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Mouldy food and mouldy walnuts (tremorgenic mycotoxins)
penitrem A, roquefortine, compost, garbage
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | Minimum tremorgenic dose of penitrem A about 0.5 mg/kg. Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. |
| Cat | Little data | Not established in the open sources |
Toxic principle
Penitrem A, the main tremorgen (mostly from Penicillium crustosum), blocks large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels and increases release of excitatory and inhibitory transmitters. Roquefortine C is usually present too; its share in the signs is uncertain.
Onset
From minutes to about 2 hours.
Clinical signs
Generalised tremor (the leading sign), ataxia, hyperaesthesia, hyperexcitability, tachycardia, tachypnoea, hyperthermia, hypersalivation, vomiting, mydriasis, seizures.
Organs affected
Central nervous system.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
Emesis or gastric lavage, then activated charcoal; intravenous fluids, methocarbamol for tremors, anticonvulsants (diazepam, midazolam), propofol anaesthesia for refractory cases, active cooling. Intravenous lipid emulsion was used in reported dogs. Prognosis is excellent with early decontamination; hospital stay 1-5 days.
In the reference: Diazepam, Midazolam, Propofol, Maropitant
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Notes
Sources include mouldy walnuts, apples, cooked rice, bread, cream cheese, compost and garbage.
Sources
- Scientific article. Hart L, et al. Five cases of tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in dogs: clinical aspects and analytical methods. Veterinary Research Communications 50:517 2026
- Scientific article. Naudé TW, et al. Tremorgenic neuromycotoxicosis in 2 dogs ascribed to penitrem A and possibly roquefortine in rice contaminated with Penicillium crustosum. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 73(4) 2002
Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.
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This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026