Chocolate ingestion-induced non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in a puppy: a case report

Abstract

Chocolate intoxication in small animals may be life-threatening and associated with serious morbidity and mortality. The main clinical presentations are cardio-respiratory and neurological complications. One of the most common post-mortem findings is pulmonary oedema which can be a cause of immediate death. We report a case of non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema thought to be triggered by chocolate intoxication in a three-month-old puppy Dachshund dog. To the authors' knowledge this is the first time such a complication has been reported after chocolate ingestion. The history, clinical signs, diagnostic approach (radiographs, methylxanthine concentrations, electrocardiography and echocardiography), and treatment are described. The effects of a combination of methylxanthines and other triggers of non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema are discussed.

Keywords

• chocolate intoxication
• non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema
• methylxanthines
• furosemide