EMERGENCIES (continued): GRAPES/ RAISINS/ CURRANTS TOXICITY IN DOGS
I often receive queries from concerned pet caregivers on the danger of offering grapes, raisins (dried grapes), and currants (small raisins) to their canine companions—especially during the Christmas Season, when these fruits are more available. In the past, I must confess, my responses may not have been sufficiently detailed, given that I have not experienced any grave and worrying ill and life-threatening effects to dogs who have ingested a few grapes.
However, I am now noting that there is documented literature on specific cases of toxicity associated with the ingestion of grapes or raisins. Research has shown that 3 grapes (or 3 raisins) could in fact be lethal to a three-pound puppy; and 12 grapes (and 12-15 raisins) could be fatal to a ten-pound animal.
There was a time when even scientists believed that caregiver reports were emerging from evidence that was circumstantial at best, especially since the actual toxic ingredient had not been isolated. Such reports were disregarded as exhibitions of the caregiver’s panic and anxiety. Actually, some scientists had even argued that the culprit may well have been fungi (moulds) on the grapes. Well, the culprit has now been identified. It is Tartaric Acid, and the salt created therefrom. Yes, the same substance which can be incrustated on the animal’s teeth.
So now we must give serious answers to the heretofore-brushed-aside questions. The first question obviously is: what are the symptoms associated with giving (quite lovingly) “Rover” too many grapes/raisins?
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The immediate symptoms (reactions) are:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea and possible black stool
• Excessive thirst
• Abnormal urination
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
Female vet examining sick and sad Rhodesian ridgeback dog
N.B: Later, the kidneys exhibit damage, even failure, and collapse.
Before you, as a caring pet owner, descend into panic, let me hasten to add that after ingesting grapes/raisins/currants, not all dogs would exhibit the same degree of reaction and abovementioned symptoms. Some dogs suffer mildly, especially if they have been fed only a single grape. Call your vet and relate the scenario. But be advised: why provoke destiny? Why would you test chance? Just do not feed your dog (young or old) grapes, raisins or currants. Actually, I should add that Tamarind Chutney/Achar could precipitate the symptoms mentioned above.
Let’s answer some other specific questions that vets have encountered relative to today’s topic:
Q: How long is it before the poison symptoms (see above) reveal themselves?
A: Immediately, to a few hours, to several days after ingestion
Q: What can I administer to my dog after the symptoms begin?
A: There is no specific antidote. But you can induce vomiting immediately after the pup/young dog/adult dog has ingested the grapes/raisins/currants. Please refer to last week’s column (October 20, 2024) on the administration of Hydrogen Peroxide or Activated Charcoal. You must always have these two products in your Pet’s Medical Emergency Kit.
You are advised to later take the animal to the Vet for observation and for possible administration of intravenous fluids and gastrointestinal protectant medications.
If the animal is going into a comatose state, your vet may flush the stomach out with a stomach tube. Some textbooks advise the introduction of a chemical (drug) to create diarrhoea, the theory being that, in so doing, the intestines would be flushed out. I do not subscribe to this intervention. In trying to remove the grape(s), raisin(s), and/or currant(s) from the intestinal tract, one would be getting rid of substances in the intestines that are needed to help the animal recover from the toxic onslaught.
Q: What can the caregiver do after the animal has returned home?
A: The concern is with kidney failure (see above) and you must observe the urination patterns, distension of the abdomen, and the behaviour of your pet. At home, lots of fluids would have been recommended by your vet. If ill-health symptoms persist, you must return to your vet, who would institute more aggressive protocols that are standard for such conditions.
NEXT WEEK: EMERGENCIES RELATIVE TO STINGS AND INSECT BITES
