Mushroom Toxicosis in Dogs

Hepatotoxic Cyclopeptides The most dangerous type of mushrooms contain hepatotoxic cyclopeptides, including amatoxins (most toxic), phallotoxins, and virotoxins. These include Amanita phalloides (death cap or death angel), A ocreata (angel of death), Galerina spp, and Lepiota spp. This class of mushroom results in 95% of mushroom-related fatalities in humans and the most fatalities worldwide.5 When ingested, amatoxins are taken up by hepatocytes via the sodium-dependent transport system and inhibit nuclear RNA polymerase II, which results in decreased protein synthesis and secondary cell death.5 Three phases of toxicosis are seen: severe GI signs (hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) within 6–24 hours; a false recovery period (12–24 hours); and a hepatorenal phase (36–72 hours postexposure).5,6 Kidney failure can develop as a result of proximal and distal tubular necrosis several days later.5