Blue-green algae toxicity to your pets!

Given the very hot weather that many areas of the country have been experiencing recently, blue-green algae may become a problem earlier this year than in past years. Blue- green algae blooms typically occur during the hot, long days of late summer in both fresh and salt water throughout the United States. Blooms have the appearance of thick mats or carpets of algae that are pea green or blue-green on the surface. These algae blooms may contain hepatoxins and/or neurotoxins. Dogs that swim and livestock that may graze in the water are most commonly affected.

Symptoms that are seen with the neurotoxin form or blue-green algae toxicity can include salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea (SLUD) muscle rigidity, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), pulmonary edema, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Symptoms are rapidly occurring, generally within an hour of exposure. Many animals will die with in 24 hours of exposure.

The hepatoxin form of blue-green algae result in lethargy, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea that is many times bloody, depression and shock follow. Symptoms generally occur with 1 to 4 hours of exposure and death can occur in 24 hours to several days as the liver continues to fail. Once animals begin to exhibit symptoms from blue-green algae, their prognosis is very grave. Not all blue-green algae contain the toxin producing bacteria but all blooms should be considered potentially dangerous. Keeping dogs out of the water where any algae bloom is present is best method of prevention.