Post by Karen R Quinn on Aug 14, 2009 18:32:32 GMT -7
The Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), an Urbana-based unit of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has issued warnings to dog owners that raisins and grapes may be toxic to some dogs. Between April 2003 and April 2004, the APCC handled 140 cases involving one or more dogs that ingested varying amounts of raisins or grapes. Of these, more than 50 animals showed signs of illness ranging from vomiting to life-threatening kidney failure, and seven dogs died.
Pet owners and veterinarians need to be aware of this potential danger.
The cases weren't from any specific region, but instead came from across the United States. The brand, variety, and source (e.g., purchased from grocery store or grown in private yard) did not appear to affect the outcome. Ingested amounts varied considerably, from over a pound of grapes to as little as a single serving of raisins.
Dogs typically vomited within a few hours of eating the grapes and raisins. Some dogs would stop eating and develop diarrhea. The dogs often became quiet and lethargic, and showed signs of abdominal pain. These clinical signs lasted for several days and sometimes even weeks. Blood tests on affected dogs revealed signs of kidney damage.
Treatment for dogs with grape or raisin poisoning begins with inducing vomiting (if the ingestion was recent) and administering activated charcoal to help prevent absorption of potential toxins. Dogs should be hospitalized and placed on intravenous fluids for at least 48 hours. Blood chemistry should be analyzed daily for at least three days following the ingestion to detect evidence of renal failure. Some dogs may need peritoneal dialysis, a process where the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs are used to filter waste products that are normally filtered by the kidney.
The exact mechanism by which grapes and raisins cause kidney damage is not known. It is not clear whether all dogs or only susceptible breeds or individuals are affected, whether other species may be susceptible to this toxicosis, or whether ingestion of grapes and raisins over time lead to the same effects as large, acute or single ingestion.
Because there are still many unknowns, the APCC advises not giving grapes or raisins to pets in any amount.
Sources: * ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Issues Nationwide Update: Raisins and Grapes Can Be Toxic To Dogs * The Wrath of Grapes.
For more information from the ASPCA check out the link provided below:
www2.aspca.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=16645
Pet owners and veterinarians need to be aware of this potential danger.
The cases weren't from any specific region, but instead came from across the United States. The brand, variety, and source (e.g., purchased from grocery store or grown in private yard) did not appear to affect the outcome. Ingested amounts varied considerably, from over a pound of grapes to as little as a single serving of raisins.
Dogs typically vomited within a few hours of eating the grapes and raisins. Some dogs would stop eating and develop diarrhea. The dogs often became quiet and lethargic, and showed signs of abdominal pain. These clinical signs lasted for several days and sometimes even weeks. Blood tests on affected dogs revealed signs of kidney damage.
Treatment for dogs with grape or raisin poisoning begins with inducing vomiting (if the ingestion was recent) and administering activated charcoal to help prevent absorption of potential toxins. Dogs should be hospitalized and placed on intravenous fluids for at least 48 hours. Blood chemistry should be analyzed daily for at least three days following the ingestion to detect evidence of renal failure. Some dogs may need peritoneal dialysis, a process where the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs are used to filter waste products that are normally filtered by the kidney.
The exact mechanism by which grapes and raisins cause kidney damage is not known. It is not clear whether all dogs or only susceptible breeds or individuals are affected, whether other species may be susceptible to this toxicosis, or whether ingestion of grapes and raisins over time lead to the same effects as large, acute or single ingestion.
Because there are still many unknowns, the APCC advises not giving grapes or raisins to pets in any amount.
Sources: * ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Issues Nationwide Update: Raisins and Grapes Can Be Toxic To Dogs * The Wrath of Grapes.
For more information from the ASPCA check out the link provided below:
www2.aspca.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=16645