ALERT: death cap, an EXTREMELY TOXIC MUSHROOM

In Texas and other states, there is a killer among the trees. Particularly Oaks and evergreen trees are favored by the Death Cap Mushrooms. These mushrooms grow in the grass, underbrush, or leaves within a 15-foot radius of these trees. They are easily confused with edible mushrooms, so it is important to know what defines these killers. 

​In the spring March and May are part of the rainy season in Texas. It continues in September and October. Sometimes November and December have greater rainfall than usual. So, it is still possible these mushrooms are a threat. It is also possible the Death Cap Mushroom has a scent attractive to dogs.

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN 09.05.2021

IMAGE PROVIDED BY ZOOLOGY DEPARTMENT AT UBC

DID YOU KNOW? EATING 1/2 A DEATH CAP MUSHROOM CAN KILL A HUMAN. 

The top of the mushroom is the cap which is usually a greenish-yellow. It is a dome-shaped but flattens as it ages. It is tough, shiny, and leathery to the touch but may be slick or sticky if wet. Many poisonous mushrooms have a sour or bitter smell like ammonia. Under the cap are pure white Gills which have a fluted structure and where it produces spores. Not all mushrooms have gills. Under the cap at the top of the stem is a membrane veil or skirt covering part of the large, thick, white stem. The stem sits in a white cup or rounded base called a Volva. It is one of the keys to identifying the Death Cap Mushroom.
 
Story Time: 
Recently Kristin let their 9-month-old puppy, Obie, outside. He was drawn to some mushrooms and began to chew one. They quickly pulled the mushroom and saw many more in the yard. Within 15-20 minutes Obie began to drool and then vomit with diarrhea. Scared, Kristin immediately called the vet. The vet told her to give him some water. After time, the vomiting stopped. Kristin thought that was end of it, but unfortunately 10 hours after ingesting the mushroom, Obie passed away. 

DID YOU KNOW? A DEATH CAP MUSHROOM CAN SHUT DOWN THE LIVER IN 6-12 HOURS.

What to do:

1. Do Not Wait. 
2. Take the mushroom and your pet to the vet immediately. 
3. Bag and take the vomit or stool.

Your pup will be given intravenous fluids, etc., to flush their system. Perhaps activated charcoal will be given to induce vomiting. Other symptoms are seizures, tremors, restlessness or stomach pain, and coma. Any time your pet is listless, sluggish, or lethargic take him to the vet. 

    
This article is dedicated to his memory and to the Bruns who were kind enough to share this warning on FB Oct. 9, 2021.

References:
“Amanita Phalloides - Death Cap.” Amanita Phalloides – Mushrooms Up! Edible and Poisonous Species of Coastal BC and the Pacific Northwest, https://www.zoology.ubc.ca/~biodiv/mushroom/A_phalloides.html.