Veterinary Specialty Hospital - North County
If your dog has experienced xylitol toxicity, he or she may be eligible to participate in this fully funded study comparing two different liver protectant products.
DESCRIPTION
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free gum. Although safe for humans, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. In dogs, xylitol causes severe drops in blood sugar, damage to the liver, and can be fatal if left untreated. The mainstay of therapy includes treatment with IV fluids, sugar supplementation, and the administration of liver protectant products to blunt/reduce the severity of the induced liver damage.
This study compares the liver protective capacity of two veterinary liver protectant products in dogs suffering from xylitol toxicity.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Dogs with confirmed xylitol ingestion
Dogs who are less than, or equal to, 6 years of age
Pet is amenable to taking oral medications
Pet has not ingested other toxins that are known to be toxic to the liver
Pet has no pre-existing liver disease
The patient is not currently receiving (within 30 days of xylitol ingestion) any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), phenobarbital (seizure medication), or anti-fungal medications
No dogs with unregulated diabetes or Cushing’s disease
WHAT TO EXPECT
The study period is 14 days. This includes an initial hospitalization of 1-3 days.
Initial hospitalization will be followed by an additional 1-2 follow-up visits.
PARTICIPATING HOSPITALS:
Study Benefits
All exam costs, diagnostics, and liver-protectant medications are covered by the study (an approximate value of $1,200)
