Figure 2. Chocolate is available in various forms, as (a) cocoa powder, (b) chocolate bars and (c) boxed chocolates.

Chocolate toxicosis in pets

Chocolate is made from the fermented, dried then roasted beans of Theobroma cacao (Figure 1). After roasting, the shell is removed, and the remaining nibs are ground to cocoa mass which is liquefied...

Figure 1. Grapes and dried fruit can cause renal failure in dogs.

Poisons affecting the kidney

Poisoning can result in adverse effects on the kidney through a variety of mechanisms, including formation of toxic metabolites, interference with normal physiological process and, in some cases,...

Figure 1. Hair loss on the limb of a cat during recovery following exposure to laundry detergent. The container had fallen from a work surface and spilled on the floor near where cats were sleeping. They had detergent on their legs and feet but were not treated promptly and developed chemical burns. One cat was euthanised with severe respiratory signs and the other recovered.

Poisons affecting the skin

Detergents are very common household chemicals. They are found in a variety of cleaning products such as washing up liquids, toilet cleaners and fabric washing products and come in the form of...

Poisons affecting the cardiovascular system

Many different types of substances found in the home can have adverse effects on cardiac and cardiovascular function. If uncontrolled, these can lead to complications of cardiac damage and tissue...

Figure 1. Onions and related plants (leeks, garlic, spring onions) can cause haemolytic anaemia in cats and dogs.

Poisons affecting the blood

Anaemia is a reduced number of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood and there are three main causes, blood loss (from trauma, for example), decreased red blood cell production or increased red...