Effects of p.o. administered xylitol in cats

Abstract

Xylitol is commonly used as sugar substitute in households. While it has numerous beneficial effects on human health, it is highly toxic to dogs. The goal of this study was to examine whether xylitol has similar deleterious effects, such as hypoglycaemia and acute hepatic failure, on cats. Our research included six healthy middle-aged cats. Xylitol was dissolved in deionized water and administered p.o. at three doses (100, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg body weight). These dosages have been considered toxic and can cause liver failure or even death in dogs. After every xylitol administration, the basic health status and the blood glucose of cats were observed regularly. Additionally, prior to and 6, 24 and 72 hr after xylitol administration, blood samples were taken to check complete blood count, clinical biochemical parameters and enzymes such as ALT, ALKP, GGT, GLDH, bile acids, BUN, creatinine, phosphate, total protein, albumin, sodium and potassium. There were no significant changes (p > .05) in any of the haematological or biochemical parameters. Blood glucose concentrations did not show any significant alterations, except at 1,000 mg/kg dose, where a mild but significant increase was observed, but it was in physiological range. Based on our results, xylitol did not induce toxic effects on cats.

Diagnosis of insulinoma in a Maine Coon cat

“…Xylitol toxicity is an important differential for hypoglycemia in the dog that has not been reported in cats. 18 The hypokalemia seen in this patient is also common and can be attributed to the high insulin levels causing intracellular movement of potassium. 19 All of the six prior feline insulinomas were hypoglycemic.…”

Xylitol toxicosis and serotonin‐like syndrome occurring simultaneously in a dog secondary to ingestion of Natrol 5‐HTP Fast Dissolve Tablets

“…In people, doses greater than 130 g/d of xylitol can cause diarrhea, but no other consequences have been reported . Jerzsele et al evaluated the effects of xylitol on cats and found no significant changes to hematologic and biochemical parameters when cats were administered 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg. In dogs, ingestion of xylitol causes a dose‐dependent increase in plasma insulin concentration which subsequently causes hypoglycemia .…”