Onion Poisoning in Dogs And Cats

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ONION POISONING

in dogs and cats

By:

PRATAP KAFLE.

SAMEER THAKUR.

B.V.Sc & A.H

IAAS (TU)



Abstract

Onion ( Allium cepa) is one of the oldest cultures. It is rich in chemical compounds that are beneficial to

human health, such as flavonoids and cysteine sulfoxides. Although onion has numerous beneficial

properties for humans it also contains a large amount of toxic elements mainly thiosulphate which is

toxic for several animal species like cats, dogs, cows and horses that damage their red blood cells. Its

toxic components reduce the activity of an essential enzyme in red blood cells (glucose-6-phosphate

dehydrogenase) thereby interfering directly with the regeneration of active glutathione required to

prevent hemoglobin oxidative denaturation. The denatured hemoglobin is unable to bind oxygen and

precipitates on the surface of red blood cells, leading to the formation of "Heinz bodies". This triggers the

rupture of red blood cells and severe anemia. Onion poisoning is always found in animals that ingest at

one time, more than 0.5% of their body weight. The symptoms are usually related to gastroenteritis and

blood vascular system. The onion family contains a number of molecules therapeutic in humans, but toxic

to pets so preventive measures should be implemented to prevent contamination of cats and dogs by the

onion plant family.

Key words: Allium cepa, thiosulphate, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione, heinz bodies

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Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Asparagales

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Sub family: Allioideae

Genus: Allium

Species: cepa

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Onion is one of the oldest cultures in humansociety.

It is rich in chemical compounds that arebeneficial to human health, such as flavonoids andcysteine sulfoxides.

They have anti-carcinogenic, anti-platelet aggregant, anti-thrombotic, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, hypocholesterolemic, fibrinolytic, andantibiotic properties for human.

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But onion also contains a large amount of toxic

elements that shows toxic effects on cats and

dogs.

Onion contains toxic substances called

thiosulphates mainly( S-methylcysteinesulfoxide, n-propyl disulfide, methyl disulfide,

allyl disulfide) which dogs and cats cannot

properly digest, and damage their red blood cells.

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There are several products which we consume in our routine life andfeed our dogs as well with a great affection such as chocolates, pizza,baby foods and gravy. Maximum number of our food-dishes are madeof garlic and onion which we often share with our dog without considering its negative canine effect .

In order to arouse appetite in the dog for its foods, some people mixthe onion powder in canine foods, which, though makes the dog eat foods profusely, it causes hazardous toxic effect of onion on the dogafter a few days.

There are many internet sources that recommend using onion andgarlic as a flea repellent for pets, either by feeding it to them orapplying it to their fur. Even external application is a bad idea.Animals will ingest the garlic when they groom themselves, puttingthem at risk for toxicosis.

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Allium toxic components reduce the activity of an essential

enzyme in red blood cells ( glucose-6-phosphate

dehydrogenase)

They interfere directly with the regeneration of active

glutathione required to prevent hemoglobin denaturation

The denatured hemoglobin is unable to bind oxygen and

precipitates on the surface of RBCs, leading to the formation of

the Hinze bodies

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This triggers the rupture of red blood cells

and leads to severe anaemia

In dogs affected, there is an increase of tentimes the concentration of oxidized

glutathione and toxic oxidative stress in red

blood cells

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Consumption of as little as 5 gm of onion per kg bodyweight in cats or 15-30 gm per kg in dogs, gives rise toimportant clinical hematological changes.

Onion poisoning is always found in animals that ingestsat one time, more than 0.5% of their body weight.

A relatively high dose of 600-800gm, in one meal orstaggered over several days, can damage blood cells andcause hemolytic anaemia.

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The first symptoms are usually related togastroenteritis: Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Abdominal pain

Loss of appetite Depression and dehydration.

It will take several days for the dog to exhibit symptomsassociated with red blood cells loss(After 5 days).

Pale mucous membranes Rapid breathing rate and rapid heart beat

Breathing difficulty

Lethargy, dark or reddish brown urine

Jaundice, weakness.

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History, clinical signs.

Microscopic confirmation of a Heinz body-type hemolytic anemia.

Necropsy and hematologic findings:

Hemolytic anemia.

Gastrointestinal erosion or Allium species in the gut .

Histopathologic findings:

Deposition of hemosiderin in the phagocytic cells of the liver, spleen, and renal

tubular epithelium.

Renal tubular necrosis.

Nephrotubular casts and hemoglobin casts in the renal tubules.1

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General treatment: The induction of vomiting may be

continued.

Gastric lavage is performed.

Activated charcoal administered.

Supportive treatment: IV fluids are administered to

maintain hydration.

Blood transfusions is done if necessary.

Specific treatment: Unavailable.

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Keep onions and other Allium species plants and foods containingthem out of reach.

Read labels on food products and dietary supplements before feeding

them to pets. In particular, many owners feed human baby food tokittens and elderly or ill cats to entice them to eat, but many babyfoods contain onion, so checking labels is particularly important withsuch products.

Don’t feed pets table scraps that may contain Allium species

ingredients. Such ingredients are often present in sauce mixes andother processed.

Use safe, non-toxic flea control methods rather than garlic or otherpotentially dangerous home remedies.

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The onion family contains a number of molecules therapeutic inhumans but toxic to pets.

Affections towards the pet and habit to feed the leftovers likepizza leftovers, gravy, chocolates, baby foods is the main cause of poisoning as this contains considerable amount of ingredientstoxic to the pets.

If large amounts of onion are ingested or onions are a daily part of your dog's diet, the red blood cells may become fragile and

break apart. Severe anemias and even death can occur if the dogingests lots of onions and receives no treatment.

Preventive measures should be implemented to prevent contamination of cats and dogs by the onion plant family as noany specific treatment or antidote is available.

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American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.(2010). “Treats with Garlic” and “How Bad Is Garlic forCats?” ASPCA.org.

Bowen, J. (2 December 2007). “Garlic and Onions Can CreateProblems for Some Pets.” The Roanoke Times, Roanoke.com.

Cope, R.B., BVSc, PhD, ASPCA. (2005). "Allium SpeciesPoisoning in Cats and Dogs" Veterinary Medicine, August 2005.

Drs. Foster & Smith, Veterinary and Aquatic ServicesDepartment. (2009). “The Use of Garlic and Onions in Dogs

and Cats.” PetEducation.com 4/15/2012

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http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2&aid=2414. Accessed date; 02 Aug2011

http://www.suite101.com/content/onions-garlic-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs-a196013

Accessed date; 02 Aug 2011

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Thank you!!

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Onion Poisoning in Dogs And Cats