Dr_Deathweed
Well-Known Member
The dangers of hops to your pets
Hops have been indicated to be a trigger for a genetically predisposed condition of malignant hyperthermia (MH). MH is associated with an autosomal recessive gene mutation that influences the release of calcium within muscle cells. This uncontrolled release of calcium causes rapid, uncontrolled contractions of muscle, leading to a rapid increase in body temperature. Rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle rigidity and fever are some of the early signs of this condition. There are many triggers that set off the condition including some common inhalant anesthetics, neuromuscular blocking agents, and even exercise in some cases. Bottom line comes down to the dog must be predisposed before an issue arises.
My discussions with many veterinary toxicologists and personal research due to the frequency of the issue popping up have lead to the conclusion that hops toxicity is extremely rare with only a handful of cases reported nation-wide. Many veterinarians are not even aware that hops are a possible trigger for this condition due to its rarity. There is only one currently published journal article available to veterinarians that even address this topic:
Link to article in PubMed:
Malignant hyperthermia-like reaction secondary to ...[J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1997] - PubMed Result
Because MH is a serious condition when it does happen, the current recommendations for hops ingestion are to induce emesis (make the dog vomit), and monitor body temperature so IF MH rears its ugly head, treatment can be begun. Treatment must be begun early to have any effect, so recognition of the problem is key. The current standard treatment is intense supportive care and a drug called Dantrolene. The problem is that almost no vets have dantrolene because it is incredibly expensive and rarely used. There is some anecdotal evidence of another more common and less expensive drug helping called Cyproheptadine. There are no published studies on using cyproheptidine for MH so it’s use is controversial, but may be acceptable if no other options are available.
Summary: The development of MH due to hops ingestion is a poorly understood area of veterinary medicine due to the rarity of it occurring. This condition is not common, but serious when it does occur. If you do suspect your dog has eaten hops and are worried about MH, please take your pet to a veterinarian for emesis and monitoring. Discussing your concern with this issue with your veterinarian beforehand, and letting them know your pets are at an increased risk due to the presence of hops in your home, may give your veterinarian more time to do their own research and be prepared to help your pet if this ever happens to you.
For additional reading:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/91409.htm&word=malignant%2chyperthermia
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/81000.htm&word=malignant%2chyperthermia
Hops have been indicated to be a trigger for a genetically predisposed condition of malignant hyperthermia (MH). MH is associated with an autosomal recessive gene mutation that influences the release of calcium within muscle cells. This uncontrolled release of calcium causes rapid, uncontrolled contractions of muscle, leading to a rapid increase in body temperature. Rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle rigidity and fever are some of the early signs of this condition. There are many triggers that set off the condition including some common inhalant anesthetics, neuromuscular blocking agents, and even exercise in some cases. Bottom line comes down to the dog must be predisposed before an issue arises.
My discussions with many veterinary toxicologists and personal research due to the frequency of the issue popping up have lead to the conclusion that hops toxicity is extremely rare with only a handful of cases reported nation-wide. Many veterinarians are not even aware that hops are a possible trigger for this condition due to its rarity. There is only one currently published journal article available to veterinarians that even address this topic:
"Malignant hyperthermia-like reaction secondary to ingestion of hops in five dogs"
J Am Vet Med Assoc. January 1997;210(1):51-4.
K L Duncan1, W R Hare, W B Buck
1 National Animal Poison Control Center (presently the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801, USA.
Abstract
Five dogs, 4 of which were Greyhounds, suffered adverse effects secondary to the ingestion of spent hops. Mean time to onset of clinical signs was 3 hours, and clinical signs included marked hyperthermia, restlessness, panting, vomiting, signs of abdominal pain, and seizures. Four of the 5 dogs died despite aggressive therapeutic measures, and there was rapid onset of rigor mortis in 3. The overrepresentation of Greyhounds, coupled with the clinical signs, was suggestive of a malignant hyperthermia-like response to the ingestion of hops. It also is possible that hops contain an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation.
Link to article in PubMed:
Malignant hyperthermia-like reaction secondary to ...[J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1997] - PubMed Result
Because MH is a serious condition when it does happen, the current recommendations for hops ingestion are to induce emesis (make the dog vomit), and monitor body temperature so IF MH rears its ugly head, treatment can be begun. Treatment must be begun early to have any effect, so recognition of the problem is key. The current standard treatment is intense supportive care and a drug called Dantrolene. The problem is that almost no vets have dantrolene because it is incredibly expensive and rarely used. There is some anecdotal evidence of another more common and less expensive drug helping called Cyproheptadine. There are no published studies on using cyproheptidine for MH so it’s use is controversial, but may be acceptable if no other options are available.
Summary: The development of MH due to hops ingestion is a poorly understood area of veterinary medicine due to the rarity of it occurring. This condition is not common, but serious when it does occur. If you do suspect your dog has eaten hops and are worried about MH, please take your pet to a veterinarian for emesis and monitoring. Discussing your concern with this issue with your veterinarian beforehand, and letting them know your pets are at an increased risk due to the presence of hops in your home, may give your veterinarian more time to do their own research and be prepared to help your pet if this ever happens to you.
For additional reading:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/91409.htm&word=malignant%2chyperthermia
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/81000.htm&word=malignant%2chyperthermia