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The Wrath of Grapes
Discover why grapes and raisins prove toxic to dogs
Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got himself into some sticky situations. Usually,
his escapades were harmless. But one day, he managed to snag a box of raisins from the pantry and ended up eating an entire
pound of the sweet treats. Other than being exasperated by Magoo's behavior, his guardians didn't think much about it. They
knew that lots of people shared grapes with their dogs and often used raisins as training rewards. So it hardly seemed the
kind of emergency that required a call to the veterinarian. In fact, if Magoo's parents had called the ASPCA's Animal Poison
Control Center (APCC) just a few years ago, they would have been told not to worry about it.
Through the Grapevine
Enter
the APCC AnToxTM database, a computerized system that contains nearly 500,000 animal-related
medical conditions and that enables veterinarians to quickly identify toxic-substance exposures, recognize clinical signs
and administer proper treatment. By tracking cases in this registry, similarities in animal medical conditions nationwide
can be logged and syndromes can be identified.
Around 1989, the APCC began noticing a trend in dogs who had eaten grapes or raisins: Nearly all developed
acute renal (kidney) failure. As more cases were reported, enough data was generated in the database to help veterinarians
identify and treat dogs at risk. In all of the cases, the ingredients for potential acute renal failure were the same. Whether
the ingested grapes were purchased fresh from grocery stores or grown in private yards didn't seem to matter, nor did the
brand eaten. And the ingested amounts varied considerably, from over a pound of grapes to as little as a single serving of
raisins. The cases weren't from any specific region, but instead came from across the United States.
The database showed that dogs who ate the grapes and raisins typically vomited within a few hours of
ingestion. Most of the time, partially digested grapes and raisins could be seen in the vomit, fecal material, or both. At
this point, some dogs would stop eating (anorexia), and develop diarrhea. The dogs often became quiet and lethargic, and showed
signs of abdominal pain. These clinical signs lasted for several days -- sometimes even weeks.
When medical care was sought, blood chemistry panels showed consistent patterns. Hypercalcemia (elevated
blood calcium levels) was frequently present, as well as elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorous
(substances that reflect kidney function). These chemistries began to increase anywhere from 24 hours to several days after
the dogs ate the fruit. As the kidney damage developed, the dogs would produce little urine. When they could no longer produce
urine, death occurred. In some cases, dogs who received timely veterinary care still had to be euthanized.
Why did the fruit cause the dogs to become ill? No one knows. Suspect grapes and raisins have been
screened for various pesticides, heavy metals (such as zinc or lead), and mycotoxins (fungal contaminants) and so far, all
results have come back negative. In the cases where the grapes were grown in private yards, owners confirmed that no insecticides,
fertilizers or antifungals had been used on the fruit.
"Raisin" the Success Rate
Even
though the exact cause of the renal failure is unknown, dogs who ingest grapes and raisins can be treated successfully to
prevent its development. The first line of defense is decontamination. Inducing vomiting in recent ingestions and administering
activated charcoal helps prevent absorption of potential toxins. Dogs should be hospitalized and placed on intravenous fluids
for a minimum of 48 hours. A veterinarian should monitor blood chemistry daily for at least three days following the ingestion.
If all blood work is normal after three days, it's unlikely that kidney failure will occur. If a dog shows evidence of renal
failure, fluids must be continued, and other medications should be used to stimulate urine production. Some dogs may need
peritoneal dialysis, a process where the peritoneum (the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs) is used to filter waste
products that are normally filtered by the kidney.
Thanks in part to the AnTox database, grape or raisin ingestion can be easily identified and treated.
Today, a dog can make a complete recovery from this potentially fatal condition.
Dr. Means is a veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana,
Illinois.
Reprinted from ASPCA Animal Watch, Summer 2002, Volume 22, Number 2, with permission
from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128-6804.
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What's in those Blood Tests
By Suzanne Stack, D.V.M.
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Blood Tests
When your veterinarian sends your greyhound’s blood to a lab he is most commonly asking the lab to run
a CBC (Complete Blood Count). This common analysis covers these items:
Platelets
For a more in-depth look, usually to determine kidney/liver functions, the veterinarian may also ask for a “Chem
Panel”. This will give them information about:
If you don’t understand what your veterinarian has ordered, ask. |
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Greyhound bloodwork has enough differences from “other dog” bloodwork to sometimes make it deceivingly
“normal” or “abnormal” if one isn’t familiar with these differences. The salient differences
are discussed below.
Greyhounds:
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RBC: 7.4-9.0
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Hgb: 19.0-21.5
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PCV: 55-65
Other Breeds:
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RBC: 5.5-8.5
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Hgb: 12.0-18.0
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PCV: 37-55
Greyhounds have significantly more red blood cells than other breeds. This elevates parameters for RBC, hemoglobin,
and PCV/HCT, and is the reason greyhounds are so desirable as blood donors. Most veterinarians are aware of this difference.
Never
accept a diagnosis of polycythemia — a once-in-a-lifetime-rare diagnosis of pathologic red cell overproduction —
in a greyhound.
