Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Muscle tremors in two dogs after eating moldy cheese and pasta
By Young, Kristin L et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2003·Eastown Animal Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tremorgenic mycotoxin intoxication with penitrem A and roquefortine in two dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs became very sick after eating moldy dairy products they found in the trash. They showed symptoms like muscle tremors and seizures, which can look similar to strychnine poisoning. Tests revealed that one dog ingested a moldy cream cheese wrapper containing a toxin called roquefortine, while the other dog ate moldy macaroni and cheese with a different toxin called penitrem A. Both dogs received supportive care from their veterinarian, and thankfully, their symptoms started to improve within 24 to 48 hours.
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Abstract
In this report, we describe the natural intoxication of 2 dogs that consumed moldy dairy products found in the household garbage and the procedures used to identify and quantify the tremorgenic mycotoxins, roquefortine and penitrem A, in the remaining portions of ingested materials. Following the ingestion of mycotoxins, the dogs of our report developed muscle tremors or seizures that resembled clinical signs of strychnine poisoning. Roquefortine was the predominant mycotoxin in a moldy cream cheese wrapper that was found among scattered garbage consumed by the first dog. Penitrem A was the only mycotoxin detected in discarded moldy macaroni and cheese that was consumed by the second dog. Treatment of dogs with tremorgenic mycotoxin intoxication involves supportive care. Close monitoring is important because the development of aspiration pneumonia is common and has been reported as the cause of death. Clinical signs of intoxication gradually resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12523480/