What is Mushroom Poisoning?
The most common form of documented mushroom poisoning in dogs is toxicity resulting from the Amanita species. It is believed that canines are attracted to members of this species because of their fishy odor. In particular, the amanita phalloides (otherwise known as death cap) are most toxic. It may be hard to confirm if your pet has ingested wild mushrooms unless you see your dog eat them, or he vomits mushrooms. At the earliest suspicion of ingestion, immediately go to the veterinarian clinic or emergency room. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom in a paper (not plastic) bag as mushroom identification is helpful to diagnosis.
The ingestion of mushrooms can be highly toxic and a potentially life threatening occurrence for your pet. The accumulation of toxins in your dog’s system can lead to kidney and liver failure, and quite possibly, coma and death. If you suspect your dog has eaten wild mushrooms, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately for early identification of the mushroom type. Identification, and prompt emergency measures to reduce the toxicity levels in your dog’s system are crucial steps towards recovery.Mushroom Poisoning Average Cost
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Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs vary depending upon the type of mushroom ingested. As mentioned previously, if you suspect that your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, do not wait for the symptoms to appear. Usual symptoms are as follows:
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Vomiting and abdominal pain
- Weakness and loss of motor control
- Jaundice
- Coma and death
Types
The type and severity of mushroom poisoning in dogs will vary depending on the species consumed. Based on the toxins contained and the onset of symptoms, toxicity can range from gastrointestinal upset to the more severe complication of the destruction of liver and kidney cells. The amanita phalloides produce the most grave symptoms and the highest likelihood of mortality.
A dog who has ingested a mushroom of the amanita species can experience dehydration and increased heart rate unbeknownst to the owner, will appear fine for a day or two, but within 3 to 4 days become ill with severe liver dysfunction and swelling of the brain. The effects may lead to death within a week if aggressive treatment is not implemented.
Causes of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs
There are several thousand species of mushroom in North America, with less than 100 being of the toxic type. Mushroom intoxications are a challenging area of study as not all toxicity cases are submitted on record and limited toxicology testing is available. Nonetheless, it is imperative to have your dog seen by a veterinarian in order to obtain a diagnosis and treatment. The ingestion of mushrooms causes toxins to be spread throughout your dog’s system, resulting in acute effects such as liver failure, potentially leading to coma and death without aggressive veterinary intervention.
Diagnosis of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs
Diagnosing the need for the reduction of toxins which have been absorbed in your pet’s system must be done quickly in order to increase your dog’s chances of survival. Historically, records show that mortality from the ingestion of the Amanita species is 50% to 90%, thus indicating the need for early aggressive decontamination therapy before symptoms have progressed.
If you are able to bring a sample of the mushroom to the veterinarian, diagnosis will be much easier. If this is not possible, be prepared to relay the recent health history of your pet. You will be asked to describe the symptoms, and give a time of onset of ill behavior to the best of your knowledge. Your veterinarian may need to obtain a blood sample and urinalysis to determine the toxicity levels present.
Treatment of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs
Treatment will depend on the type of mushroom ingested. The most common and most severe type of mushroom poisoning in dogs results from the consumption of the amanita phalloides, leading to acute intoxication.
Treatment will often begin with inducing vomiting in your pet to remove toxins from your pet’s stomach as quickly as possible. Fluid therapy is also included in the treatment, which is done specifically to encourage urination and reduce toxicity in the liver and kidneys. Activated charcoal has been given to by mouth to dogs as a way to neutralize the stomach acids and bind the toxins.
Glucose and gastrointestinal protectants are also administered, along with antibiotics. Blood transfusions, oxygen and anti-seizure medicine may be necessary in severe cases.
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Recovery of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs
Your dog will spend a few days minimum in the hospital if they have ingested mushrooms of the amanita species because of the need to rehydrate with fluids that will restore the proper amounts of glucose and potassium to the blood. The liver will need to be monitored to verify proper function after reparative therapy. A positive prognosis is possible, particularly if the toxins were eliminated quickly before extensive damage was done. Treatment for mushroom poisoning in dogs is extensive and the therapy must be done over a period of hours and/or days depending on the amount consumed and the species ingested.
