What is Black Walnut Poisoning?
Poisoning of canines and horses by the black walnut is well documented. Though it is most commonly thought that the nut, when subjected to mold, is the toxic component of the tree, studies have shown that eating wood from the black walnut tree can cause poisoning in dogs as well. Horses exposed to black walnut shavings may develop laminitis (an inflammatory condition in the hoof wall) which causes lameness and pain in as little as 8 hours of exposure. Ponies may suffer from respiratory difficulties when exposed.
Canines who ingest moldy husks and nuts from the black walnut tree are in particular danger because the mold is a potent fungal neurotoxin. Tremors and seizures are seen at the height of the poisoning. Aggressive treatment is required with black walnut poisoning in dogs.
The black walnut tree is known for the beautiful quality wood it produces, and the tree is grown and harvested for its premium hardwood. The black walnut tree is native in many areas of North America and also produces an edible nut. Pet owners need to be aware of the dangers of this tree; ingestion of the wood or of the nuts and shells can result in a lethal toxicity to canines.
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Symptoms of Black Walnut Poisoning in Dogs
The black walnut tree is thought to be one of the top 5 trees poisonous to large animals. Horses can experience sweating, fever, colic, and lameness when black walnut shavings are used in their stalls. Dogs may show the following symptoms after ingestion of the black walnut wood or nut:
- Panting
- Restlessness
- Excess salivation
- Vomiting
- Incoordination
- Tremors in the muscles
- Fever
- Hyperresponsiveness to stimuli
- Seizures
- Liver damage (signs could be jaundice, abdominal pain, and fatigue)
- Death
Types
Toxicity can result from ingestion of the wood, nut, husks, and shells. Typically it is thought that the main source of poison is the mold that develops after a rainy period. The walnuts may appear to be in a state of decomposition and are black or brown in color.
Causes of Black Walnut Poisoning in Dogs
The black walnut tree is of the scientific family Juglandaceae and is also known as Juglans nigra
- The husks of the walnuts found on the ground and consumed by dogs contain the mycotoxin Penitrem A
- This toxin is produced by the mold penicillium
- Bread and cheese also produce this mold
- Neurologic and musculoskeletal signs may be seen
- Buried walnuts can become available for consumption by dogs at any time of year but spring is thought to be the most problematic time
- Black walnut mold is common in shady, wet areas
Diagnosis of Black Walnut Poisoning in Dogs
Raking up the area under the tree is a good way to avoid the ingestion of the walnut by your dog. However, the tree is common in many areas all over North America, including parks where you and your canine companion may take walks. If you see that your dog has ingested wood from the black walnut tree, or are aware that he has eaten the walnuts that have fallen from the tree, be sure to bring a specimen to the veterinary clinic. Having a plant or nut to identify is helpful to the veterinarian as symptoms of other poisonings (such as chocolate or pesticides) can be similar in presentation. Do not wait for symptoms to appear as a lethal toxicity is highly possible, particularly if the nuts and husks are brown or black in color.
The veterinarian may confirm the diagnosis based on clinical signs and plant identification. If your pet is vomiting, analysis of the vomitus and stomach contents will aid in the diagnosis. A urinalysis may indicate if the liver or kidneys have been affected; blood tests will not add to the diagnosis but can provide baseline markers for the treatment.
Treatment of Black Walnut Poisoning in Dogs
Treatment of black walnut poisoning in your pet will depend on how much of the wood or moldy nut was consumed, and how much time lapsed between the exposure and the clinical appointment. Early intervention is key to a timely recovery. Elimination of the toxin as soon as possible is essential. Your dog will be admitted to the hospital in order to facilitate removal of the poison from the body, and to give supportive treatment.
Vomit induction
An injection will usually be administered to ensure your dog vomits all of the stomach contents. This should be given within 4 hours of ingestion; the sooner the better.
Gastric Lavage
This is a procedure whereby the stomach is flushed with fluids in order to remove any remaining nuts or plant material from the body, Activated charcoal is administered after the procedure to bind any remaining toxins.
Intravenous Fluids
Giving fluids by the intravenous route will also help the organs of the body to flush the poison from the system. With the aid of extra liquids provided by the intravenous route, the kidneys and liver are supported. Medications needed to control seizures, and drugs to help pass the plant material through the body will be prescribed if indicated.
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Recovery of Black Walnut Poisoning in Dogs
Bothe fatality and recovery are recorded in black walnut poisoning in dogs. Recovery may take two to five days, and once home your dog will require additional care. Rest, a quiet place to recover, and support from all family members will be needed. Do not place expectations on your pet as he may need time to get back to normal. The poisoning by black walnut may leave him fatigued and depressed; patience and care on your part will help him in the recovery process. If at any time you are concerned about the rate of recovery, contact your veterinarian. A follow-up appointment will most likely be necessary so the veterinarian can assess the health of your dog.
