Sam

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WHO ATE ALL THE PIES?

Sam is a 4 year old English Springer Spaniel who enjoys the odd treat, often by helping himself - this time, in keeping with the festival spirit, he made a mistake by eating some mince pies.

Mince pies contain raisins, and even as few as 7 raisins, grapes or sultanas can be severely toxic.

Thankfully, Sam's owner realized this and brought Sam in for treatment straight away. As he was brought in within 2 hours of ingesting the food, the pies were still in his stomach and we made Sam vomit them up. If he's been brought in later, the consequences  could have been serious.

Grapes and raisins can cause acute renal (i.e. kidney) failure. Vomiting and hyperactivity are often observed in the first 24 hours, followed by anorexia, lethargy and depression. The dog may stop urinating and drinking, and in many cases, if untreated, this will end in death. The exact cause of this is as yet unknown.

So please avoid ANY fruit cakes, mince pies, grapes, raisins, hot cross buns, chocolate-covered raisins and so on.

A list of some other food your pets should avoid:

IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOUR PET HAS INGESTED ANYTHING ON THAT IS ON THIS LIST, PLEASE CALL YOUR VET.

Apple seeds – contain cyanide and can cause gastronintestinal signs along with other varied effects.  Avocado – any part of the avocado plant can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and laboured breathing.
Chocolate (all forms, higher cocoa solids are more dangerous) – Theobromine can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity and convulsions.
Coffee (all forms) – caffeine is a potent stimulant.
Macadamia nuts – can cause weakness, vomiting, pyrexia and lameness.
Moldy or spoiled foods – can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and convulsions.
Onions, onion powder, garlic, leeks and shallots (raw or cooked) – can all cause gastrointestinal symptoms and anaemia (a decrease in the red blood cell number)
Raisins and grapes – see above
Products sweetened with xylitol – can cause hypoglycaemia (a drop in blood sugar levels), and liver failure.

Peanuts – can cause gastrointestinal signs, convulsions and hallucinations.