Article Reviews

Kabocha squash neurotoxicity in dogs: A Halloween Hazard

Dorsch R, Smolinske, Cervi: Abstract #256 of North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology Annual Meting 2006. Kabocha squash neurotoxicity in dogs: Halloween hazard. Clinical Toxicology 44(5): 748-49, 2006.

Dr, Hovda's comments: This brief abstract was reviewed as it represents the first literary mention of Kabocha squash toxicity in dogs. It is important to remember that this is an abstract only and there are no research or other information to support it. Nevertheless, as we learn more about plant poisonings it becomes clear that ornamental squashes, gourds, and pumpkins should be on the veterinarian's radar screen, especially as Halloween and Thanksgiving approach.

Kabocha pumpkin or squash is a general name for a variety of Japanese squashes and pumpkins (Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita maxima). Cucurbitacins, tetracyclic triterpenoids, appear to be the toxic agent and while there are cases of human poisonings associated with these, no animal cases of Kabocha squash toxicity are found. There is one case report of a dog developing seizures from Momordica charantia, which has a related cucurbit toxin.

The abstract states that two 18 month old Labrador retrievers ingested 2/3 of a small 7 inch Kabocha pumpkin that had been purchased as a Halloween ornament. Thirty minutes after ingestion, both dogs developed "salivation, tremors, tachypnea, ataxia, and seizure like activity". The dogs were treated by their DVM with activated charcoal, IV fluids (sodium chloride), diazepam, and methocarbamol. Atropine was administered to one dog to rule out organophosphate toxicity; Furosemide to another for fluid overload. Signs continued for 18 hours and were primarily neurological in origin - lateral nystagmus, tremors, ataxia, weakness, lack of responsiveness to vocal stimulus. One dog developed intermittent rigid paralysis. Other signs included excess salivation, mild tachycardia, passage of Kabocha seeds in feces, and fluorescent green urine (one dog). Laboratory elevations were normal with the exception of slightly elevated CK and AST (one dog) and mild electrolyte changes associated with dilution. All sign resolved in 24 hours.

The author states that human poisonings generally result in sever gastrointestinal signs, but neurotoxicity and seizures have occurred in large ingestions. Based on human findings, 3 Kabocha canine cases in the ASPCA date bank, and the findings in these two dogs, the authors conclude that Kabocha pumpkins and other ornamental gourds should be added to the list of Halloween hazards for pets.