If you have the black walnut on your property, strict adherence to a raking protocol should be followed on a daily basis. Block access to the area where the black walnut tree is located. If the black walnut is located in the area where you usually walk your dog, a change of exercise venue is a must.
Black Walnut Poisoning Average Cost
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Black Walnut Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Bull/Staffie Terrier
Ruka
5 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Dry Mouth
My little girl is usually full of life and super energetic but has turned lethargic over the last two days. She has vomited several times, licks her lips like she has a dry mouth and lost her appetite completely. She is still drinking water but there is definitely something wrong with her.
We DO have black walnuts fall into our yard and I've seen her chewing on them in the yard. I immediately stop her but I'm thinking that she's been affected by them, especially after reading other people's accounts of their pet's toxicity. Please advise of treatment.
Nov. 2, 2017
6 Recommendations
Apart from inducing vomiting or a gastric lavage, there is only supportive care options available for black walnut poisoning; it is important to keep Ruka hydrated during this time. I would recommend visiting your Veterinarian as you are unsure whether the cause is the black walnuts since lethargy and dry mouth are vague symptoms at best. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 2, 2017
I have a 5 year old Pitt myself and recently removed a 30 plus year old fruit bearing walnut tree from the back yard. She too started chewing on them as a younger pup we would take them away from her then as she got older he started eating more and more of them. I talked with her vet and was told then it was “ok” and that was it. We didn’t think much more about it but still kept the buts raked up and the area clean trying to at least limit the intake. This last year she managed to eat more than before and we noticed a little sluggishness and that was all. Then a few months ago I took her to a vet because she was sleeping a lot more and just over all not doing too well. She also developed this odd order and patches of extreme dry skin. This vet (different than the one before) found after in office testing she had a bacterial infection. My dog was placed on some meds and that was that. Now 3 months later we are back to the smell this time it is all over her body and it turns my stomach. She is STILL leaning or starts to fall to one side while standing or walking so she tends to sleep a lot or just lay around the house. She will put her head down and just look at the floor or wall like she is spaced out then just try to lay down as her legs are stiff at times like poles. Her nose is wet then extremely dry, her eyes are goopy all of the time, it looks like she is again having the bacterial infection which all of this is going to be checked out by the vet today I think it could all be linked to long term exposure to the walnut tree and her “sneaking” snacks or even the exposure to the leaves because they stink too and when there is mold on them after rain etc even snow we get lots of snow here it’s a mess to deal with. After the removal of the tree I myself do not itch all of the time and can breath bettter so it was a family issue human and pup I think. If you leave the leaves on the ground, or the buts they will kill whatever is on the ground like grass or even weeds. When the buts are green they too are poisonous to humans , so bottom line for this family the walnut tree sucks and I hope and pray it is is not a slow death for my dog. I’m in tears even trying the comment.
Aug. 20, 2018
Mistie V.
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Boston Terrier
Jemma
3 YEARS
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
I believe my dog chewed up very little of a walnut hull. She took a normal bowel movement this morning, but noticed she was squating to poop and nothing came out. But just awhile ago she dribbled( diaharea) very small amount and had little slim in it. She is just laying around now, doesn't look like she is in any pain at all. What I was wondering is how much would she have to injest to get sick?
Oct. 27, 2017
3 Recommendations
It really depends on whether or not the walnut husk was moldy; the black walnut causes some gastrointestinal symptoms but it is when the walnut or the husk get mold that the serious symptoms present themselves. You should keep an eye on Jemma and try to prevent any future consumption of black walnut, if she is straining too much or you notice the symptoms on this page visit your Veterinarian immediately. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 28, 2017
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Boston Terrier
Theo
8 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
Today our dog who is a half pug half Boston or a Bugg was out side we were playing and running around I was in the garage working and i kept hearing a crunch sound so i poked my head around the corner and he's eating walnuts that have fallen from the neighbors tree and it's been raining quite a bit. Well I went to our store and then came home two hours later and he's not acting right at all and I am a wood worker and know that walnut can be harmful so i don't know what to do wait it out until the morning and go to our local vet or take him to the animal hospital
Oct. 24, 2017
1 Recommendations
Black walnut may cause some gastrointestinal issues, but the problem is if there is mold growing on the walnuts or husks; if it has been sometime, it would be best to visit your local Veterinarian and have his stomach decontaminated and for him to receive fluid therapy if required. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 25, 2017
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Black Walnut Poisoning Average Cost
From 597 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,000
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