Because September and October are the months when most nuts (especially walnuts) fall from their trees, Dr. Thatcher has written an article on what can happen when your dog ingests something like a moldy walnut! Please clean up your yards as soon as nuts fall and keep compost out of reach. Tremorgenic Mycotoxicosis What is it? A mycotoxin is a toxic secondary metabolite (or ‘by product’) produced by fungal organisms. The most common fungal organism that people as well as pets encounter is mold. Mold is frequently encountered in household garbage and compost, and although cats will often turn their nose up at moldy food, many dogs consider it a tasty treat! Ingestion of certain mycotoxins can lead to a potentially life-threatening disease called Tremorgenic Mycotoxicosis. Penitrem A. and Roquefortine are the two most commonly encountered tremorgenic mycotoxins in the Okanagan Valley. These mycotoxins are associated with spoiled foodstuff often found in moldy foods (especially bread and cheese), compost, nuts (especially walnuts), and grains. What are the symptoms? Ingestion of mycotoxins primarily affects the central nervous system. Mycotoxins are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and adversely affect neurotransmitter release mechanisms. Neurotransmitters are an essential part of the central nervous system, as they are responsible for stimulating muscle contraction and relaxation along with several other critical functions. Ingestion of just 0.175 mg/kg is considered toxic. For example, a 20kg dog (44lbs) needs only to ingest 3.5mg to be affected…that’s less than a mouthful! Symptoms often occur within thirty minutes, although their onset can be delayed for as long as two to three hours. Early signs include: vomiting, hyperactivity, panting, irritability, weakness, muscle tremors, and rigidity. Advanced symptoms can include severe tremors which can progress to seizures. The increased muscle activity caused by excessive tremors can result in hyperthermia, exhaustion, and dehydration to name a few. What should I do if I notice these symptoms in my dog? Ingestion of mycotoxins is potentially fatal. It is very important that you contact Fairfield Animal Hospital immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms, or if you suspect that your dog has ingested moldy food material. Prompt treatment is imperative. How do you treat Tremorgenic Mycotoxicosis? Treatment involves controlling muscle tremors, seizures, and resulting hyperthermia, by use of medications and intravenous fluids. If mold ingestion is detected early, before clinical signs begin to present themselves, we will often induce vomiting in an attempt to prevent progression of the disease. Activated charcoal will also be administered by mouth, as it acts as a sponge in the stomach, thus preventing the absorption of the toxin. Tremorgenic Mycotoxicosis is commonly seen in the Okanagan Valley. Please contact the clinic immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms, or suspect that your dog has ingested moldy food. If you would like more information about Tremorgenic Mycotoxicosis please do not hesitate to call the clinic for more information. It is our goal to work with you to help keep your canine companion healthy and happy! Sincerely, the Doctors and Staff at Fairfield Animal Hospital Kelowna
Posted on: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 14:23:10 +0000
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