Conversely, never interpret a greyhound PCV in the 30’s-40’s as being normal just because it
is for other dogs. A greyhound with a PCV in the 30’s-40’s is an anemic greyhound. Here in Arizona, a greyhound
PCV less than 50 is a red flag to check for Ehrlichia.
WBC
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Greyhound: 3.5-6.5
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Other dog: 6.0-17.0
Other greyhound CBC changes are less well known. The greyhound’s normally low WBC has caused more than
one healthy greyhound to undergo a bone marrow biopsy in search of “cancer” or some other cause of the “low
WBC.”
Platelets
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Greyhound: 80,000-200,000
-
Other dog: 150,000-400,000
Likewise, greyhound platelet numbers are lower on average than other breeds, which might be mistakenly interpreted
as a problem. It is thought that greyhound WBCs, platelets, and total protein may be lower to physiologically “make
room” in the bloodstream for the increased red cell load.
Compounding these normally low WBC and platelet numbers
is the fact that Ehrlichia, a common blood parasite of greyhounds, can lower WBC and platelet counts. So if there is any doubt
as to whether the WBC / platelet counts are normal, an Ehrlichia titer is always in order. The other classic changes with
Ehrlichia are lowered PCV and elevated total protein. But bear in mind that every greyhound will not have every change, and
Ehrlichia greyhounds can have normal CBCs.
T.P. & Globulin
Greyhound total proteins tend to run on the low end of normal — T.P.s in the 5.0’s and 6.0’s
are the norm. While the albumin fraction of T.P. is the same as other dogs, the globulin component is lower.
Creatinine
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Greyhound: .8-1.6
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Other dogs: .0-1.0
Greyhound creatinines run higher than other breeds as a function of their large lean muscle mass. A study at
the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine found that 80% of retired greyhounds they sampled had creatinine values
above the standard reference range for “other dogs.” As a lone finding, an “elevated creatinine” is
not indicative of impending kidney failure. If the BUN and urinalysis are normal, so is the “elevated” creatinine.
T4
These figures are from a University of Florida study of thyroid function in 221 greyhounds — 97 racers,
99 broods, and 25 studs — so it included both racers and “retired.” While greyhound thyroid levels are a
whole chapter unto themselves, a good rule of thumb is that greyhound T4s run about half that of other breeds.
Urinalysis
And lastly, the good news — greyhound urinalysis is the same as other breeds. It is normal for males to
have small to moderate amounts of bilirubin in the urine.
Sources: M.R. Herron, DVM, ACVS, Clinical Pathology of the Racing Greyhound , 1991. C. Guillermo
Couto, DVM, ACVIM, “Managing Thrombocytopenia in Dogs & Cats,” Veterinary Medicine, May 1999. J.Steiss, DVM,
W. Brewer, DVM, E.Welles, DVM, J. Wright, DVM, “Hematologic & Serum Biochemical Reference Values in Retired Greyhounds,”
Compendium on Continuing Education, March 2000. M. Bloomberg, DVM, MS, “Thyroid Function of the Racing Greyhound,”
University of Florida, 1987. D. Bruyette, DVM, ACVIM, Veterinary Information Network, 2001. |
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ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, an operating division of the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA) is a unique, emergency hotline providing 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week
telephone assistance to veterinarians and pet owners. The Center's hotline veterinarians can quickly answer questions about
toxic substances found in our everyday surroundings that can be dangerous to animals. The Center maintains a wide collection
of reference materials and computer databases that help provide toxicological information for various species. Veterinary
professionals provide around-the-clock, on-site coverage of the Center. The licensed staff members share over one hundred
and ten years of combined call center experience and over seventy-five years of combined toxicology, clinical, and diagnostic
experience. The phone number of the Center is 1-888-4-ANI-HELP (217-337-5030 outside of US and Canada) and the website is
www.aspca.org/apcc.
Pet Poison Safety Tips
Please follow these guidelines to protect your pet from being exposed.
· Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, sago palm, or yew plant material
by an animal can be fatal. Easter lily, day lily, tiger lily, and some other lily species can cause kidney failure in cats.
· Never allow your pets to have access to the areas in which cleaning agents are being used or stored. Cleaning agents
have a variety of properties; some may only cause mild stomach upset, but others can cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth
and stomach.
· When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place the products in areas that are
inaccessible to your companion animals. Some bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter
or sugar that can attract your pets.
· Never give your pet medication unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Many medications that are safe for humans can be deadly for animals.
· Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs
out of your pet's reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants,
vitamins and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to animals, even in small doses.
· Many
common household items can be hazardous to pets. Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener
sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, pennies, and hand and foot warmers could be dangerous
for your pet.
· Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible
to your pets. As little as one teasthingy of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat weighing seven pounds.
· Before buying
a flea product for use on your pet, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.
· Read all of the information on the label
before using a product on your pet or in your home. Always follow the directions.
· If a product is for use only on dogs,
it should never be used on cats; if a product is for use only on cats, it should never be used on dogs.
· Make sure your
pets do not enter areas in which foggers or house sprays have been used for the period of time indicated on the label. Birds
are more sensitive to inhalants. Always check with your veterinarian before using any spray product in your home if you own
pet birds.
· Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides
until they have dried completely. Always store such products in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.
· If you are
uncertain about the usage of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
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SKUNK REMEDY
1 gallon 3% hydrogen peroxide
(first aid kind)
1 cup baking soda
4 teaspoons dishwashing liquid (not dishwasher)
Apply the solution to your dry Greyhound, carefully avoiding his eyes. Thoroughly work the solution into his fur for five full minutes.
Rinse him thoroughly. Repeat is necessary.
NOTE: This mixture cannot be stored. Do not place it in a closed container. Discard
any remaining solution as soon as you are finished.
For the house, put some vanilla
extract in a pot of boiling water and just let it simmer for a few hours.
FDA Talk Paper
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T04-37
September 3, 2004 |
Media Inquiries: 301-827-6242
Consumer
Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA |
Fort Dodge to Comply with FDA's Request to Recall ProHeart 6 Injectable
Heartworm Product from the Market Due to Serious Health Concerns
Fort Dodge Animal Health, of Overland Park, Kansas, at FDA's request, has agreed to immediately cease production and recall
its heartworm medication ProHeart®6 from the market until the FDA's concerns about adverse reaction reports associated with
the product can be resolved. FDA is requesting that the firm continue to conduct research to determine the cause of related
adverse reactions and develop a strategy to help prevent such problems in the future before the product is marketed again.
The FDA will convene an independent scientific advisory committee to thoroughly evaluate all available data.
ProHeart®6 is an approved injectable sustained-release heartworm prevention product for dogs. Heartworm disease is a serious
and potentially fatal condition of dogs, cats, and other species of mammals. The parasite that causes heartworm disease is
transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.
FDA is also advising veterinarians to avoid administering this product to dogs until further notice. Pet owners should
consult their veterinarians regarding their pet's health care needs.
Since the product was approved in June 2001, Fort Dodge Animal Health has cooperated with FDA to investigate numerous adverse
event reports. As a result, Fort Dodge has voluntarily changed the label to include post approval safety information including
rare reports of death and a caution to practitioners that dogs should have a negative test for heartworm before administration.
Despite these label changes, FDA is still receiving unexplained adverse event reports, some of them severe. FDA's concern
is based on voluntary self-reporting to FDA by veterinarians and owners whose dogs have suffered adverse drug experiences
(ADEs) to ProHeart®6 (which contains the drug moxidectin) as well as the mandatory reporting of adverse events by Fort Dodge
Animal Health.
Fort Dodge Animal Health has agreed to recall any product that has already been distributed to veterinarians.
As of August 4, 2004, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) had received 5,552 adverse event reports for ProHeart®6.
The actual number of adverse events is likely even higher because studies show that only a fraction of actual ADEs are reported.
The Agency has observed an increase in the number of cases associated with liver and bleeding abnormalities followed in
some cases by death.
LOW THYROID CONDITION
IN GREYHOUNDS
We have heard about a number of Greyhounds being evaluated for low thyroid condition
soon after adoption. Sometimes, for no reason other than a thin hair coat, a veterinarian will run a T4 blood test. If this
reading is below the range considered normal for most dogs (1.0 to 4.), the vet will prescribe thyroid hormone supplements.
Before you have your dog tested, or begin this therapy, you should read the following information, which we have compiled
from Greyhound literature, and our own experiences over the last several years.
·
When you adopt a Greyhound, it is under a great deal of stress from transportation and exposure to a whole new way
of life. It may be newly spayed or neutered. Greyhounds frequently receive various
medications at the track (e.g. unspayed females are kept on hormones to prevent going into heat). Any of these factors could
cause or contribute to low thyroid test results.
·
Some dogs react to the adoption process by becoming withdrawn, but perk up after a few days in their new home. Greyhounds
are normally low energy dogs, saving their strength for the chase. Unless there are serious symptoms of low thyroid levels
(extreme lethargy, depression, lack of appetite) you should wait at least six to eight months before you consider testing
for low thyroid levels. This will allow time for your dog's system to stabilize to the new diet and environment, and will
give a truer reading of your dog's health. We feel that hair loss alone is not a serious symptom. It may be the result of
rubbing on the crate in the kennel or the general stress of the racing life. It should, in most cases, come back with a good
diet and a little care from the new owner.
·
When testing thyroid levels always check three (3) factors, T3, T4, and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), following
the University of Michigan protocol. Together, these three factors give a more accurate appraisal of the condition of your
dog's thyroid. Greyhounds are typically in the lower range (near 1.0 for T4).
Current thinking is that this may be normal for Greyhounds. We have seen greyhounds who became aggressive when medicated to higher levels.
· Once started on thyroid medication,
the body's ability to produce the natural hormone(s) can be suppressed. The dog may have to be kept on medication for the
rest of his life, although some dogs have been successfully removed from all medication with good results.
NOTE: PLEASE make sure your dog has proper medical treatment, only allow treatment from a
fully licensed Veterinarian or Vet Tech. DO NOT allow any treatment or procedures by unlicensed Vet Techs or clinic
workers. DO NOT allow anyone to perform any unnecessary medical procedures such as extreme nail cutting, excessive
teeth pulling or female circumcision.
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