West Coast Veterinary Clinic Ltd.
546 West Coast Rd
Oratia, Auckland
Phone: (09) 818 4104
Fax: (09) 818 4102
November 2010
Newsletter
Grape and Raisin Toxicity
Recently we have recognised a new toxicosis in dogs,
severe Acute Renal Failure (ARF) following ingestion
of grapes, raisins and sultanas.
The specific pathogens involved in this toxicosis have
eluded identification.
It appears from recent
unpublished data that the toxic component is watersoluble, and within the flesh of the grape/raisin, not the
seed.
There are reported cases in dogs, and anecdotal evidence that cats may be affected as
well.
The lowest recorded amount that caused ARF are:
 Grapes 20gr/kg
 Raisins 3gr/kg
However, smaller amounts could also cause problems, we really don’t know exactly
what the minimum dose is.
Also, not every dog or cat is susceptible – many animals can tolerate large quantities
of grapes or raisins without problems. Nobody knows what the patient risk factors are
(other than ingestion).
There is no information about grape juice. However, since the toxic agent is not
known, and we don’t know if heat will inactivate it, current recommendations are to
avoid giving grape juice to dogs or cats.
Treatment for acute ingestion is induced vomiting followed by i/v fluid for 36-72
hours. Renal function should be monitored for several days. If there is no renal
damage after three days, the animal will likely remain unaffected.
Prognosis is good with early decontamination and fluid therapy. In cases where renal
failure develops prognosis is guarded at best.
Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD)
Part Two
Because there is not one cause or
trigger for CAD (e.g. fleas, food,
grass etc), there is also not one
treatment approach that will satisfy
the needs of all patients.
When creating a management plan,
you have to consider a lot of things
like allergen avoidance, antimicrobial therapy, skin barrier
enhancement
(for
example
shampoos, sprays and topically
applied
medications),
immunotherapy and pharmacotherapy (such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine, essential
fatty acids, antihistamines, pentoxifylline etc).
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Avoidance of the allergens can be helpful for house dust mite allergies. With
pollen exposure its more difficult but can be reduced by using air conditioning
and air filters, avoiding the outside early morning and late afternoon, wiping
down with moist cloths after going outside and frequent bathing.
Antimicrobials are frequently used to control secondary infections and reduce
itchiness.
Antihistamines are far less harmful than steroids but only 10% - 20% of dogs
will respond to any given antihistamine. Several types may be tried to find
the one that is best for your pet.
Oral steroids are very effective but have many potential side effects and
should be reserved for animals with short seasonal problems or where other
therapy is not possible or is ineffective.
Cyclosporine (Atopica), this is a new product shown to be as effective as
steroids for the treatment of CAD. This product has been a true breakthrough
in reducing the need for steroids. It is relatively an expensive medication
compared with steroids but does not lead to the long term debilitating side
effects that steroids can cause.
Immunotherapy, as defined by the World Health Organisation, is the practice
of administering increasing quantities of an allergen extract to an allergic
subject to ameliorate symptoms associated with subsequent exposure to the
causative allergen. Just as people have allergy shots, so can pets, however,
the process is not without difficulty and one should not expect hypo
sensitisation to end all itchy skin concerns.
Allergy shots require
approximately 6-12 months to begin working and 30-40% of dogs will not
respond. These dogs that do not respond are usually allergic to multiple
allergens.
Essential fatty acids improve the skin and hair and enhance the epidermal
barrier. Both omega 3 and omega 6 have been recommended; omega 3 for
pruritis and omega 6 for the restoration of the cutaneous barrier.
Skin Referrals
Our dog a bearded collie named Dougal had been suffering for a number of months
with a skin allergy. After visiting other specialists and being frustrated with the
outcome, our vet recommended that we visit Zoran.
We found Zoran to be very helpful, knowledgeable and positive, and we came away
feeling that we were in capable hands. Very quickly we saw results from the treatment
that Zoran was giving Dougal, in a short space of time the itching had stopped and
over a number of weeks we were able to identify the cause of Dougal’s skin allergy.
We are now in a position where Dougal no longer suffers from itchy skin and we are
in control of the situation. We highly recommend Zoran, and we and Dougal are very
appreciative of the help Zoran has given us.
Thanks very much
Liz & Craig Nicholson (& of course Dougal!)
Holiday Season
Don’t forget that we will be closed on the 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th of
December 2010. We will also be closed on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th of
January 2011. In an emergency please contact the Animal Emergency
Centre After Hours Care (97 Carrington Rd, Mt Albert) on (09) 849 2121.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.