Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXX,

Let me first tell you how sorry I am to hear of your girl's passing. Unfortunately, chocolate (found in brownies) can cause poisoning. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is what causes the toxic response.

If you can get the dog to vomit up the chocolate within 2 hours, you can minimize the effect it will have on a dog. Hydrogen peroxide is frequently used for this purpose. However, the dog does have to vomit up the chocolate.

Signs of theobromine toxic poisoning appear within 1 to 4 hours of ingesting the chocolate. These include vomiting, increased thirst, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty keeping balance, hyperexcitability, muscle spasm, seizures, coma and potentially death from an abnormal heart rhythm.

The following websites contain information on chocolate poisoning and how to determine if a toxic amount has been ingested.

http://www.vspn.org/Library/misc/VSPN_M01325.htm
http://www.beaglesunlimited.com/beaglehealth_chocolatetoxicosis.htm
http://www.thedachshundnetwork.com/foodtox.htm
http://www.michvet.com/library/emergency_chocolate_toxicity.asp

You also should be aware of the fact that the high fat content in chocolate can also trigger pancreatitis in some dogs as well. You can read about pancreatitis here:
http://www.vetcentric.com/reference/encycEntry.cfm?ENTRY=23&COLLECTION=EncycIllness&MODE=full

I am surprised that your vet didn't have you come in earlier when your dog failed to vomit up the brownies. Your vet may have been able to administer charcoal to absorb the toxins and let it pass through your dog’s system with less absorbtion and monitor your dog’s vital signs until the danger has passed.

With your dog's other health issues (enlarged heart) though, the brownies may have only been part of the problem. Most labradors have an expected life span of 11-13 years. At her advanced age, there may have been other issues that you were unaware of such as reduced kidney or liver issues. Again, I wish to offer my condolences and let you know that your dog had a full lifetime,

I hope this helps in some small way.

Expert:	Jane Lefler
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	8/25/2009

Breeder Behaviorist, See Qual.

Rottweiler Breeder 15+ years Dog trainer / behaviorist, Former Vol.Vet Asst.