Garlic toxicity in pets

Sodium n-propylthiosulfate, found in garlic, can cause oxidative damage to hemoglobin, leading to sulfhemoglobin, Heinz body formation, and methemoglobinemia. This results in the formation of Heinz bodies and eccentrocytes, which increase red blood cell fragility and risk of hemolysis. There is also direct oxidative damage to cell membranes and the sodium-potassium pump, contributing to cell lysis, along with impaired oxygen delivery to tissues due to methemoglobinemia, which shifts the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve to the left. Active compounds in garlic, such as allicin and ajoene, act as cardiac and smooth muscle relaxants, vasodilators, antithrombotics, and hypotensive agents, potentially worsening anemia and impairing oxygen transport

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

Cardiovascular: Tachycardia (from anemia and methemoglobinemia), low blood pressure.

General: Heinz body anemia, methemoglobinemia.

Renal: Hemoglobin in urine, urinary casts.

Respiratory: Rapid breathing, low oxygen levels due.

Emesis: Induce vomiting if ingestion was within 1–2 hours and the pet is asymptomatic. Administer a single dose of activated charcoal with a cathartic.

• Hospitalization and supportive care may be needed if symptoms develop. IV fluids may help with vomiting, diarrhea, hemoglobinuria, or low blood pressure, and a red blood cell transfusion may be needed for anemia.

Antiemetics:

• Maropitant (1 mg/kg) once daily

• Ondansetron (0.5-1 mg/kg) every 12 hours.

Antioxidants:

• Vitamin C (30 mg/kg) every 6–8 hours

• Vitamin E (50–600 units daily)

• N-acetylcysteine.

Generally favorable with timely decontamination and supportive care. A veterinary visit is essential for assessment and treatment.