Acute renal failure associated with raisin or grape ingestion in 4 dogs

Abstract

Objective: Description of a case series of 4 dogs with acute renal failure after ingestion of raisins or grapes. Case summary: Four dogs were presented with acute oliguric or anuric renal failure after a known ingestion of varying quantities of raisins or grapes. Prior to the onset of vomiting, all dogs were healthy, had no previous history of renal insufficiency, and had no exposure to other potentially nephrotoxic agents. This case series describes the clinical course and various treatment modalities used in the 4 dogs. New or unique information provided: This is the first report of clinical signs, treatment, and clinical outcome in dogs that developed renal failure after ingestion of raisins or grapes. The pathogenesis of nephrotoxicity associated with raisins and grapes remains unknown. Outcome was favorable in 2 out of the 4 cases of acute renal failure associated with raisin or grape ingestion in these dogs. (J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2004; 14(3): 203-212)

Potential plant poisonings in dogs and cats in southern Africa : review article

“…Clinical signs have been reported to develop 12-72 hours after ingestion 16 . Vomiting was reported in all cases 9,16,21,42,49,56,76 . Lethargy and anorexia have been reported in more than 70 % of cases, diarrhoea and decreased urine output in around 50 %, and abdominal pain, ataxia and weakness in a lower percentage 16 .…”

“…Grapes and raisins have frequently been described as a cause of toxicity in dogs 9,16,21,42,49,56,76 . The toxic principle is as yet unknown.…”

“…A bull terrier that had consumed an entire punnet of grapes and was immediately submitted to the veterinarian for therapy did not develop clinical signs 15, although with the variability in development of the syndrome it is impossible to know whether toxicity would have occurred had the dog not been treated. Pathological lesions have been described consistently as acute renal tubular degeneration and necrosis, with cast formation; basal membranes remain intact and there is evidence of regeneration in cases of longer duration 16,42,49 . A golden intracytoplasmic pigment was present in a number of cases submitted to detailed histopathological examination, but its nature could not be determined histologically 49 .…”

Grapes and Raisins

“…3 Other reports have calculated toxic, and potentially fatal, doses as ranging from 0.16 to 0.7 oz raisins, as is, per kg of body weight; and four to five grapes, as is, was toxic to an 8.2-kg dog. 4 In a review of more than 150 dogs following acute ingestion of Vitis fruits, data indicate that toxicity increases with increasing amounts ingested; however, some animals were asymptomatic after ingesting 1 kg of raisins. 1…”

“…1-3 Careful monitoring of central venous pressure and urine output is imperative to prevent possible fluid overload. 4 Other treatments to combat potential renal failure may include furosemide, dopamine, mannitol, furosemide, H 2 -antagonists, and hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. 1,4 Prognosis Clinical signs of ataxia, weakness, and oliguric or anuric renal failure in dogs indicate a poor prognosis.…”