Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Toxic effects of aflatoxins in dogs eating dry commercial feed
By Martínez-Martínez, Lizbeth et al.·Published in Toxins·2021·Centro de Ciencias Agropecuarias·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Toxic Effect of Aflatoxins in Dogs Fed Contaminated Commercial Dry Feed: A Review.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog can suffer from serious health issues if it eats commercial dry dog food contaminated with aflatoxins, which are toxic substances produced by certain molds. Symptoms of aflatoxicosis can include vomiting, lethargy, and liver damage. To address this, veterinarians can use various treatments, including improving blood clotting, managing infections, and protecting the stomach lining. It's important for pet owners to be aware of the potential risks in dog food and to consult their vet if they suspect their dog has been affected.
Abstract
Since its first patent (1897), commercial dry feed (CDF) for dogs has diversified its formulation to meet the nutritional needs of different breeds, age, or special conditions and establish a foundation for integration of these pets into urban lifestyles. The risk of aflatoxicosis in dogs has increased because the ingredients used to formulate CDF have also proliferated, making it difficult to ensure the quality required of each to achieve the safety of the entire CDF. This review contains a description of the fungi and aflatoxins detected in CDF and the ingredients commonly used for their formulation. The mechanisms of action and pathogenic effects of aflatoxins are outlined; as well as the clinical findings, and macroscopic and microscopic lesions found in aflatoxicosis in dogs. In addition, alternatives for diagnosis, treatment, and control of aflatoxins (AF) in CDF are analyzed, such as biomarkers of effect, improvement of blood coagulation, rate of elimination of AF, control of secondary infection, protection of gastric mucosa, reduction of oxidative stress, use of chemo-protectors, sequestrants, grain-free CDF, biocontrol, and maximum permitted limits, are also included.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33467754/