Raisins, grapes and dogs don't mix

[Coco]

Written by:
Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville , Ohio

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 that 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 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.

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.

Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends who do. This is worth passing on to them.

Confirmation from Snopes about the above...

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp

 

[silverdollar]

You have handlers?:+

 

[heel4you]

Coco,
Thanks for the great information!!
Our wire fox terrier likes to get into anything that does not belong to her.
I have given her grapes! Not anymore!!!
Again, thank you!!
Laura

 

[Moot]

We had a fox terrier/mix, Sammi, that lived for 17 human years. We fed her cheap dog food (Purina Dog Chow), table scraps, and grapes, partially peeled. We did everything wrong and yet she lived to be 17. She was a very intelligent and loving member of our family. When we finally had to put her down, my son remarked that we had known Sammi longer than we had know him.

Our new dog Lyla, an Irish coat Wheaton, eats Science Diet, grapes, rotten apples, carrots grasshoppers and acorns. She develops a skin allergy every autumn and is on steroids during that time. She also is an intelligent and loving member of our family, but I fear she will not see her 17th birthday.

I am not disputing the grape theory, but all things in moderation can't be too bad. Except for grasshoppers and Drain-O.

 

[Coco]

Our mineature garbage disposal has probably had a grape or to also, but I will hesitate giving it to her since a conversation with our vet. I guess it's a human fear factor thing.

 

[barney]

Thank you soooo much for the info. We have Yorkies that we breed. Needless to say they are VERY expensive and we do not take chances. Only the best for our babies. Hill's Science Diet, monthly grooming, shots, flea stuff, etc. etc. Hey wait! These things are costing me a fortune, anybody want a Yorkie?