Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Four dogs in one home with tremors from mold toxin poisoning
By Boysen, Søren R et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2002·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in four dogs from a single household.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four dogs from the same household were brought to the vet after showing symptoms like muscle tremors, unsteady walking, and seizures. They had ingested tremorgenic mycotoxins, specifically penitrem A and roquefortine, which are toxins produced by certain molds. The vet treated them with medications to control the tremors and seizures, and two dogs needed extra help with breathing support. Thankfully, with prompt and aggressive treatment, all four dogs recovered completely without any lasting issues.
People also search for: dog tremors treatment · dog seizures after eating mold · how to treat mycotoxin poisoning in dogs
Abstract
Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that induce undesirable effects. The effects of these mycotoxins vary depending on the chemical structure of the toxin and degree of toxicity. Mycotoxins that induce muscle tremors, ataxia, and convulsions are termed tremorgenic mycotoxins. Our report documents the clinical course of 4 dogs from a single household that were simultaneously affected by tremorgenic mycotoxins. Diagnosis of tremorgenic mycotoxicosis was confirmed by stomach content analysis from 1 of the dogs. The mycotoxins identified were penitrem A and roquefortine, which are both produced by Penicillium spp. Treatment goals following tremorgenic mycotoxin ingestion include minimizing absorption, controlling tremors and seizures with methocarbamol and pentobarbital sodium administration, and providing supportive care. Two of the affected dogs required ventilatory support. With early aggressive treatment, prognosis is good and recovery is complete without sequelae. It is helpful for the clinician to be familiar with the typical clinical signs at the time of admission, treatment, and clinical course of dogs with tremorgenic mycotoxicosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12458614/