Early diagnosis of amanitin exposure (amatoxicosis) in a dog with a point-of-care diagnostic test.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the rapid diagnosis, treatment, and clinical course of a dog that ingested an amanitin-containing mushroom. CASE SUMMARY: A 2-month-old female intact Australian Shepherd presented with diarrhea and vomiting, along with a possible mushroom exposure. Upon presentation, the dog's urine was collected and tested positive by a point-of-care rapid diagnostic test specific for detecting amanitins, the causative agents of amatoxicosis. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first reported case of amatoxicosis that was diagnosed using a point-of-care test prior to starting treatment. An early diagnosis helps to guide early treatment decisions in this frequently fatal toxicosis.

Physical examination, serum biochemical, and coagulation abnormalities, treatments, and outcomes for dogs with toxicosis from α-amanitin-containing mushrooms: 59 cases (2006-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To report history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic abnormalities, treatments, and outcomes of dogs with confirmed α-amanitin toxicosis resulting from ingestion of α-amanitin-containing mushrooms, and to report whether any differences were significant between survivors and nonsurvivors. ANIMALS: 59 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of all dogs with confirmed α-amanitin toxicosis presented to a northern California emergency and specialty veterinary hospital between January 2006 and July 2019 were reviewed for signalment; body weight; history; physical examination findings including rectal temperature at presentation; results of serum biochemical analyses, coagulation tests, and a test for the detection of α-amanitin in urine; treatments; and outcomes. Differences for each were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. RESULTS: Among the 59 dogs, 36 were < 1 year of age; 56 had variable clinical signs that included vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weakness or lethargy; and 22 had rectal temperatures > 39.2°C (102.5°F) at presentation. Cases were seen throughout the calendar year. At presentation, alanine aminotransferase activity was mildly to markedly increased in 97% of dogs, hypoglycemia was noted in 78%, and coagulation times were prolonged in 91%. Most dogs that rapidly decompensated died; however, 13 dogs survived to hospital discharge and completely recovered. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ability to recognize dogs with α-amanitin toxicosis on the basis of clinical signs, physical examination findings, and clinicopathologic test results is essential because mushroom ingestion is rarely observed and immediate treatment is necessary. Dogs that have marked hypoglycemia or coagulopathy may have a poor prognosis.

Hereditary factor VII deficiency in the Alaskan Klee Kai dog.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary factor VII (FVII) deficiency is characterized as a mild bleeding disorder in Beagles, caused by a missense mutation in exon 5 of the FVII gene. An Alaskan Klee Kai dog with severe bleeding after trauma was diagnosed with FVII deficiency based on coagulation testing. Molecular analyses were undertaken to identify the genetic basis of the defect in this breed. HYPOTHESIS: FVII deficiency in Alaskan Klee Kai dogs is caused by a mutation in the FVII gene. ANIMALS: Eighteen client-owned Alaskan Klee Kai. METHODS: Coagulation screening tests and factor assays were performed to characterize the coagulopathy. All coding regions of the propositus' FVII gene were sequenced. Amplification of exon 5, sequencing, and Mnl I restriction digest experiments were performed to screen for a point mutation in the remaining 17 dogs. RESULTS: FVII deficiency was diagnosed in 6 dogs with a median FVII activity (FVII: C) of 5% (reference range, 50 150%). All FVII-deficient Alaskan Klee Kai were homozygous for the same mutation as FVII-deficient Beagles (ie, a G to A transition), resulting in substitution of glycine 96 by glutamic acid. An overlap in the FVII: C values obtained from heterozygote and wild-type dogs precluded accurate detection of carriers without genetic screening. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: FVII deficiency may be associated with a bleeding tendency and should be considered in Alaskan Klee Kai dogs with prolonged prothrombin times. Plasma FVII: C accurately identifies affected dogs, but deoxyribonucleic acid testing is required for identification of carriers.