Cyanobacteria has been responsible for lethal poisonings in humans, animals, birds and fish all over North America and in most countries of the world. In canines, the cyanobacteria are typically ingested through drinking infected water, or through accidental taking on of water while swimming. Not all blue-green algae contain the bacteria, but veterinary professionals advise not to allow your pet in any body of water containing algal bloom, in the chance that it is of a lethal type.

Symptoms of a life-threatening reaction to cyanobacteria are many. There are many toxic strains of cyanobacteria that can cause symptoms leading to a fatal conclusion within 30 minutes to 24 hours. If you suspect that your dog may have been poisoned by cyanobacteria, time is of the essence for veterinary care.

Toxic blooms can result from more than 30 species of cyanobacteria, which will produce four types of toxicity.

There are many reasons for the proliferation of bloom, and observations as to how our pets (and us) can be affected.

The rapid onset of signs of cyanobacteria illness does not leave much time for determining the diagnosis. Inform your veterinarian immediately of your suspicions, and describe the appearance of the waterway that your furry family member was swimming in, or drinking from. Chances are, your veterinary caregiver may see a greenish stain around your pet’s mouth, nose, legs, and feet which will verify the exposure to the cyanobacteria. If possible, bring a sample to the veterinarian for analysis.

A complete blood count and serum chemistry panel could show the presence of alkaline phosphatase and bile acids. Evidence of hepatitis and severe coagulopathy may be seen as well. The feces, upon study, could show cyanobacterial biotoxins.

Treatment will depend on how the cyanobacterial poisoning symptoms have advanced. If your pet is severely ill, sometimes euthanasia is the only option.

However, if you are fortunate in that you and your beloved pet have arrived at the clinic soon enough, intensive care and aggressive treatment may save your dog. Although not always successful, and often difficult, recovery is possible.

Your dog will be admitted to the hospital, and a treatment protocol will begin. Treatment will include the following as needed, depending upon the type of cyanobacteria involved.

The length of hospital stay and recovery time will depend on how ill your dog was upon arrival, his age, his medical history, what type of toxicity was present, and his response to therapy. Every pet is different and has an individual reaction to treatment.

Recovery is possible, but may take weeks or months. Keep in close contact with the veterinary team and advise them often on your pet’s progress. In the meantime, prevent exposure to your pet by not allowing him in the water where the incident took place, including nearby waterways. Inform your local water officials about the toxicity. Your veterinarian will be able to provide backup information if requested by the authorities.

Dogs who do recover from cyanobacteria will usually have lingering liver damage, as well as other possible complications but with your care, and the support of your veterinary team, your canine companion can have a good quality of life. Your veterinarian can advise on diet, exercise, and aids such as B vitamin supplementation (to aid the liver).

Scientists are working on better testing methods for more quickly identifying toxins in the water and toxicity to pets who have been exposed.