The Aminata muscaria is a very toxic plant to dogs and cats. If ingested, dogs can result in acute gastrointestinal distress that precedes a potentially life-threatening central neurologic syndrome characterized by seizures, tremors, and somnolence (Rossmeisl, Jr.,Blodgett, Jones, Higgins, Ellis, 2006). In a case study three dogs were presented with the toxic mushroom Amanita muscaria that developed respiratory arrest. Of the three dogs, one was euthanized and the remaining two recovered fully with assisted and mechanical ventilation (Brandin, Meola, Mazzaferro, 2013). Clinical signs of Amanita muscaria usually occur within two hours after ingestion and are characterized by the acronym SLUD (salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea).9 Other
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For centuries, A muscaria has been consumed in central Asia as a hallucinogen. Some Siberian tribes report that 3 fresh A muscaria mushrooms can be lethal, whereas others claim that eating as many as 21 of these mushrooms is safe. Various hallucinogenic mushrooms containing ibotenic acid and muscimol or psilocybin are found in the New World. The timing of symptom onset is important for distinguishing life-threatening or severe mushroom poisonings from less serious poisonings (eg, those involving hallucinogenic mushrooms), which typically have an onset of symptoms well within 5 hours of ingestion. If symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain begin 5 hours or more after ingestion, mushrooms that can cause potentially life-threatening or severe toxicity should be considered. No particular diagnostic procedures are available or needed for most patients. Laboratory studies can be helpful in identifying complications of hallucinogenic mushroom abuse. Care is primarily supportive. Symptoms usually subside in 6-8 hours, though some may take as long as several days to resolve fully. Benzodiazepines may be used for sedation and treatment of panic attacks, hallucinations, and seizures. Psychiatric consultation and evaluation may be needed in some cases. Although Amanita muscaria is generally considered poisonous by mushroom authorities, there is little physical danger in
For centuries, A muscaria has been consumed in central Asia as a hallucinogen. Some Siberian tribes report that 3 fresh A muscaria mushrooms can be lethal, whereas others claim that eating as many as 21 of these mushrooms is safe. Various hallucinogenic mushrooms containing ibotenic acid and muscimol or psilocybin are found in the New World. The timing of symptom onset is important for distinguishing life-threatening or severe mushroom poisonings from less serious poisonings (eg, those involving hallucinogenic mushrooms), which typically have an onset of symptoms well within 5 hours of ingestion. If symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain begin 5 hours or more after ingestion, mushrooms that can cause potentially life-threatening or severe toxicity should be considered. No particular diagnostic procedures are available or needed for most patients. Laboratory studies can be helpful in identifying complications of hallucinogenic mushroom abuse. Care is primarily supportive. Symptoms usually subside in 6-8 hours, though some may take as long as several days to resolve fully. Benzodiazepines may be used for sedation and treatment of panic attacks, hallucinations, and seizures. Psychiatric consultation and evaluation may be needed in some cases. Although Amanita muscaria is generally considered poisonous by mushroom authorities, there is little physical danger in