Presumptive tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in a dog in New Zealand, after eating mouldy walnuts.
METHODS
A 1-year-old, intact male Labrador-cross dog vomited after eating walnuts that had been on the ground for 5 months. The dog then developed tremors, ataxia, increased salivation, and hyperaesthesia.


RESULTS
The dog had marked generalised tremors, ataxia and a temperature of 39.9 degrees C. Both pupils were of normal size and normally responsive to light. Vomiting was induced, and walnut shell was visible in the vomitus.


METHODS
Due to the sudden onset of tremors, lack of exposure to other convulsive toxins, and the evidence of ingestion of walnuts, the provisional diagnosis was tremorgenic mycotoxicosis. The dog was treated symptomatically, and made a full recovery over 18 hours. Tremorgenic mycotoxins were detected within walnuts collected from the dog's environment.


CONCLUSIONS
Fungi that produce tremorgenic mycotoxins are present in New Zealand. Intoxication should be suspected in dogs that suddenly develop muscle tremors, especially if there is a history of ingestion of mouldy food 2-3 hours prior to the development of tremors.
Munday
J S
JS
Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. j.munday@massey.ac.nz
Thompson
D
D
Finch
S C
SC
Babu
J V
JV
Wilkins
A L
AL
di Menna
M E
ME
Miles
C O
CO
D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005516:Food Microbiology; D008297:Male; D015651:Mycotoxicosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D009183:Mycotoxins / Q000506:poisoning*; D009520:New Zealand; D009754:Nuts / Q000382:microbiology; D014202:Tremor / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary
D009183:Mycotoxins