Veterinary Medicine - October 2007 - (Page 644)

Toxicology Brief managing common poisonings in companion animals OP E E R - R E V I E W E D The critical care of aflatoxin-induced liver failure in dogs Eva Furrow, VMD I n 1952, an outbreak of fatal liver disease in dogs occurred in the southeastern United States. The disease, termed hepatitis X, was characterized by icterus, lethargy, anorexia, petechiae, melena, epistaxis, and hematemesis. Affected dogs died one to 14 days after clinical presentation.1-4 The postmortem findings of hepatitis X were noted to be similar to those in swine and cattle after ingestion of moldy corn.5 Further investigation revealed that the disease resulted from exposure to aflatoxins produced by the fungus Aspergillus species. In 1959, the role of aflatoxins in hepatitis X was confirmed when a group of dogs acquired the disease after being fed purified aflatoxin B1.6 Since the identification of aflatoxins, poisonings have been described in many species, including people, dogs, gen that has been linked to hepatic cell carcinoma in people.9,11 Studies on aflatoxicosis in dogs have focused on its diagnosis and the pathologic changes that occur after aflatoxin exposure. No antidotes for the toxins exist, and few studies have addressed the care and management of dogs with aflatoxicosis. This article focuses on the therapeutic management of canine aflatoxicosis, drawing from treatments used in other cases of hepatotoxicosis or hepatic failure. examination of the affected dogs revealed severe liver damage suggestive of aflatoxicosis. Affected dogs consumed food produced by a single manufacturer. Analysis of the pet food confirmed contamination with aflatoxins. The manufacturer issued a recall, and the FDA released an alert, but over the course of the next few weeks more than 100 dogs became intoxicated and died.13,14 CLINICAL SIGNS Dogs with aflatoxicosis often have a vague initial presentation because of the insidious onset of the disease. Signs include anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, and jaundice. Hematochezia, melena, and hematemesis are sometimes present, as well as mucosal or more widespread petechiae and ecchymoses. Patients may have peripheral edema or ascites. Polyuria and polydipsia may also be noted. In some cases of toxicity, acute death occurs before clinical signs are noted. The disease is progressive, and the case fatality rate is high. The signs of aflatoxicosis are consistent with liver failure; they are not specific for an aflatoxin etiology.4,13,15-18 Other differential diagnoses for acute liver failure include drug toxicosis (e.g. acetaminophen, ketoconazole, carprofen), biotoxins (e.g. blue-green algae, Amanita species mushrooms, cycad palm seed), heavy ROUTE OF EXPOSURE Most cases of aflatoxicosis occur when animals ingest moldy corn, peanuts, or other foods susceptible to contamination by Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus parasiticus.7,8,12 Preventive measures can be taken by pet food manufacturers through Several acute outbreaks of hepatic failure in dogs raised suspicion of a food-related toxicosis. poultry, swine, and other livestock. Aflatoxicosis inflicts varying degrees of hepatic damage depending on the species, exposure (dose and duration), and the animal’s nutritional status (protein and vitamin intake).7-10 Of the four natural aflatoxins—B1, B2, G1, and G2— aflatoxin B1 is the most toxic. In addition to having mutagenic and immunosuppressive effects, it is a potent carcinocareful monitoring of aflatoxin concentrations in food and proper storage of food in a clean, dry area. RECENT OUTBREAKS Outbreaks of aflatoxicosis continue to occur. In December 2005, several acute outbreaks of hepatic failure in dogs across the United States raised suspicion of a food-related toxicosis. Postmortem “Toxicology Brief” was contributed by Eva Furrow, VMD, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4912. The department editor is Petra Volmer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT. 644 October 2007 VETERINARY MEDICINE

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Veterinary Medicine - October 2007

Veterinary Medicine - October 2007 Contents Leading Off The Veterinary Medicine Interview: Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald Toxicology Brief Idea Exchange Animal Sheltering in the United States: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow The Euthanasia Problem Offer Basic Behavior Counseling for Every Pet at Every Visit Promote and Perform Early Spaying and Neutering Assist Owners in Selecting the Best Pets for their Lifestyles Champion Animal Welfare in Your Community CE Form Product Review Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - October 2007

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