Also beware – it is toadstool season! It is an exceptionally good autumn for toadstools, probably due to the wet summer. Six serious cases of dog poisoning have already been sent to the fungal identification experts at Kew this autumn. PLEASE WATCH OUT in case your dog eats anything that is poisonous. If you suspect that your dog has eaten poisonous toadstools take it to your vet immediately. Your vet should contact Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital Trust. Your contact for more information on poisonous fungi there would be Dr. Nick Edwards at the Poison's Unit: Tel. 020 777 5300
Guy's Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/services/ambulatory/pathology/toxicology/toxicology.aspx Advice on acute poisonings / overdose Enquiries from healthcare providers concerning the management of patients presenting with acute poisoning should be directed urgently to the National Poisons Information Service on 0844 892 0111 or by using the on-line information database TOXBASE (www.toxbase.org). Patients and their relatives with enquiries concerning poisoning / overdose should contact NHS Direct on 08454647. Some toadstools are edible, but some have toxins. Symptoms of poisoning may vary from a short term gastric upset, to life-threatening organ failure resulting in death. Serious symptoms do not always occur immediately after eating; often not until the toxin attacks the kidney or liver, sometimes days or weeks later. The most common example of dogs being poisoned is with the toxin muscarine, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, perspiration, and tears. In high doses it can cause a lowered heart rate and respiratory failure. These symptoms can be treated with atropine. Some information is on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushroom_poisoning
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