Mycotoxicosis

Tremorgenic Neuromycotoxicosis

When pets come in contact with foods that have grown various types of mold, there is a high risk of ingestion of a dangerous chemical it produces. Mycotoxins are toxic chemical substances produced naturally by molds and fungi that grow in warm, humid places.

They are invisible, odorless and do not break down easily. Dogs are at high risk due to their high scavenging habits. If supportive care is not provided quickly, the toxins can become life threatening.

The following clinical signs can start as soon as 15-20 minutes with pets appearing restless, drooling or agitated, can appear 1-2 hours after ingestion or may take several hours. It is imperative to seek veterinary care as soon as these signs start to occur.

• Muscle tremors

• Ataxia - A lack of coordination, stumbling, unsteady when moving

• Seizures

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Hyperesthesia - Extreme sensitivity to stimuli (touch, sound, temperature, pressure)

• Nystagmus - Rapid, involuntary eye movements (up/down, side to side, or circular)

• Hyperthermia - Elevated body temperature

Treatment for mycotoxicosis includes hospitalization and managing the clinical signs as they occur. The pet will go through the process of decontamination if they have not vomited before coming into the clinic. Activated charcoal is used to coat the lining and protect the GI tract from the toxin(s). It is important to keep the pet well hydrated with IV fluids during recovery. Anti-seizure medication or sedation may also be needed to help treat any clinical signs relating to the central nervous system.

Thermoregulation is prioritized as the animal usually cannot regulate the body temperature while in a seizure or sedated state. In addition to all the visual changes, blood work is an important diagnostic to see how the organs are responding to both the toxins and treatment. Hospitalization can be vital in order to monitor the pet closely and monitor the response to treatment. With the proper response time, it could take several days or up to a few weeks before the pet has recovered. 

It is important to inspect bags of dog and cat food, ensure safe storage, as well as make sure pets do not have access to your trash or compost. If you believe your pet ingested contaminated foods please let the veterinary team know so they can form the best treatment plan for your pet. Tremorgenic Neuromycotoxicosis is treatable, but can become fatal.

Author: Olivia Creel, CVT/LVT Editor: Maria Putnam, CEO Published By: All About the Animals Foundation