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The deaths of two cats from what is believed to be the first documented case of toxic black mold poisoning in pets point to a new health concern for pet owners, according to a veterinarian
who co-authors a report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Douglas Mader, a veterinary specialist in Marathon, Fla., was performing
routine dental procedures on two cats when he noticed frothy blood within
endotracheal tubes used to supply anesthesia to the animals. The veterinarian
immediately stopped the procedures, but both animals died -- one the following
day, the other about two weeks later.
"The circumstances of these cases are just not heard of," Mader said.
"Anesthesia doesn't cause pulmonary hemorrhage [bleeding from the lungs.]"
These were healthy, indoor cats. Examinations conducted prior to the dental
cleanings showed no indications of illness.
Blood collected prior to the cats' death was tested and demonstrated the
presence of the toxin produced by Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as "toxic
black mold." Exposure to the mold can cause respiratory-related health
problems, pulmonary hemorrhage and death in people. It had not previously been
associated with disease in pets, Mader said.
The toxin from the black mold causes a weakening of the capillaries in the
lungs. When the capillaries are stressed, they burst and bleed. The cats died
from complications arising from the pulmonary hemorrhage.
The cats lived in a home that sustained water damage during a hurricane in
October 2005, seven months prior to the development of pulmonary hemorrhage.
After Mader discovered the presence of the toxins, he urged the cats' owners
to check their home for mold.
"Sure enough, they had very severe mold contamination in their walls,"
Mader said.
Mader hopes the report will raise awareness that illnesses associated with
mold can also affect pets, particularly those living in flood-prone areas. He
also suggests pet owners share more information with their veterinarian.
"I think the most important thing is for clients to be aware of things in
their environment that could potentially impact the health of animals," Mader
said. "They need to let their veterinarian know."
The AVMA and its more than 75,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a
wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of
animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at
http://www.avma.org for more information.
SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association |
