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Aflatoxicosis:

Aflatoxin Poisoning in Dogs and Cats

Dr. Lorie Huston -
www.suite101.com – Jan 22n 2011

Aflatoxicosis Can Be Fatal for Dogs and Cats - epSos.de/Flickr.com

Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxin (a poison produced by fungi or mold). Aflatoxins can contaminate foods and cause liver disease in dogs and cats.

Aflatoxins are sometimes found in moldy dog and cat foods. Ingestion of aflatoxins can cause liver failure in pets.

Aflatoxins Are Mycotoxins Produced by Fungi and Molds

Mycotoxins are substances that are produced by fungi or molds. Aflatoxins are one of the most commonly seen mycotoxins in dogs. Cats also can be affected.

Aflatoxins are not only potent toxins but they are also carcinogenic (cancer-causing), mutagenic (capable of causing mutations) and immunosuppressive. They cause the death of hepatic (liver) cells, leading to liver failure.

Fungi and molds such as Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium are capable of producing aflatoxins. These molds and fungi can contaminate products such as corn, peanuts and cottonseed. As a result, dog and cat foods containing these products can contain aflatoxins.

Aflatoxicosis in Dogs and Cats

Aflatoxicosis is poisoning of a dog or cat with an aflatoxin. Though not seen frequently, aflatoxicosis can be life-threatening for the affected pet and can also have long-lasting effects.

Acute Aflatoxicosis in Dogs and Cats

Aflatoxins attack the liver of the dog and cat, causing liver failure. The symptoms expected to be seen in acute cases of aflatoxicosis are:

  • lethargy and depression
  • loss of appetite
  • vomiting
  • bloody diarrhea
  • jaundice (yellow coloration of the gums and skin)
  • weakness
  • seizures
Aflatoxicosis can cause fatal symptoms fairly rapidly, often within a few days of ingestion.

Treatment of Aflatoxicosis

There is no specific cure for aflatoxicosis. Treatment is supportive and includes:

  • fluid therapy to correct dehydration and maintain the hydration status
  • anti-emetic medications such as metoclopramide or chlorpromazine to control vomiting
  • antibiotics such as amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulinic acid or cephalexin
  • drugs such as famotidine, ranitidine or carafate that protect the gastrointestinal tract
  • phytonadione (vitamin K1)
While treating a dog or cat for aflatoxicosis, the blood pressure should be monitored and hypotension (low blood pressure) avoided. Electrolytes, red blood cell values and liver enzymes must be monitored as well.

Medications such as SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), ursodeoxycholic acid and vitamin E may also have some value in treating the liver damage resulting from aflatoxin ingestion.

Hepatic encephalopathy is the involvement of the brain and central nervous system as a result of liver disease. Animals suffering from aflatoxicosis may suffer from hepatic encephalopathy also and may need to be treated for this disorder.

Chronic Aflatoxicosis in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats can also suffer from a chronic form of aflatoxicosis as well because of the carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of aflatoxins. This may result in chronic hepatitis or even liver cancer.

Prevention of Aflatoxicosis for Your Dog or Cat

Storing dog and cats food clean dry area can help prevent aflatoxin contamination of the food. If food is visibly moldy, do not feed it to your dog or cat.

Unfortunately, heating (as occurs during food processing) does not deactivate aflatoxins and there have been cases of commercial diets being contaminated with aflatoxins and causing aflatoxicosis in pets




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