Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Acute kidney injury in dogs after eating cream of tartar or tamarinds
By Wegenast, Colette A et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2022·ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Acute kidney injury in dogs following ingestion of cream of tartar and tamarinds and the connection to tartaric acid as the proposed toxic principle in grapes and raisins.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs developed serious kidney problems after eating tamarinds or cream of tartar, which may contain a harmful substance called tartaric acid, also found in grapes. The dogs showed signs of acute kidney injury, and despite receiving IV fluids and supportive care, four of them had to be euthanized due to the severity of their condition. Unfortunately, the outcome for two other dogs remains unknown. This situation highlights the dangers of these foods for dogs and the potential risks associated with tartaric acid.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To (1) describe exposure history, clinical signs, treatment, and diagnostic findings in 4 dogs following ingestion of tamarinds, and in 2 dogs following ingestion of cream of tartar, and (2) discuss tartaric acid, the common denominator, as the proposed toxic principle in tamarinds and grapes. SERIES SUMMARY: Reports in which dogs developed acute kidney injury following ingestion of cream of tartar or tamarinds were identified from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center electronic database. In these cases, decontamination was not performed, and treatments were delayed. Despite IV fluids and symptomatic and supportive care, 2 of the dogs became anuric and 1 became oliguric. Four dogs were euthanized, and the outcome is unknown for 2 of the dogs. Necropsies were performed on 3 of the dogs. Clinical signs, laboratory findings, and histopathologic lesions were similar to those reported in grape and raisin toxicosis. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Acute kidney injury may develop following ingestion of cream of tartar or tamarinds in dogs. Connecting these reports with findings in grape and raisin toxicosis and the sensitivity to tartaric acid in dogs, tartaric acid is identified as the likely toxic component in grapes and tamarinds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35869755/