Methylxanthines (chocolate, coffee, caffeine) toxicosis in birds
Verbatim first-hand facts from Avian toxicoses: a review (peer-reviewed, open access, PMC12375962). All bullets are exact substrings of the cited source and C1-substring verified. Companion (pet) birds are the focus; the source is a peer-reviewed review of avian toxicoses.
Toxicology facts
- Methylxanthines Methylxanthines are a group of compounds that include caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline.
- Common symptoms of methylxanthine toxicity in birds may include restlessness, increased activity levels, increased heart rate, muscle tremors or seizures, and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea ( 50 , 51 , 53 ).
- Diagnosis of methylxanthine intoxication in birds is primarily based on a sudden onset of neurological and cardiac signs combined with a history of exposure to substances such as chocolate, coffee, or caffeine-containing products.