Aussie family's $4,600 blow after toxic threat quietly spread through their backyard
A pet owner is warning others to keep an eye out for a type of fungus commonly found in Aussie backyards after her dog endured days of "erratic" behaviour from interacting with the mushrooms.
Tara Cheslett told Yahoo News she first noticed something wasn't right with her three-year-old dog Flash on Saturday morning, with the border collie "wobbly" and appearing "dazed and confused" when she let him inside her home in NSW's Southern Highlands. She rushed him to the vet, with his symptoms varied and "confusing".
"He was unbalanced... and he was unable to empty his bladder," Tara told Yahoo News. "His penis was spasming... it actually looked like someone had drugged him.... it was all very strange."
Despite the vet taking blood and urine samples, it was still unclear what had happened to her dog. Only after a process of elimination, and a thorough search of Tara's backyard, did they get their answer. Tara's dog had come in contact with Honey Fungus — a type of mushroom that contains toxins dangerous to both dogs and humans.
Tara was initially instructed to take Flash home after several hours but he quickly displayed "erratic" behaviour once they arrived home, zooming up and down her backyard, crashing into the shed.
"Unfortunately [because of] the erratic behaviour that came on from the toxins, he's run through the backyard and at the back of the shed," Tara explained. A piece of tin stored in the shed severed a tendon in the dog's leg.
Tara has since paid more than $4,600, with the surgery costing $1,100 and general vet costs mounting to $3,500.
"I definitely, definitely would not wish this upon anyone. Not for the animal, not for the stress. And last but not least, definitely not for the pocket," she said.
😢 Family face $40,000 vet bill after dog ravaged by common garden threat to pets
👀 Aussies warned after dog owner's deadly discovery leads to $1,700 bill
🐶 Vet's stark warning to pet owners after 'terrifying' spike in cases
Honey Fungus is native to Australia and is found in many parks and gardens in southern and eastern parts of the country according to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The fungus contains toxins that cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological issues in dogs. While symptoms are less severe in humans, digestive upset can occur if the mushroom is ingested raw or improperly prepared, with skin contact also causing irritation or allergic reactions.
There are no chemical controls available to remove honey fungus from backyards but physical barriers are effective in stopping the spread. The fungus can persist on tree stumps and roots before spreading to other plants, so pet owners are encouraged to remove any dead wood in their yard, while also collecting and disposing of any visible mushrooms sprouting.
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