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seedless and seeded varieties (Eubig et al. 2005). dog became ill after only eating 10 to 12 grapes (Eubig
Grape extract is not considered a threat; the grape et al. 2005). The severity of the illness does not seem
or raisin itself has to be eaten for poisoning to occur to be dose-related (Eubig et al. 2005). Even a large dog
(McKnight, 2005). of 40kg may need to eat only 120g to be at risk and as
cartons of raisins typically contain 500g this amount
The lowest intake that has so far been reported could be ingested in one session. At present it appears
to cause poisoning is around 2.8g of raisins per kg that only dogs are affected – the susceptibility of other
bodyweight (BW) and 19.6g of grapes per kg BW; one species is unknown.

7.1.4 Treatment

Immediate treatment consists of inducing emesis survival, and should be maintained long enough (at
and lavage of the stomach to remove the poison, least 48 hours). Haemodialysis and diuretics such as
followed by decontamination using activated charcoal furosemide have been recommended to treat the
to inactivate the remaining poison. Aggressive ARF and oliguria (McKnight, 2005), but do not seem
fluid therapy is essential to increase the chances of to increase survival substantially (Eubig et al. 2005).

7.1.5 References

1. AFIP. (2003) Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Department of 4. Gwaltney-Brant, S.M., Holding, J.K., Donaldson, C.W., et al. (2001)
Veterinary Pathology, Conference 7, 29 October. Renal failure associated with ingestion of grapes or raisins in
dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
2. ASPCA. (2004) Raisins and grapes can be toxic to dogs. ASPCA 218 (10), 1555-1556.
Animal Poison Control Centre Issues Nationwide Update, 6 July.
5. McKnight, K. (2005). Grape and raisin toxicity in dogs. Veterinary
3. Eubig, P.A., Brady, M.S., Gwaltney-Brant S.M., et al. (2005) Acute Technician, February issue, 135-136.
renal failure in dogs after the ingestion of grapes or raisins:
A retrospective evaluation of 43 dogs (1992-2002). Journal of 6. Penny, D., Henderson, S.M., Brown, P.J. (2003) Raisin poisoning in
Veterinary Internal Medicine 19, 663-674. a dog. Veterinary Record 152 (10), 308.

7.2 Chocolate toxicity

7.2.1 Background

Cocoa poisoning was highlighted during the Second containing human foods are best avoided. It is not
World War, when pigs, calves, dogs and horses were surprising that most accidents are reported during
poisoned because by-products of cacao beans were holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter (Campbell
used to supplement feeds as a result of a surplus. 2001). Chocolate treats specially developed for dogs are
not toxic as they are made from ingredients that contain
Chocolate is palatable to most dogs, but it is not an low or no theobromine.
innocent snack being relatively toxic. In dogs signs of
toxicity may develop within hours after consumption. No reports of chocolate poisoning in cats have been
published to our knowledge, probably as a consequence
In addition, chocolate cakes and other cocoa of their different eating habits.

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