Chapter 56 - Enterotoxins

Abstract

Food poisoning by enterotoxins is quite common in dogs ingesting garbage, carrion, or other spoiled foodstuffs. Many owners have the mistaken opinion that dogs are not susceptible to food poisoning and thus may feed their pets foods that humans would rather not ingest. Discarded foodstuffs are often high in proteins and carbohydrates and serve as excellent substrates for the rapid growth of bacteria. The list of pathogenic organisms is quite lengthy. Of course, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus are the two most common organisms for enterotoxins and food poisoning in dogs and humans. The most common clinical sign in dogs is vomiting, which usually occurs within 2 or 3h following ingestion. Diarrhea can often develop within 2–48h and can be severe and bloody. The combination of both vomiting and diarrhea in the affected animals can quickly lead to profound fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. Diagnosis is based on ingestion of garbage or discarded food and clinical signs. The treatment of garbage intoxication in animals is directed at correcting the fluid and electrolyte abnormalities along with considerations of acid–base balance. This chapter described garbage poisoning or food poisoning by enterotoxins in dogs.