As the holidays are upon us, many people will look to alternative dishes to serve as a break from tradition. While quail may not be that common of an alternative, it is important to know for both yourself and your patients that it could potentially be harmful!
A toxicological syndrome (also called coturnism) occurs during the migration of quails from north to south, when they consume hemlock seeds. Consumption of these quails can cause coturnism in people, which can produce clinical symptoms of acute rhabdomyolysis. While consumption of a toxic quail that causes coturnism is rare it can lead to rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to renal failure and shock and ultimately it can be fatal.
If you happen to come across a patient who presents symptoms of muscle tenderness, extremity pain, nausea, and vomiting, you may want to ask them if they have recently consumed quail!
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18963719
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