Grape toxicity

Re: Grape toxicity

James Allsop — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:45:25 GMT

I have never seen a case of either grape or raison toxicity, but it always appears on these lists of common household toxins from VPIS etc. Again as previously posted I have heard (unsubstanciated) claims that it is not the grape but a fungus on the outside of the grape. the white coating on the grape skin can be fungus and some strains can be toxic so it is not quantity but just bad luck if you get a toxic one.

I would love to know if this is actually true

Re: Grape toxicity

Utlendigur — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:33:08 GMT

I seem to remember hearing second hand from BSAVA congress one year that dogs can build up a tolerance (not sure if it was grapes or chocolate though). I had a Jack Russell with whom I waged a war of atrition over 12yrs over the kitchen cupboards. He regularly raided them (despite childproof locks, barriers etc) eating a good couple of handfuls of raisins, bars of chocolate etc on several occasions, aswell as handfuls of trail mix on long days on the mountains before I knew of the risks. He also liked black coffee and hot curries. No ill effects at all. We've seen quite a few chocolate poisonings but no raisin or grape so far.

Re: Grape toxicity

Toby Birch — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:46:09 GMT

Grapes, raisins, sultanas etc. We are definitely seeing more dogs presented as awareness grows about potential toxicity. The problem is that the toxic compound has not 100% been identified - current thought is that it is a fungal organism as said above. Therefore it seems as though dogs can eat grapes for years and be fine or eat a few and go into ARF. It seems as though as little as 5 raisins can cause ARF.

The good news is that they tend to go into acute polyuric renal failure. They can produce huge amounts of urine and may require suprisingly large amounts of IVFT for upto 2 weeks. The prognosis is far better than for anuric/oliguric renal failure.

It seems as though grapes/raisins etc are slowly digested so induce vomitting, treat with activated charcoal q4 hrs and aggressive IVFT (at least 2M) for 48hrs if significant ingestion and monitor renal parameters. That having been said I have only had one case that actually went into renal failure but went on to do fine. Detoxifying if usually as far as I go but it depends on what/how much and when the dog ate the fruit.

The VPIS have produced a Christmas help sheet which includes grape toxicity. This can be found at: http://www.vpisuk.co.uk/portal/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=vSMZFZu/Yvs=&tabid=124&mid=508

Re: Grape toxicity

Edward Jones — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:59:01 GMT

Thanks for your replies, Lisa and Stuart. My understanding of the toxicity is that either a dog 'gets away with it' 100%, or ends with severely compromised kidneys - and nothing in-between, if you see what I mean? Do you think that's right?

Seeing as it probably relates to fungal organisms, I wonder if the problem is limited geographically to some degree?

Re: Grape toxicity

stuart mcmorrow — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:00:29 GMT

I've seen a few cases of grape poisoning recently and have treated with emetics (if indicated) and IVFT for 24-48hrs - depending on what the VPI people suggest. I have not had one yet that has not been 100% after.

I only found out recently - after telling my wife we had another grape poisoning at work - that my dog ( a wee border terrier) reguarly gets grapes. They are one of my 23month old daughter's favourite treats. But she will often leave some lying around so Barney picks them up. So he has gone for a while now without any bad effects!

Stuart.

Re: Grape toxicity

listhestar — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:45:36 GMT

[quote user="i am ed"]Has anyone had a case of grape or raison toxicity in dogs? What about when you get a clinically normal dog that's just eaten some grapes? The toxic dose is supposedly pretty small in affected dogs, but I know of many many dogs that have eaten grapes without ill-effect[/quote]

Really not sure but have to admit that before I was a vet my ESS used to regularly eat grapes (we had no idea they were poisonous!) on a daily basis after her dinner and she lasted to 14 years of age so unsure really. Needless to say grapes are now off the menu!

Lisa