Page 146 - Raw Diet References Book 2019

7.3.3 Toxic agent

Several organo-sulfoxides have been implicated a compound found in garlic, is similar to n-propyl
in toxicity induced by onions and garlic (Table 2). disulfide found in onions (Gfeller & Messonier 1998).
Miyata reported the extraction from onions of an These organosulfur compounds are readily absorbed
unnamed phenolic compound causing similar effects in the gastrointestinal tract and metabolised to highly
on red blood cells “in vitro” (Miyata 1990). Allicin, reactive oxidants (Cope 2005).

Table VII-16.
Compounds isolated from onions and garlic and reported to oxidise

canine erythrocytes

Onions Garlic

n-propyl disulfide sodium 2-propenyl thiosulfate

n-propyl bis-2-propenyl trisulfide

3 different sodium alk(en)yl thiosulfates bis-2-propenyl tetrasulfide

e.g. sodium n-propyl thiosulfate bis-2-propenyl pentasulfide

trans-1-propenyl thiosulfate bis-2-propenyl thiosulfonate

cis-1-propenyl thiosulfate several sulphur containing esters

Chang et al. ‘04, Fenwick 1984, Hu et al. 2002, Yamato et al. 1998, Yamato et al. 2003.

7.3.4 Treatment

No specific antidote exists, and the treatment is hour after ingestion of onions if the patient does not
supportive and is intended to reduce the oxidative yet show clinical signs (Gfeller & Messonier 1998). Anti-
effects and to prevent renal damage caused by oxidant vitamins such as vitamins E and C may have
haemoglobinuria. Oxygen therapy, fluid therapy subclinical beneficial effects that help in milder cases,
(particularly crystalloids) and blood transfusion but a study in cats did not show a significant effect on
have been recommended (Gfeller & Messonier 1998). the formation of Heinz bodies (Hill et al. 2001).
Induction of vomiting can be useful within the first

7.3.5 References

1. Chang HS, Yamato O, Sakai Y, et al. (2004) Acceleration of Prostaglandins Leukot Essnt Fatty Acids, 70 (1): 77-83.
superoxide generation in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and
inhibition of platelet aggregation by alk(en)yl thiosulfates 2. Cope, R.B. (2005) Allium species poisoning in dogs and cats.
derived from onion and garlic in dogs and humans. Toxicology brief Veterinary Medicine pp. 562-566.

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