THE GRAPES OF WRATH

I'm pretty sure John Steinbeck had a very different meaning with the title of his American literary work than the meaning intended in this blog, which will be applied to veterinary care.

Recently, I had the opportunity to cover a shift for another veterinarian at a local veterinary hospital.  When I arrived, my first question was, "What (cases) do we have for today?"  After which I was presented with a 3 year-old, neutered, male Schnauzer.  This particular patient, two days prior, decided to eat a bunch of grapes (the owner estimated about 24 grapes), those delicious, sweet treats from nature.  However, as we all SHOULD KNOW... GRAPES ARE TOXIC to dogs and cats!!

This patient had already spent a night at the local emergency hospital, a day at this clinic, and then I saw him for his 2nd full day of hospitalization.  The owners had an expectation of taking the dog home that day. The pet was evaluated in the morning, had a physical examination done, and the determination was to repeat comprehensive blood and urine testing.  These follow-up tests revealed a worsening case, with deteriorating kidney function and severe dehydration in a stable patient.  The owners were advised to continue critical care until the patient's laboratory results were managed, and within more normal ranges, which would possibly take a few more days of critical care. I do expect this dog to make it through this with continual care.

Needless to say, these (possibly) 24 grapes are costing the owners thousands of dollars in veterinary services; but, even worse... the grapes' wrath may claim a good portion of this dog's lifespan.  I commend these owners for their commitment to the care of their pet, and their resolution to bring him out of this crisis!! And, I use their recent emergency as an urgent exhortation to be as cautious as possible when it comes to pet ownership.  Knowledge is power!  In the case of recent pet toxin ingestion, contact Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435, or contact your local veterinarian (Dr. Sam Pet Hospital 435-406-6716), and seek immediate veterinary care because it may save your pet's life!

www.doctorsam.net