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.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Ingestion of plant fruits.

Predisposing factors

• 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

Treatment

Outcomes