Macadamia nuts toxicity in pets

substance: Macadamia nuts

categories:

Nuts

symptoms:

Ataxia / Depression / Hyperthermia / Joint pain / Muscle pain / Seizures / Stiffness / Tremors / Vomiting / Weakness

# Description

Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Dogs are the only species, in which toxicity has been reported. Ingesting these nuts can cause symptoms like weakness, vomiting, tremors, fever, and difficulty walking, with symptoms appearing within 3 hours of ingestion and lasting up to 48 hours.

# Toxicity

dog

Safe 0-2.6 g/kg
Mild toxicity 2.6-20 g/kg
Moderate toxicity 20< g/kg

# How it works

The exact toxic compound or mechanism causing toxicity in macadamia nuts that affects dogs is still unknown.

# Symptoms

Common signs of macadamia toxicity in dogs include weakness, lethargy, lack of coordination (ataxia), vomiting, tremors, and elevated body temperature (hyperthermia).

Early symptoms, appearing around 3 hours after ingestion, are central nervous system depression and vomiting.

By 6 hours, dogs may develop joint and muscle pain in the hind limbs, along with stiffness, weakness, tremors, and partial paralysis (paresis).

After about 8 hours, hyperthermia typically sets in.

# Treatment

In asymptomatic dogs with recent macadamia nut ingestion, inducing vomiting (emesis) may help prevent toxicity. Activated charcoal may reduce absorption, though its effectiveness in preventing symptoms is still unclear. Most cases can be managed with monitoring and symptomatic care at home. However, if symptoms are severe, hospitalization may be necessary for IV fluids and antiemetic treatment.

# Prognosis

Most cases can be managed with monitoring and symptomatic care at home, but it’s best to consult a veterinarian immediately if ingestion occurs.

Symptoms

Poisons