DogsPaw

Menu
  • HOME
  • Featured
  • Dog Videos
  • Dog Stories
Home
Dog Stories
Toxic Blue-Green Algae Warning

Toxic Blue-Green Algae Warning

Yours Truly Dogs July 21, 2020

Dr Andrew Jones DVM, warns about toxic Blue-Green Algae, particularly dangerous for dogs.The following incidence happened last year, but is applicable today as the conditions for toxic algae blooms are once again happening, says Dr Jones in his Newsletter https://www.theinternetpetvet.com/.

This happened in August 2019 in Wilmington, N.C.

Visit To The Pond Ended With Their Three Pups Dying

Two North Carolina women hope to spare other dog-lovers from the heartbreak they endured, after a visit to the pond ended with their three pups dying of toxic algae poisoning a few hours later.

Melissa Martin and Denise Mintz brought their dogs Abby, Izzy and Harpo to the pond to cool off after a hot day in Wilmington, N.C. The dogs played in the mud, swam in the water and chased each other around, relishing every moment.

Unbeknownst to both dog and owner, they were also being exposed to blue-green algae, a toxic bacteria that can cause extreme reactions in humans and animals, including liver failure and death.

The dogs collapsed into a series of seizures later that evening, and a trip to the vet couldn’t help them. All three dogs died of liver failure shortly after midnight.

Can Produce One Of The Most Powerful Poisons Found In Nature

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can produce one of the most powerful poisons found in nature, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can grow in lakes, rivers and ponds through most of the United States and Canada, and often grows due to fertilizer runoff from farmers’ fields.

Blue-green algae is not always visible, but it usually smells like freshly-cut grass or rotting garbage, according to information on the Ontario government’s website. Only some species of the algae produce deadly toxins, but it’s impossible to tell just from looking at it.

The CDC says toxic algae is a threat to both humans and animals, although dogs are particularly vulnerable because of their love of swimming.

“Dogs will get in a body of water even if it looks or smells bad, including when it contains cyanobacteria,” the CDC says. “Dogs are also more likely to drink the contaminated water.”

The CDC recommends rinsing off dogs immediately and preventing them from licking their fur after suspected exposure to blue-green algae.

Spread The Word

Martin and Mintz hope to spread the word about blue-green algae so no one else has to go through what they did with their pets.

“We are gutted,” Martin wrote on Facebook. “We will make sure every standing body of water has a warning sign.”

Poor prognosis

Veterinary Toxicologist say there is no specific treatment for poisoning from cyanobacteria. The rapid onset of clinical signs precludes most attempts. Once the signs of poisoning have developed, the prognosis is very poor. In severe cases, it is not uncommon to have the pet die while being transported to the hospital.

Consultation with veterinarians at animal poison control centers is recommended to provide current treatment options and assist with case management.

Warning to persons handling any animal affected

Individuals handling affected animals need to take special safety precautions to prevent respiratory irritation, contact dermatitis, or death. Protective clothing, including safety suits or aprons, long gloves, and eye protection, should be worn and good ventilation provided.

images: courtesy of Melissa Martin
source: Dr Andrew Jones DVM, https://www.theinternetpetvet.com/
original article: Here&Now,  Broadcast and web , Wilmington, North Carolina, https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019/08/27/blue-green-algae-dog-deaths
TODAY Show, https://www.today.com/health/what-know-about-blue-green-algae-s-killing-dogs-t160631

 

 

Share
Email
Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles

Filipinos attend evening masses or dawn masses as part of …

Homeless Pup Earns Praises For Keeping The Filipino Christmas Tradition Alive

They say in life, we are lucky when we find …

Meet Glenn And Buzz: The Inseparable Dog Buddies Who Finally Got The Chance To Be Adopted Together

About The Author

Avatar
Yours Truly Dogs

is a collaborative Dog & Human team. We are Mumu, the Star and Epi Dog Mama, the Project Manager. Together we have worked it out. But it was difficult in the beginning. Mumu landed in Epi Dog Mama’s lap by unplanned circumstances and in bad shape at nearly 6 years of age. It was a seemingly impossible mission in several ways. The journey has been a long series of events, probably orchestrated by some benevolent force, certainly. Not always a straight line, and quite a few hurdles. But here we are and we think we have something to share. We couldn’t be happier to have found each other - it has transformed our lives. Yes, Mumu has Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) probably since birth, an inability to produce sufficient pancreatic enzymes leading to poor absorption of nutrients and undesirable consequences. This is a condition which often gets undiagnosed by vets and misunderstood by people. This blog will tell you all about how we navigated EPI together and made it to a success, guided by that benevolent force, no doubt. Under Category EPI Dog you will learn more about how wonderful and strong Nature is if you let it have it’s say. And details about what we do to live a full, balanced, happy life. ThIs blog is not only about Mumu. There are so many other charming dogs all over the planet. They are remarkable, funny, beautiful, smart souls. Here are more stories about them too.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Popular Posts

  • This Couple Shows What Reality Looks Like …
    February 12, 2021 0
  • Dog Falls Into Frozen Pond And Gets …
    February 13, 2021 0
  • Dog Stuns Viewers As He Bravely Sits …
    February 14, 2021 0
  • Homeless Pup Earns Praises For Keeping The …
    February 15, 2021 0
  • Dog Abandoned In An Orchard Became The …
    February 16, 2021 0

Find us on Facebook

DogsPaw

Recent Articles

  • Dog Abandoned In An Orchard Became The Happiest Dog After His Leg Was Removed
  • Homeless Pup Earns Praises For Keeping The Filipino Christmas Tradition Alive
  • Dog Stuns Viewers As He Bravely Sits On A Dirt Bike While His Dad Performs Tricks
  • Dog Falls Into Frozen Pond And Gets Rescued By UPS Driver
  • This Couple Shows What Reality Looks Like When Sleeping With A Dog

Categories

  • Dog Stories
  • Dog Videos
  • Featured

Menu

  • HOME
  • FACEBOOK
  • CONTACT
  • TERMS & CONDITIONS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • CURATION POLICY
  • DMCA
Copyright © 2021 DogsPaw

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Refresh