Fries toxicity in pets

substance: Solanine, fat and salt

categories:

Fast foods

symptoms:

Abdominal pain / Diarrhea / Dyspnea / Lethargy / Mydriasis / Tachycardia / Tremors / Vomiting

# Description

Fries, or French fries, can pose health risks to pets if consumed in large amounts. They are high in fat and salt, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis in severe cases. Additionally, fries made from raw or green potatoes may contain solanine, a toxic compound that can cause symptoms like lethargy, weakness, confusion, and digestive issues. While small amounts of plain, cooked fries may not be immediately harmful, they offer no nutritional value and should be avoided in a pet’s diet.

# How it works

Solanine is a toxic glycoalkaloid found in raw or green potatoes. It works by inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase, which affects nerve function, what leads to a disruption in nerve signaling.

When a pet consumes too much salt, blood sodium levels rise quickly, drawing water out of cells and causing cellular dehydration. This is especially dangerous for brain cells, leading to swelling and neurological symptoms like confusion, tremors, and seizures. The kidneys try to eliminate the excess sodium, but if overwhelmed, dehydration worsens, reducing urine output and further raising sodium levels.

In cases of excessive fat consumption, the pancreas may become overworked or overwhelmed. This can result in the premature activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas itself, instead of in the small intestine. These activated enzymes can cause inflammation, irritation, and damage to the pancreatic tissue, leading to pancreatitis.

# Symptoms

Glycoalcaloids are gastrointestinal irritants causing abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea or contipation (if atropine-like effect occurs)
Neurological: CNS depression (cholinergic effect) or stimulation (atropin-like effect), mydriasis, tremors, incoordination
Cardiovascular: tachycardia (or bradycardia if atropine-like effect occurs)
Respiratory: dyspnea.

General atropine-like: dry mouth, thirst

# Treatment

Emesis: If large amount of raw fries was consumed induce vomiting within 2 hours of ingestion if the patient is asymptomatic.

Symptomatic treatment if pancreatitis occurs.

Antidote:

Cholinergic effects: atropine 2 mg/kg IV, but start with test dose 0,02 mg/kg IV - if HR increases, pupils dilate - symptoms are likely not caused by poisoning.
Atropin-like effects: neostigmine or pyridostigmine

# Prognosis

If a small amount of fries was ingested and the pet is not showing any symptoms, monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy may be sufficient.

If your pet shows any signs of distress od consumed large amount of fries, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for appropriate care.

Symptoms