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Mushroom Poisoning Average Cost
From 11 quotes ranging from $300 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,200
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Mushroom Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Beagle Lab Mix
Porter
6 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Jaundice
Dark Urine
Lethargy
My dog is currently being hospitalized with fluid treatment, steroids and antibiotic. I noticed him looking jaundice on Saturday 8/18 and immediately took him to the ER. They did blood tests and told me his cells are attacking one another and started a first round of fluids and gave me the medications and sent us home and told us to follow up with our normal vet Monday morning 8/20. That morning I took him straight in for more testing. They never sent the testing until today 8/21 leaving us no answers until 8/22. I’ve been calling trying to push them to move faster as he was still jaundice and lethargic. He had a decent appetite until this afternoon and would drink with some coaxing. As I have racked my brain as to what may have caused this my husband said this evening he had noticed some mushrooms in the yard and we are wondering what the possibility is that our dog ingested one prior to my husband mowing. If this is what has happened what are the odds our little guy can pull through this? I’m calling them first thing in the morning with this possible discovery in hopes that it’s not too late.
Aug. 22, 2018
2 Recommendations
Jaundice and general liver failure may be caused by mushroom poisoning, but it depends on the type of mushrooms; there are many causes of jaundice as jaundice is just a symptom and not a disease itself. Speak with your Veterinarian to see how Porter is doing and notify them of the mushroom possibility. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 22, 2018
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Golden Retriever
jake
11 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Just Tired And Mushy
My golden ate 2 mushrooms growing in mulch about 20 hours ago. Induced vomiting...brought her to ER. They said just watch her. I'm still worried. It seems there is really no difinitive way of knowing if the mushroom was toxic. How long before he shows symptoms of toxicity? He ate fine and pooped fine. A little mushier than usual but it may be because it was a stressful day and night after it happened.
July 30, 2018
1 Recommendations
Thankfully the majority of mushrooms are safe to eat, however there is no guarantee that Jake ate a non-toxic mushroom; the onset of any symptoms would depend on the type of mushroom that was consumed from no symptoms at all for non-toxic species to less than an hour for some others, however some types of mushrooms like the deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) may take weeks for symptoms to present. I would keep a close eye on Jake and follow up with your Veterinarian if you have any concerns. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 31, 2018
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Labrador Retriever
Sparky
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fatigue
What are some of the most common culprits for mushroom poisoning in dogs? I've heard that it's nearly impossible to identify species without knowing beforehand (this site lists some: https://petcitadel.com/can-dogs-eat-mushrooms), and I also know that Amanita is a type to watch out for. Unfortunately, my dog ate mushrooms outside right under my nose, but he has only shown mild symptoms so far.
June 17, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are many different types of mushrooms which may cause mild symptoms but there are some which may be toxic; the types of mushrooms you may have near your home will depend on your climate, the type of landscape (forest etc…) among other factors. I could name different species of mushrooms but it wouldn’t help narrow in on a specific type; you should take Sparky to a Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 18, 2018
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Beagle
Lainie
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My dog ate mushrooms in our back yard two nights ago. She threw up after eating them. We found mushrooms in that vomit. She threw up once more that night and then was fine the next day. Yesterday however she threw up while we were at work, and I came home today to another pile. She is showing no other symptoms, but sinceshe never throws up, I want to check to make sure she it okay.
May 24, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are many different types of mushrooms with some being ‘safe to eat’ and others being lethal even to humans; without knowing which type of mushrooms which were consumed I cannot say if she will recover or not. It is important to photograph and collect some mushrooms to show to your Veterinarian so that they may try to identify them. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 25, 2018
How is Lainie? My dog ate (or shredded) a mushroom 12 hours ago my vet didn't want me to bring her in, I induced vomiting within the hour and didn't see any pieces she looks fine so far but I guess we won't know for several days?
July 20, 2018
Sheila L.
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Mushroom Poisoning Average Cost
From 11 quotes ranging from $300 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,200
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