No abstract

The medical records of grape and raisin poisoning in dogs in North America from 1987 to 2002 were evaluated to determine clinical, laboratory, toxicological and histopathological signs and treatment and outcome. It was shown that the main clinical signs included vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and diarrhoea within the first 24 h after ingestion, followed by decreased urine output, abdominal pain, ataxia and weakness in 1-5 days. Serum creatinine, phosphorus, calcium and phosphorus levels increased within 24 h or less. Hyperkalaemia, hypokaliaemia and hypercalcaemia were also observed. The most consistent histopathologic lesion in biopsy or necropsy from dogs with acute renal failure after grape/raisin ingestion was renal tubular injury. Mineralization of the kidney and other tissues was also frequently present. Most dogs received fluid therapy, agents to increase urine production (furosemide, dopamine and/or mannitol), gastrointestinal protectants, antiemetics, antibacterial agents, corticosteroids and heparin. Blood transfusions and dialysis were also performed. 23 of the 43 cases evaluated in this study survived, 5 died and 15 were euthanized. The clinical signs resolved in the dogs that survived. More treatment recommendations are also given.