Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in dogs

Abstract

Dogs commonly ingest tremorgenic mycotoxins because of their indiscriminate eating habits. Common sources are mouldy food, compost and rotten, fallen fruits and nuts. The mycotoxins penitrem A and roquefortine are produced by species of the mould Penicillium. Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis is characterised by rapid onset whole-body muscle tremors, vomiting, pyrexia, convulsions, ataxia, twitching and hyperaesthesia. Dogs are also at risk of aspiration. Treatment is aimed at decontamination and control of increased muscle activity and seizures to prevent complications from prolonged seizure activity. This will involve gut decontamination (depending on the condition of the dog), repeat doses of activated charcoal (as the mycotoxins undergo enterohepatic recirculation) and administration of sedatives, anticonvulsants and/or anaesthetics. Lipid emulsion should also be considered in severe cases. Prognosis is typically good in dogs with mild signs or controlled seizures, but more guarded where there is uncontrolled seizure activity or aspiration pneumonitis.