A dog ingests chocolate. Outline the mechanism, signs, and initial management steps including decontamination and treatment.

• A. Theobromine/caffeine causes CNS stimulation and tachyarrhythmias; Signs: vomiting, agitation, tachycardia, tremors, seizures. Decontaminate if early (emesis, activated charcoal). Provide IV fluids, electrolyte correction, antiarrhythmics for arrhythmias, benzodiazepines/propofol for seizures; prognosis depends on dose and time to treatment.
• B. Dogs metabolize chocolate to glucose; no treatment required.
• C. Chocolate inhibits insulin release.
• D. Only treat with insulin.

Answer: (A)