisoning can be in critical condition well
within an hour of when the dog eats sugar-free gum, breath mints or
candy. This gives the owner of a dog who experiencing xylitol toxicity
a very small window of time to take the action that's required to save
a dog's life.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs?

The following symptoms are the most common symptoms seen in dogs with
xylitol poisoning after eating a gum or candy with xylitol:
  * Weakness and Lethargy
  * Vomiting
  * A Lack of Coordination
  * Pale Gums (usually after the dog starts going into shock)
  * Body Tremors
  * Seizure
  * Unconsciousness
  * Arrhythmia or Irregular Heart Rate
  * Liver Damage or Liver Failure

A dog who eats a sugar-free gum, breath mint or candy containing
xylitol may also experience diarrhea within 18-36 hours of ingesting
the xylitol, as this sugar substitute is reported to have a laxative
effect in dogs.

What is the Treatment for Xylitol Poisoning in a Dog?

When a dog suffers from xylitol toxicity, veterinarians will have to
take a two-pronged approach to the dog's treatment.
Firstly, if the dog ate the sugar-free gum or other food containing
xylitol within the past two hours, the veterinarians will take measures
to prevent the body's absorption of any additional xylitol. To prevent
the dog's body from absorbing additional xylitol, the vet will usually
induce vomiting in the dog and/or give the dog a charcoal-based fluid
to absorb the stomach contents.
Secondly, a dog with xylitol poisoning will receive supportive care to
manage the effects of the xylitol. Treatment usually consists of a
dextrose intravenus drip to raise the dog's blood sugar levels and the
injection of intravenus fluids or subcutaneous fluid injections.
Xylitol also appears to affect the dog's liver, triggering liver
failure and even permanent liver damage in some dogs. So additional
treatment and monitoring is often required to help manage the affect of
xylitol on the dog's liver.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Dog Has Xylitol Poisoning?

Pet owners should take immediate action if a dog eats gum, breath
mints, candy or other items containing xylitol. If the ingredient list
on the wrapper is not available to check on whether xylitol is an
ingredient, visit the product website for information on whether the
gum or other food contains xylitol.
Dog owners can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Center for help
to determine whether a product contains xylitol. The pet poison control
center staff can also help owners to induce vomiting at home, which is
the preferred course of action in many cases, especially if the
veterinarian's office is more than a five or ten minute drive. The pet
should then be transported to the veterinarian's office for immediate
treatment.
Visit the Pet Poisoning Resources Page for more information on what
foods, plants and other items are toxic to dogs and cats.

   The copyright of the article How to Avoid Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs in
   Pet Care is owned by Mia Carter. Permission to republish How to
   Avoid Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs in print or online must be granted by
   the author in writing.
   Guest  blog comment:
   I lost a 3 lb papillon to sudden death. In less than 8 hours, suspect
   xylitol as all symptoms fit. Necropsey not conclusive but showed severe
   liver damage and toxicity in health dog. Nicorrette gum used in our
   house, it contains xylitol. No other explanation per vet. Began with
   seizures, increased temp, unresponsiveness and then arrest while doing
   ultrasound. resuscitated but could not sustain. I would like to warn
   everybody of this ingredient. Cindy worley tallahassee, florida
   Feb 16, 2009 7:01 AM
   Guest :
   Hate to tell you, but Nicotine is also toxic to dogs.
   Mar 15, 2009 5:45 AM
   Guest :
   Xylitol is so widely used Pet Owners must be diligent with anything
   that is suspected to contain artificial sweetener. ie. over the counter
   Ibuprofen "coating" does in some cases contain Xylitol.You will love
   them to death if you think your helping your Pet with those aches and
   pains.Eric,Ontario Canada.
   Dec 23, 2009 8:56 AM
   Guest :
   Knowing Xylitol is poisonous saved my dogs' lives last night. Please
   let all your pet owner friends know about it.

Cordially yours,

Grant
Bartimaeus Alliance of the Blind, Inc.
Website:  http://bartimaeus.us/