Algae Bloom can be Fatal to Dogs

[Kaberle]

This is an important topic for anyone that takes their dogs to lakes, rivers, ponds or any standing water.

CORVALLIS, Ore. * A dog that died suddenly after being in the water
near Elk Creek in southern Oregon late last month has tested positive
for anatoxin-a, a neurotoxin released by naturally occurring blue-green
algae, Oregon State University technicians have confirmed.
The dog was tested at OSU*s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which
confirmed the cause of death. At least two other dogs in the same area
have died recently under similar circumstances, presumably from the same
cause.
*Blue-green algae, or Cyanobacteria, produce toxins that can result in
illness and death,* said OSU*s Jerry Heidel, director of the state*s
only accredited veterinary diagnostic lab. *A *bloom* or rapid increase
in the growth of these algae results in a large number of these
organisms in the water. Algae ingested with this water are rapidly
broken down in the stomach and potent toxins are released, which can be
fatal.*
Heidel said anatoxin-a is a strong neurotoxin that causes almost
immediate clinical signs, including muscle tremors, respiratory disease
and convulsions. Respiratory paralysis can lead to death within 20 to 30
minutes, he added.
*Once ingested, there isn*t a lot a person can do,* Heidel said.
*Diluting the toxins by drinking clean water probably won*t even
help. Immediate treatment by a veterinarian is essential, but the
prognosis once clinical signs begin is poor. The real key is prevention *
and that can be difficult to do.*
Heidel said these naturally occurring neurotoxins also can harm humans,
which is why some Oregon lakes have closed in recent years during algal
blooms. Livestock also are susceptible to anatoxin-a, and several cows
die each year after ingesting stagnant pond water.
Heidel said algal blooms occur in standing, or slow-moving water,
during warm temperatures * usually in summer * when there is a good
nutrient source to promote growth. Winds can concentrate the algae along
shorelines, he added, increasing opportunities for people and animals to
contact and ingest the organisms.
*Oregon agencies monitor popular bodies of water frequented by the
public for the presence of algae blooms and do a good job of issuing
alerts when those waters are potentially dangerous,* Heidel pointed out.
*But the public needs to be aware that these potentially fatal blooms
can occur in any body of standing or slow-moving water.
*If you take your dog for a walk in the woods, or along a drying creek
or lake bed, watch for stagnant, often cloudy water that appears to have
algal growth,* he added.
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