Grapes and raisins toxic to dogs
by: Admin
Total views: 481
Word Count: 451
Copy of a letter sent to me by a lady who breeds dogs.
This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at
MedVet.
My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix who ate half a
canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He
started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the
owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM.
I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute Renal failure
but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog
in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the
doctor there was like me - had heard something about it, but....
Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and
they said to give I V fluids at 1 = times maintenance and watch the kidney
values for the next 48-72 hours.
The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less
than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are
monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter
and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was
over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids.
At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to
MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output! Overnight as well
as overnight care.
He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have
continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a
diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still
couldn't control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his
BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very
elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to
220. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to euthanize.
This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins
could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this
very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be
toxic.
Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including
our ex-handler's. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern.
_________________
Friends are like stars, you can not see them at times.
About the Author
This article was shared with me by my friend Toetapping. She has a wonderful forum called
Friendly Faces. It is a forum for senior (ages range from 40-100) people from all around the world stop in to chat, play games, or just learn about interesting people and things from everywhere!
http://www.easyfreeforum.net/index.php?eff=1166
Rating: Not yet rated