Mosman Vet Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

Methylxanthine Dose Formula:

\[ \text{Methylxanthine Dose (mg/kg)} = \frac{\text{Chocolate Amount (g)} \times (\text{Theobromine (mg/g)} + \text{Caffeine (mg/g)})}{\text{Body Weight (kg)}} \]

Chocolate Amount (g):

Theobromine (mg/g):

mg/g

Caffeine (mg/g):

mg/g

Body Weight (kg):

Methylxanthine Dose:

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1. What is Chocolate Toxicity?

Chocolate toxicity occurs when pets, particularly dogs, ingest chocolate containing theobromine and caffeine. These methylxanthine compounds can cause serious health issues including vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, and even death at high doses.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the methylxanthine dose formula:

\[ \text{Methylxanthine Dose (mg/kg)} = \frac{\text{Chocolate Amount (g)} \times (\text{Theobromine (mg/g)} + \text{Caffeine (mg/g)})}{\text{Body Weight (kg)}} \]

Where:

Chocolate Amount — Weight of chocolate consumed in grams
Theobromine — Theobromine content per gram of chocolate
Caffeine — Caffeine content per gram of chocolate
Body Weight — Animal's body weight in kilograms

Note: Life-threatening toxicity occurs at doses ≥60 mg/kg methylxanthines.

3. Toxicity Levels and Symptoms

Mild Toxicity (10-20 mg/kg): Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased urination
Moderate to Severe Toxicity (20-60 mg/kg): Rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, hyperactivity, elevated temperature
Life-threatening (≥60 mg/kg): Seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, death

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the amount of chocolate consumed in grams, theobromine and caffeine content (check chocolate type), and the animal's body weight. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which chocolates are most dangerous?
A: Baking chocolate and dark chocolate contain the highest levels of theobromine (5-16 mg/g), while milk chocolate contains less (1-2 mg/g).

Q2: How quickly do symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours after ingestion and can last up to 72 hours.

Q3: What should I do if my pet eats chocolate?
A: Contact your veterinarian immediately. Provide details about the type and amount of chocolate consumed and your pet's weight.

Q4: Are cats affected by chocolate toxicity?
A: Yes, but cats are less likely to eat chocolate due to their different taste preferences. The toxicity mechanism is the same.

Q5: How is chocolate toxicity treated?
A: Treatment may include inducing vomiting, activated charcoal administration, IV fluids, and medications to control symptoms.