Aflatoxicosis in dogs

Abstract

Aflatoxins are toxic, naturally occurring bisfuranocoumarin compounds produced by certain strains of the moulds Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius. Aflatoxin metabolites cause hepatotoxicity by reacting with macromolecules (including DNA and proteins) to cause fatty liver or liver necrosis. Most cases involve dog food or, less commonly, ingestion of mouldy bread. Periodic outbreaks are reported in dogs, most recently at the end of 2020 to early 2021 in the US. Multiple dogs may be involved in incidents and the dogs usually present with gastrointestinal signs, lethargy, melaena and jaundice. Diagnosis is based on a history of possible ingestion and laboratory confirmation of aflatoxin(s) in suspect material. In the liver the typical histological changes are centrilobular necrosis of the liver and bile duct proliferation. Treatment of aflatoxicosis in dogs in supportive, with management of liver failure. Prognosis depends on the severity of liver damage, but mortality rates in dogs with aflatoxicosis are high.