Poisoning by food products that are contaminated by fungi is termed as mycotoxicosis. Ingestion of moldy food from the garbage or a compost pile puts dogs and other animals at risk for toxicity due to tremorgenic mycotoxins. These toxins, also called mycotoxins, may be found in moldy bread, pasta, cheese, nuts, or other decaying matter like compost.
Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis can occur rapidly (within 2 – 3 hours) following ingestion of fungi contaminated substances. The severity and type of symptom will ultimately depend on the amount and type of mycotoxin ingested. Some of the more common symptoms associated with mycotoxicosis include:
Muscle tremors
Seizures
Panting
Hyperactivity
Vomiting
Uncoordinated movements
Weakness
Increased heart rate
Increased body temperature
Dehydration
Lack of appetite (anorexia)
