Toxic mold
may pose health threat to pets
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. September 1, 2007—
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 September 1, 2007 of 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."
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