Raisin poisoning
Synonym(s): Vitis Vinifera, Grape, Raisin, Sultana
Podcast: Raisin poisoning
Introduction
- All fruit products ofVitis vinifera(a perennial woody climbing vine) should be considered potentially toxic to dogs. Anecdotal evidence of poisoning exists in cats, but this has not been well documented.
- Signs: gastrointestinal effects, anorexia, and lethargy. In many cases renal failure characterized by oliguria or anuria, and accompanying elevation in levels of calcium, phosphorus, urea and creatinine.
- Diagnosis: signs and case history.
- Treatment: no antidote. Gastric decontamination, aggressive fluid therapy and supportive management.
- Prognosis: fatal cases are common, particularly in animals that develop oliguria or anuria.
Presenting signs
- Onset variable, but usually within 6 hours.
- Initially vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal tenderness, anorexia and lethargy.
- Vomitus and stools may contain partially digested fruit material.
- Renal failure has onset between 24 and 72 hours in most cases.
- Early serious signs are oliguria and anuria.
- Elevated calcium, phosphorus, urea and creatinine levels.
- Some animals appear dehydrated and may be polydipsic.
- Animals may be lethargic and anorexic.
Geographic incidence
- Worldwide, as these plants are a staple of many cuisines.
Age predisposition
- None apparent.
Breed/Species predisposition
- None apparent.
Special risks
- None apparent.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Ingestion of plant fruits.
Predisposing factors
General- Dogs appear particularly susceptible to ingestion of fruits of this plant. The dried fruits (raisins, sultanas) would appear more toxic, though data is limited.
Pathophysiology
- Toxic principle and thus, mechanism of action has not been established.
- Toxin would appear not to be confined to seeds, as seedless varieties have caused clinical effects.
- Severe toxicity and fatalities have been reported from ingested doses as low as 11.5g fruit per kg body weight. There is no apparent dose-response relationship between the exposure dose and the development of renal lesions.
Timecourse
- Onset of signs is variable, although gastrointestinal signs are usually apparent within 6 hours.
- Signs of renal impairment or failure are usually apparent between 24 and 72 hours.
- Full recovery, if it occurs, may take 3 weeks or more.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Sutton N M, Bates N & Campbell A (2009) Factors influencing outcome of Vitis vinifera (grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas) intoxication in dog. Vet Rec 164 (14), 430-431 PubMed.
- Eubig P A, Brady M S, Gwaltney-Brant S M, Khan S A, Mazzaferro E M & Morrow C M (2005) Acute renal failure in dogs after the ingestion of grapes or raisins: a retrospective evaluation of 43 dogs (1992-2002). J Vet Intern Med 19 (5), 663-674 PubMed.
- Morrow C M, Valli V E, Volmer P A & Eubig P A (2005) Canine renal pathology associated with grape or raisin ingestion: 10 cases. J Vet Diagn Invest 17 (3), 223-231 PubMed.
- Campbell A & Bates N (2003) Raisin poisoning in dogs. Vet Rec 152 (12), 376 PubMed.
- Penny D, Henderson S M & Brown P J (2003) Raisin poisoning in a dog. Vet Rec 152 (10), 308 PubMed.
- Gwaltney-Brant S et al (2001) Renal failure associated with ingestion of grapes or raisins in dogs. JAVMA 218 (10), 1555-1556 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Means C (2002) The wrath of grapes ASPCA Animal Watch. 22(2) (available on http://www.aspca.org).
Organisation(s)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control, telephone (888) 426-4435.
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS); www.vpisglobal.com, telephone + 44 (0) 2073 055 055.