We have known for years that grapes are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.   But we didn’t know why!

The folks at ASPCA poison control think they have identified the culprit toxin!  They described it in a letter to the editor of JAVMA, a popular veterinary journal.

How did they figure it out?

They received a report of a dog who developed kidney failure after eating a couple teaspoons of cream of tartar.  They also heard about a dog who ate some homemade playdough and developed kidney failure about a day later so severe she was euthanized.  When they examined this dog’s kidneys, they saw pathologic changes similar to what we see in grape toxicosis.

They connected a bunch of dots:

1. Homemade playdough contains cream of tartar.
2. Grapes have high levels of potassium tartrate, which is the chemical makeup of cream of tartar and tartaric acid.

While potassium tartrate is safe for people, we know that dogs absorb it more readily, and it is cleared by their kidneys.

 

 

 

This compound makes a lot of sense as a toxin.  Every veterinarian has had patients who are severely sickened by a small amount of grapes yet have also seen dogs who have ingested a large dose of grapes and are unaffected.  I remember a client telling me she fed her Yellow Labs frozen grapes as a treat in the summer.  I was horrified.  The dogs just wagged their tails at me, as Labs do.

It turns out that grapes have varying levels of tartrate, and different forms of it depending on ripeness, variety and growing conditions.  That explains somewhat why we see patients reactions can differ so much!

Additionally, we do not see renal failure when dogs get into grape juice or jelly.  It turns out tartrates are removed from grapes when those items are processed.

It also solved another conundrum, one I wasn’t aware of.  The ASPCA has had reports of vomiting and kidney failure from tamarind ingestion.  Well, it turns out tamarinds contain lots of tartrates too!

If you want to read the original letter, the ASPCA posted it on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aspcaapcc/posts/3875710322466733

When numerous dogs in Chicago needed to be treated and even hospitalized for fever and respiratory signs ranging from coughing and sneezing to pneumonia, veterinarians felt sure of the cause: the H3N8 strain which had been causing sporadic outbreaks in dogs since 2004.

The Cornell University researchers studied patient samples and astounded the veterinary community with the news that it is the H3N2 virus, common in China and South Korea, causing the current outbreak.

Differences in canine influenza

Sounds arcane- why should we care?

Well this new (to us in North America) strain, H3N2 is significantly different from the old H3N8 strain. That means the PCR test we commonly use to diagnose canine influenza is tailored to detect the old H3N8 virus; dogs infected with H3N2 will test negative.

Since it is so different, it is likely that the available canine influenza vaccine will not provide immunity to our dogs. Veterinarians in Chicago are trying to determine if vaccinated dogs are contracting this flu at a lower rate than unvaccinated dogs.

Dogs living in areas where there is an outbreak should avoid exposure by avoiding dog parks and day care facilities. I have not heard of feline cases in Chicago, but cats can be infected by H3N2.

Chinese Medicine can help cure canine influenza

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) developed long before influenza viruses were analyzed by PCR but will have a lot to offer dogs in this outbreak.

Flu patients can benefit from acupuncture which can boost immunity and alleviate respiratory signs.

TCM can help prophylactically too!

If you live in an area where your dog may be at risk, here are some acupressure points you can stimulate to boost your dog’s immunity. Canine influenza has high morbidity but low mortality. That means many of the dogs exposed to the virus will contract the flu, but most of those dogs will not become so severely ill that they die. Good immunity can mean the difference between mild and serious disease!

Gall Bladder 20, Feng-chi, is an important point in preventing infections and treating respiratory signs. Find the junction on the back of your dog’s head between her skull and her neck. On either side you will find a large depression. Extend your index finger and with your fingertip gently apply steady pressure to those depressions for 20 seconds.

Large Intestine 11, Qu-chi, increases the number and quality of several immune cells. To locate it, bend your dog’s front leg. You will find a crease at the elbow. Large Intestine 20 is at the end of that crease. Apply steady pressure to that point for 20 seconds.

Lung 7, Lie-que, is a good cough suppressing and improves respiration generally. To find it, bend your dog’s wrist on the side close to his body. Just above the wrist you will find a bump called the styloid process. Above that you will find a depression- Lung 7. Apply steady pressure and move your fingertip up and down in that depression for 20 seconds.

Many Chinese herbs positively affect immunity. Astragalus is a root which in TCM boosts Wei Qi- Wei Qi is the energy that protects the body from outside pathogens. Astragalus increases white blood cell counts, and promotes faster production and maturation of immune cells in bone marrow. It also inhibits activity of many bacteria. A veterinarian trained in Chinese herbal medicine can help you find the best formula for your pet.

A common query I receive about veterinary acupuncture: how do you get them to sit for it? Do you have to sedate them? No, I do not sedate pets for acupuncture. There are dogs who love acupuncture ( I am thinking of Tosco the Golden Retriever who stretched out in acupuncture position when he saw me at the door,); there are dogs who detest acupuncture (I am thinking of Sofi with whom I wrestle while inserting needles.) Many cats do not enjoy being touched by strangers and can be difficult to treat. Rusty is an exception!

The first time Rusty came to my office for acupuncture therapy to help manage his hyperthyroid disease and kidney insufficiency, he walked about, suspiciously surveying my office. During treatment he shifted around until we found his favorite position: lying on top of his Mom. Once his needles were in he relaxed. In subsequent weeks he learned the routine, and started to get that blissful look in his eyes soon after the first couple of needles were placed. The calming effect is now lasting: on his last trip to his regular veterinarian to monitor his thyroid and kidney values he calmly allowed his blood to be drawn- none of the usual protest or hissing!