What are the common sources of tremorgenic mycotoxins?

Common sources include mouldy hay, grain, compost, or damp food contaminated with fungi. Mouldy treats or plants found at home may also contain toxins. If exposure is suspected, consult your vet and bring a sample of the suspected item if possible.

How soon do symptoms appear and how long do they last?

Onset varies depending on the amount ingested and may occur within hours to a day or two. Duration also varies widely depending on the individual pet and whether supportive treatment is given — follow up with your vet for guidance.

What can I do at home first?

At home, record symptoms and their timing, take video footage, and monitor food and water intake. If seizures, collapse, or breathing difficulty occur, go to an emergency vet immediately. For other concerns, contact your vet as soon as possible.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Tremorgenic Mycotoxin Poisoning in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment [2025]

Tremorgenic mycotoxins are commonly ingested through contaminated food, causing whole-body tremors. Most pets recover within 24–48 hours with supportive care.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: PPH, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek immediate veterinary care (emergency)

•Continuous, unstoppable whole-body seizures
•Sudden loss of consciousness with no response
•Rapid breathing or obvious difficulty breathing with open-mouth breathing

Arrange a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Persistent, noticeable drop in energy and activity
•Repeated vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than twenty-four hours
•Refusal to eat or a marked drop in appetite for more than a day

01What symptoms should alert you to a problem?

Common signs include weakness, gastrointestinal upset, and neurological symptoms, possibly accompanied by dehydration or changes in heart rate. Seizures or altered consciousness require immediate attention.

Persistent weakness and noticeably reduced activity
Reduced appetite or refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, which may lead to dehydration
Rapid heart rate, dry mouth, or reduced skin turgor
Seizures, tremors, or altered consciousness

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Continuous seizures or uncontrollable tremors
⚠️ Sudden collapse or significantly reduced responsiveness
⚠️ Difficulty breathing or severe respiratory distress — seek emergency care immediately

02How to monitor your pet at home and when to go to an emergency vet

Keeping a record of observations, timings, and frequency at home helps your vet quickly assess your pet's condition and identify the likely source of exposure.

Note the time symptoms first appeared and how they have progressed
Measure and record daily food and water intake
Video-record any vomiting, seizures, or unusual behaviour for the vet
Track the frequency, colour, and consistency of urine and stools
Log changes in alertness and activity level each day

03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common diagnostic tests

On arrival, the vet will first assess vital signs and hydration status. Blood and urine tests form the core diagnostics, with imaging or toxicology screening arranged if necessary.

Physical examination

assessing temperature, heart rate, mucous membranes, and degree of dehydration

Complete blood count

checking for infection, bleeding, or anaemia

Biochemistry panel

evaluating liver and kidney function and electrolyte imbalances

Urinalysis

helping assess kidney function and hydration status

Imaging or toxicology testing and specialist referral if required

04What treatment and aftercare are needed? Medications, diet, and home care

Treatment is primarily supportive, with stabilisation of vital signs and fluid therapy being the most critical steps. After discharge, regular monitoring of blood results and clinical improvement is essential.

Supportive care to stabilise vital signs and electrolyte balance is the first priority
Fluid therapy as needed to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
Symptomatic treatment tailored to the individual pet's condition, with scheduled follow-up visits
Dietary adjustments and monitoring of appetite and body weight
Recurrent or complex cases should be referred to a specialist for ongoing management

05What to prepare before seeing the vet — key information to help identify the cause quickly

Write down when symptoms started, how they have changed, and any possible sources of exposure

Compile a 72-hour history of food, treats, and environmental contacts (e.g. plants, compost)

Bring video clips or photos of episodes to share with the vet

Bring a list of all current medications, supplements, and health products

Call ahead to confirm the clinic can perform toxicology or blood tests if needed

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.