Garbage Can toxicity in dogs
This article, although a year old, provides an excellent review for some of the signs associated with garbage can toxicity. It reviews the diagnosis and treatment of two dogs ingesting moldy dairy products from the garbage. Clinical signs included vomiting and CNS stimulation; tremorgenic mycotoxins were identified in both cases. .
Young KL, Villar D, Carson TL, et al. Tremorgenic mycotoxin intoxication with penitrem A and roquefortine in two dogs. JAVMA 2003; 222:52-53.
Dog Number 1: An 11 year old female Labrador ingested garbage containing moldy cream cheese that had been left in the refrigerator for over 3 months. Clinical signs included tachypnea, tachycardia, blepharospasm, weakness, hyperextension of the extremities, and generalized tremors. The dog vomited a foul smelling, black tarry substance with flecks of white material. Treatment included IV fluids, diazepam, phenobarbital, and prednisolone. Recovery began by 24 hours and was nearly complete by 48 hours. Initial diagnosis was strychnine poisoning. This was modified after the owners found a moldy cream cheese wrapper that smelled similar to the vomitus. Analysis of the wrapper at the Iowa State University Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the presence of Penitrem A and roquefortine C.
Dog Number 2: A 3-year-old male Labrador ingested garbage containing moldy macaroni and cheese. Clinical signs included profuse vomiting and status epilepticus. Aspiration pneumonia developed. Treatment included IV fluids, diazepam, thiopental, gastric lavage with activated charcoal, antimicrobial agents, and nebulization. Analysis of the vomitus at Iowa State confirmed the presence of Penitrem A.
The mechanism of action for tremorgenic mycotoxins is unknown. In vitro testing for Penitrem A shows that it interferes with the release of some transmitter amino acids (glutamate, aspartic acid, and gamma amino butyric acid) in both central and peripheral synapses. It may also inhibit glycine transmission in inhibitory neurons. Rat studies of Penitrem A ingestion showed widespread necrosis and loss of Purkinje fibers in the cerebellar region. This was present even in rats that made a complete recovery.
Clinical signs include vomiting and CNS stimulation. Since these signs are similar to strychnine intoxication, ingestion of tremorgenic mycotoxins should be added to the differential list for dogs presenting with acute vomiting and CNS signs.
Diagnosis is confirmed with identification of Penitrem A or roquefortine from remains of original ingested material or vomitus. Both roquefortine and Penitrem A can be synthesized at the same time by Penicillum crustosum after growth and sporulation There are few reports of roquefortine intoxication in the literature. Penitrem A is most commonly identified and has been found in overwintered, moldy walnuts as well as dairy products.
Recommended treatment options include close observation, supportive care including IV fluids, diazepam or barbiturates, and methocarbamol. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal should be used with caution due to the risk of aspiration pneumonia. With appropriate treatment, signs generally resolve in 24-48 hours.
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