Fungi in the genus Penicillium, particularly P. crustosum, produce tremorgenic
mycotoxins, as well as suspected tremorgenic compounds. The accidental intoxication of six dogs with such toxins are reported. The clinical signs included
vomiting, convulsions,
tremors,
ataxia, and
tachycardia, all of which are indicators of intoxications affecting the nervous system. This symptomatology caused us to think that the dog
poisoning was the result of tremorgenic
mycotoxins. One dog was euthanized in the acute phase, while three others recovered completely within a few days. However, neurological symptoms were still observed four months after the
poisoning of two of the dogs. One of these recovered completely within the next 2-3 months, while the other still suffers from
ataxia three years later. Available samples of feed, stomach content and/or tissues from the intoxications were subjected to mycological and chemical analysis.
Penitrem A was found in all reported
poisonings and
roquefortine C in all cases when this toxin was included in the analysis. The producer of these toxins, Penicillium crustosum, was detected in all cases where material suitable for mycological examinations (feed or vomit) was available. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the presence of
penitrems and
roquefortine C in organs from poisoned dogs. Furthermore, the report indicates that the recovery period after severe
poisonings with P. crustosum may be protracted.