Oh my - what a nightmare!!! I didn't think for a second they would be stuffing them full of grapes, but I've not had the heart to ask them what happened or how the vet came to the decision it was the grapes, but it's something I needed to know so that I could tell others how the conclusion came about.

As for the cyanide, I know it's in the pips which is why we should remove them before feeding them to our suggies, but apparently it's in seedless grapes too. I've read so much stuff on the toxicity of grapes since I first heard about it 2 years ago, but I'd forgotten most of it because I'd heard of no more cases!

please pass on my deepest sympathies RIP lil skunks

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So sad RIP wee Skunks

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1Royal Python murphy
1 cali king
1 corn snake
1 jungle corn
1 cats...suki
2 mice...maggie and dusty
2 fancy rats snowy and spike

no, being me i quizzed the poor sods a bit.. i have got more questions for them, but they can wait for now.. i know a lot more about grapes than i did this morning for sure

just some more reading...

Dogs are exposed to grapes and raisins in many ways. Frequently, dogs will eat fruit off the vine, steal from plates, and even eat wine pressings. Grapes and raisins have been recommended as treats and training aids because fruit is tasty and relatively low in calories. Unfortunately, dogs can have dangerous reactions to grapes and raisins. Between January 2001 and August 2004, over 200 calls were made to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center1 involving potential exposures to grapes or raisins in dogs. Sensitive dogs have a risk of initial gastrointestinal upset followed by acute renal failure (ARF). This column discusses clinical signs and treatment of grape and raisin toxicosis in dogs.

MECHANISM OF ACTION
In cases of grape or raisin toxicosis in dogs, the actual mechanism of toxaction remains unknown. The exact pathophysiology of ARF following the ingestion of grapes or raisins remains undetermined. Theories include metabolic
disruption, a nephrotoxic mycotoxin, and an idiosyncratic reaction. Dogs that have developed ARF were exposed in various ways. Ingestions included grapes purchased from a grocery store as well as grapes found in the backyard, grape pressings from wineries, and both the seedless and seeded varieties. Some of the grapes involved were tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and mycotoxins (all findings were negative). It is unclear if the skin of the grape must be ingested for ARF to occur. Currently, grape-seed extract is not considered a threat; only the grape or raisin itself is considered a danger. So far, dogs are the primary species affected. Whether other species are affected remains unknown. (nerys - not any more..)

CLINICAL SIGNS
At this time, the lowest documented toxic grape or raisin dose is 0.32 to 0.65 oz/kg.5 Without knowing the exact
mechanism of action, all cases of grape or raisin ingestion should be considered potentially serious. Vomiting is one of
the initial signs of grape or raisin toxicity and can occur within the first 2 hours. Other initial signs that can occur
within the first 5 to 6 hours of exposure include diarrhea, lethargy, and polydipsia. Signs of ARF may develop
either within 24 hours or several days after exposure. Signs of ARF may include anorexia, lethargy, depression,
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and hypovolemia. Changes in the patient’s blood chemistry may be
noted and mainly involve hypercalcemia, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and hyperphosphatemia. Tubular degeneration and necrosis of the kidneys may follow. Tubular necrosis may be seen on histopathology. Mineralization of the kidneys has also been seen in some cases.

DIAGNOSIS
Clinical signs of grape or raisin toxicosis are similar to those of other causes of ARF. Diagnosis of grape toxaction icity is based on history of exposure, type of clinical signs, and evidence of ARF. Chemistry profiles should be used to evaluate the function of the kidney. Other common differentials for ARF, such as ethylene glycol ingestion, trauma, and other disease processes, should be discussed.

TREATMENT
Management of a patient with grape or raisin toxicosis depends on the animal’s initial presentation. Decontamination by emesis (induced vomiting), followed by administration of activated charcoal, is important in all recent ingestions. Emesis should be induced within the first 2 hours after exposure. The longer emesis is delayed after exposure, the less likely it is to be effective. Fluid diuresis for the first 48 hours may help prevent ARF from developing. Blood chemistry values, including
renal enzymes, should be monitored for 72 hours. Medications such as furosemide, dopamine, or mannitol can be used in anuric renal failure. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be of benefit if available. Basic supportive care and monitoring during hospitalization is important


http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/...pdf?docID=3782

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My thoughts are with them. I can only imagine how they must be feeling. Hopefully this knowledge will help prevent accidents like this happening again.
Sleep well little skunky butts

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Member No. 996

Whites Tree Frogs, Litorea caerulea
Crested Geckos, Rhacodactylus ciliatus
Mossy Geckos, Rhacodactylus chahoua
Golden Retriever (Harvey)
Wanted!Female R.chahoua (RIP Forest)1.1.GT R.leachianus leachianus1.1 High Colour R.auriculatus

Thats really unlucky... give them our best wishes and RIP the little skunks

this is dreadful news. i was only looking at the beautiful photos of these two the other night and dreaming of one day owning one myself as they are such wonderful creatures.

please pass on my deepest sympathy they must be feeling dreadful but they are not to blame themselves it could have happened to anybody unfortunately it usually takes something like this for information to become general knowledge. i wouldn't have guessed that grapes in their makeup could cause such damage

debbie

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Debs dragons

grapes, who'd of thunk it!

I'm so sorry I'd only just heard that grapes are toxic to dogs, let alone about their effect on other animals! RIP skunklets xx