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SAVE DOG LIVES!!! PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION
with ALL dog lovers you know as well as your veterinarian, groomer, pet sitter,
classes, clubs, etc.
RAISINS & GRAPES Update
Based on report provided by VMRCVM Vet Notes
Animal Poison Control Center
has documented multiple cases of grape and raisin poisoning in dogs within the
last couple of years. Presumably, this has occurred in the past but attributed
to other causes.
What Kind of Grapes & Raisins?
The source of the problem has been varied. Grapes of all
varieties and growing conditions (including homegrown) have been
implicated. Raisins are usually made from white seedless grapes, but all
raisins of any source should be considered kidney toxic
(chocolate covered raisins as well).
Why?
The toxic principle is unknown. Grapes contain low amounts of tannins compared
to acorns, a known kidney toxicant in large animals. Grapes lack significant
amounts of Vitamin D, another known kidney toxicant. It is unlikely pesticide
residue is involved due to the wide variety of grape types involved. So far
the majority of toxicosis reports have been in dogs. However, feeding grapes or
raisins to cats and ferrets should also be discouraged, as poisonings have been
reported in these species as well.
How Many Would Poison Your Dog?
The minimum toxic dose is approximately 0.3 oz/kg body
weight. This would correspond to about 2 grapes per kg body weight, or roughly
1 grape per pound of body weight.
15 lb dog = 12-14 grapes could be deadly
25 lb. dog = 23 grapes could be deadly
50 lb. dog = 50+ grapes could be deadly
75 lb. dog = 75 grapes could be deadly
Raisins, having lost their water content are considered more toxic at 6
raisins per kg of body weight, or 2-3 raisins per pound of body weight. Think
how many raisins are in ONE small snack pack of raisins – maybe enough to kill
your dog.
15 lb. dog = 30-45 raisins could be deadly
25 lb. dog = 50-75 raisins could be deadly
50 lb. dog = 100-150 raisins could be deadly
75 lb. dog = 150-225 raisins could be deadly
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms appear 6-24 hours after the dog eats raisins or
grapes (average is 12 hours). Initially, symptoms are gastro-intestinal signs,
followed by kidney problems.
Vomiting is usually the primary sign, with diarrhea, depression/lethargy,
anorexia, colic, dehydration and sharply decreased urine output. The course of
the toxicosis is anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. Dogs with kidney problems
have a guarded to poor prognosis.
Diagnosis is based on history of recent exposure and clinical signs. On
bloodwork, the kidney values are increased. Typically BUN, creatinine,
phosphorus and potassium are elevated (sometimes serum calcium as well). The
urine sediment will have hyaline casts and the urine specific gravity will be
either hyposthenuric or isosthenuric (diluted to the concentration of water of
less concentrated than water) at SG 1.006 to 1.010.
Treatment
If the raisins or grapes have been ingested within 2-3 hours,
vomiting should be induced followed by activated charcoal to limit further
absorption.
Treatment is based on preventing further absorption if appropriate and
maintaining urine output & electrolyte balance. The vet may also give an
osmotic cathartic (to speed up GI passage of toxin without absorption). The
animal should receive an isotonic saline solution IV at twice maintenance rates
for 48 hours. Anti-nausea medication, diuretics and peritoneal dialysis may be
needed in some cases.
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FROM BARN FIRE
to BARN OF JOY: St. Patrick's Day 2004, our barn burned to the ground,
taking with it our beloved
pig Charlotte, turkey Mabel, cats Dudley & Jessie and many chickens and turkeys
did not escape. ( Please
click here for details.) The incredible outpouring of support from
all directions has humbled and staggered us - we are truly blessed. The
new barn that stands now is the barn that love built, and includes a room for
seminars & training so that the love that made this possible can be passed along
for years to come. Thank you for
your support & patience during this difficult time. - Suzanne & John
