Diagnosis of Grape Poisoning in Dogs
Diagnosis of grape toxicity is based on a history of grape ingestion, signs, and blood tests. Pieces of undigested grapes in the vomit or feces may be the best indication if you didn’t see the incident, especially when this is combined with lethargy, general weakness, and lack of appetite. If you’re not sure, a history of your dog’s activities may be helpful. If you think your dog has ingested a baked product, you should check the list of ingredients for currents or grape-based sweeteners and bring a sample along for the veterinarian to examine. In the later stages, a blood test will show kidney failure with increases in BUN (blood urea nitrogen), as well as creatinine, phosphorus, and calcium. The veterinarian will need to rule out other toxicities which could also cause kidney failure, especially if the poisoning incident was unobserved.
Treatment of Grape Poisoning in Dogs
If you think your dog has been poisoned, it’s a good idea to call a poison help-line for instructions on immediate treatment. Follow the advice of the agent exactly and take your dog to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If the poisoning took place within the last two hours, the veterinarian will try to induce emesis and reduce further absorption. Activated charcoal will also be given since this medication binds to the toxin in the dog’s stomach and also helps to limit absorption. For mild cases that are discovered immediately this may be all the treatment that is needed.
If your dog has ingested a large amount of grapes or grape containing product intravenous fluids will be necessary for at least 48 hours. This will help to increase urine production, support kidney function and flush the toxin out of the body. If the dog is still only producing a very small amount of urine, further medications may be necessary to stimulate the kidneys. If the kidneys have stopped producing urine altogether the incident will usually end up being fatal.
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What to do when your dog eats a Grape!
Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can lead to acute kidney failure or even death. While all forms of grapes are bad for dogs, it’s thought the dried versions of the fruits are more likely to cause severe symptoms if eaten by your dog. It’s not clear exactly which substance or chemicals in grapes causes poisoning in dogs, but even a very small number of grapes, raisins, sultanas or currants can cause severe problems for some. Our vets have seen emergency cases when just one grape has been eaten but in other cases, a handful may cause no symptoms. That’s why it’s best to always best err on the side of caution and contact your vet or your nearest emergency vet if your dog has eaten a grape.
Extra caution should be taken with foods containing raisins, currants (dried fruit of dark grapes) and sultanas (dried fruit of white grapes). This includes foods such as mince pies hot cross buns fruit cake. Worried your dog has eaten grapes, raisins or sultanas?