Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs, tests, and outcomes for dogs poisoned by alpha-amanitin
By Kaae, Jennifer A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2021·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Physical examination, serum biochemical, and coagulation abnormalities, treatments, and outcomes for dogs with toxicosis from α-amanitin-containing mushrooms: 59 cases (2006-2019).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 59 dogs, many under a year old, showed serious symptoms after eating poisonous mushrooms containing a toxin called α-amanitin. Owners noticed signs like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weakness, with some dogs having high temperatures. Tests revealed liver damage and low blood sugar in many cases. While most dogs that got very sick did not survive, 13 dogs received prompt treatment and fully recovered. Recognizing the symptoms and getting immediate veterinary help is crucial for dogs that may have ingested these dangerous mushrooms.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic abnormalities, treatments, and outcomes of dogs with confirmed α-amanitin toxicosis resulting from ingestion of α-amanitin-containing mushrooms, and to report whether any differences were significant between survivors and nonsurvivors. ANIMALS: 59 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of all dogs with confirmed α-amanitin toxicosis presented to a northern California emergency and specialty veterinary hospital between January 2006 and July 2019 were reviewed for signalment; body weight; history; physical examination findings including rectal temperature at presentation; results of serum biochemical analyses, coagulation tests, and a test for the detection of α-amanitin in urine; treatments; and outcomes. Differences for each were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. RESULTS: Among the 59 dogs, 36 were < 1 year of age; 56 had variable clinical signs that included vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weakness or lethargy; and 22 had rectal temperatures > 39.2°C (102.5°F) at presentation. Cases were seen throughout the calendar year. At presentation, alanine aminotransferase activity was mildly to markedly increased in 97% of dogs, hypoglycemia was noted in 78%, and coagulation times were prolonged in 91%. Most dogs that rapidly decompensated died; however, 13 dogs survived to hospital discharge and completely recovered. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ability to recognize dogs with α-amanitin toxicosis on the basis of clinical signs, physical examination findings, and clinicopathologic test results is essential because mushroom ingestion is rarely observed and immediate treatment is necessary. Dogs that have marked hypoglycemia or coagulopathy may have a poor prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33620242/