03/18/2022
PSA: regarding Pet (& people) safety and Blue Green Algae. I just got this notification from 5Strands. This is a company I used to get an allergy test done for my Lab who has terrible allergies. This company is wonderful and so helpful! Please read their article below, especially IF YOU AND/OR YOUR PET SWIM IN LAKES OR OCEANS, OR HAVE BACKYARD PONDS. There is a water test available.
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It was supposed to be a fun weekend getaway to celebrate Mandi Miller’s 30th birthday, stated Elkins. Their 115 lb golden retriever wadded in the lake and drank the water. Later that night, he started vomiting. Next came the seizures. The family rushed to the nearest vets office but ended up pulling over to the side of the road to say goodbye until he was gone.
Little did they know, their family pet had suffered from toxic algae poisoning.
Not only did they have to suffer from their loss, they began to develop symptoms a few days afterwards. They had sores all over their body, muscle aches, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues. A blood panel revealed severe liver damage.
Stories like this are popping up all over the country. With the climate changes, these exposures seem to be happening all year round and not just in the summertime when conditions are just right for a potential bloom.
Most people have no idea about the dangers or severity of these toxins. So let's take a closer look and find out more about this colorful threat.
Toxic algae blooms can occur throughout the U.S. and Canada, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They are not always blue-green but can be red and brown, and can occur in freshwater or saltwater. The “algae” or “pond scum” is actually cyanobacteria. These bacteria can produce toxins (such as microcystins and anatoxins) that affect dogs as well as people, livestock and other pets that swim in and drink from algae-contaminated water. Cyanotoxins are powerful natural poisons, including ones that can cause rapid death by respiratory failure.
Though cyanobacteria isn’t visible to the naked eye, it looks like algae when it clumps together in bodies of water. Toxic algae can also bloom in backyard pools and decorative ponds if they aren’t cleaned regularly.
The rapid onset of signs of cyanobacteria illness does not leave much time for treating the animal. Symptoms can begin anywhere from 15 minutes to several days after exposure. Clinical signs of poisoning are dependent on the toxin involved.
Unfortunately, there is no antidote for the toxins produced by blue-green algae, and the prognosis for an affected dog is poor. Aggressive and immediate veterinary treatment is necessary to help treat the patient. Sadly, in some cases, euthanasia is the only option.
However, most of the time treatment is limited to supportive care for the affected organs.
Recovery is possible if it is caught in time. For those pets that do recover from cyanobacteria, they will have lingering liver damage and other possible complications.
While not all blue-green algae are toxic, you can not tell just by sight which are toxic. Assume all blooms to be dangerous until they are tested.Blue-Green algae typically will give off a blue-green shimmer on the water surface. It may look like someone just threw paint on the water. There could be a slimy, scummy or foamy mat or film on the water. However, please note that not all blooms may be visible. Some blooms can be lurking below the water surface. Be weary of any water where you can not see your feet. It might be contaminated.
The best and most effective way of protecting your dog from the dangers of blue-green algae is to prevent them from coming into contact with it.
Some of the ways you can keep your dog safe from exposure include:
~ Cleaning your dog properly if they go for a swim in water
~ Preventing your dog from drinking out of bodies of water
~ Fence off contaminated ponds and lakes
~ Remove standing water from plant containers, birdbaths, fishponds, and fountains
~ Rinse your dog with clean water after they take a swim
~TEST THE WATER
This is where 5Strands Affordable Testing comes in. The BLUEGREEN TEST® is the world's first rapid diagnostic test to detect a broad range of hepatotoxins on-site. It utilizes a single step, sandwich type, non-competitive immunocomplex assay method, using combinations of antibodies detecting molecular structures present in all common microcystins and nodularins. This combination enables the test to detect eleven commonly occurring hepatotoxins in a single test and can detect levels below 0.1 µg/L. and takes just 15 minutes to process with immediate, sensitive and indicative results.
Help spread the word about the dangers of this deadly toxin. Let others know that there is now an on-site test available for only $35.00.
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I highly recommend 5Strands Affordable Testing for this and any testing needs your pet may have. This opinion is 100% my own from personal experience.
