Don't know if we've talked about this before, but just picked this up from another site, with permission to cross-post - definitely to be on the alert .

Subject: Permission to post article from ASPCA vet regarding grape/raisin toxicity
A copy of this can be found at: http://vetprof.com/grapes.pdf

Problems with dogs and grapes by Dr. Jill Richardson

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has received more than 50 well-documented reports of dogs developing acute kidney failure after ingesting grapes or raisins.

Veterinary toxicologists at the Center began noticing this trend in 1999. As more cases were reported enough was generated in the database to help veterinarians identify and treat dogs at risk. In all of the cases the ingredients for potential acute kidney failure were the same. The grapes and raisins ingested were from a variety of sources. Some were commercially prepared products of various brands purchased at grocery stores and some were grown in private backyards. The cases aren't from any specific region, but instead came from across the U.S.

According to preliminary data, the affected dogs began vomiting within six hours of ingesting the grapes or raisins. Most of the time, partially digested grapes or raisins could be seen in the vomit, fecal material or both. At this point, some dogs would stop eating and develop diarrhea. The dogs often became quiet and lethargic and showed signs of abdominal pain. These clinical signs lasted for several days and sometimes even weeks.

In a vast majority of the cases, the dogs continued to vomit and became depressed, at which point veterinary care was sought. The results of the blood tests showed consistent patterns. Elevations in
creatinine and BUN, as well as hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia have been reported. Tile abnormal blood levels would increase anywhere between 24 hours to several days after the dogs ate the
fruit.

Kidney damage was evident in most cases within 72 hours from ingestion. As the kidney damage developed, some dogs would produce only small amounts of urine. When they could no longer produce urine, death occurred. In some cases, dogs that received timely veterinary care still had to be euthanized. Only half the dogs that received aggressive treatment, which include intravenous fluids and medications, had fully recovered.

In an attempt to determine causative agents or disease processes, veterinary toxicologists at the Center have screened the suspected grapes and raisins for various pesticides, heavy metals, 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.

As for treatment, the first line of defense is decontamination. Inducing vomiting in recent ingestion and administering activated charcoal helps prevent absorption of potential toxins. Dogs should be hospitalized and placed on a diuresis of intravenous fluids for a minimum of 48 hours. The blood work should be monitored 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 kidney failure, fluids must be continued, and other medications should be used to stimulate urine production.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
1-888-426-4435
http://www.aspca.org/apcc

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Thanks Jo for the info, I found it extremely interesting, but disturbing to read.
I guess that we've been very fortunate with Samm after her 3 bouts of getting into full boxes of raisin (over 8 year time span)... since she's never had any sign of trouble other than a very full belly from pigging out. :rolleyes:

Hubby and I developed a promise/motto to never ever underestimate the determination of a dog to get into food, no matter her size. The last time she got into the raisins, she tore into thick tupperware plastic material about half an inch thick. She had also gone from the back of the sofa, to a book shelf and then jumped across onto the dining table.

We've been very careful ever since to ALWAYS leave with everything put away into the kitchen and to firmly close the kitchen door. She can be her own worst enemy. Unfortunately, many dogs are like that too :( :( :(
regards,
Sara

Wow, that's wierd - and scary. My lot love grapes, and many times have stolen a bunch from the fruitbowl and scoffed the lot (carefully picking each one from the twig!) Luckily there have been no ill-effects, other than they seem to reappear next day in the poo completely unchanged...