Acute kidney injury in a dog after ingestion of homemade modelling dough containing cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate)

Summary A 16‐month‐old, male, neutered cocker spaniel developed gastrointestinal signs following ingestion of a homemade modelling dough containing cream of tartar. Blood biochemistry (29 hours post‐ingestion) showed elevated creatinine, urea and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). Acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to cream of tartar ingestion was suspected. Creatinine peaked on Day 4 at 1184 µmol/L (reference range: 44–115 µmol/L). Urinary output was maintained throughout. Hypertension and hyperphosphataemia secondary to the AKI were medically managed. The dog received fluid therapy until Day 17 and was discharged on Day 19. Progressive improvement in renal biochemical factors was seen following discharge; at 46 days following ingestion, the dog's creatinine concentration was within the reference range with mildly elevated SDMA. Information about outcome in cream of tartar ingestion is limited, but suggests a grave prognosis; this case demonstrates that outcome can be good, but treatment may be prolonged.