Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with liver failure after swallowing blue-green algae toxin
By Sebbag, Lionel et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2013·Kansas State University, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Liver failure in a dog following suspected ingestion of blue-green algae (Microcystis spp.): a case report and review of the toxin.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 2.5-year-old female Weimaraner was brought to the vet after swimming in a lake contaminated with blue-green algae, which is known to be toxic to dogs. The dog showed symptoms like vomiting, not eating, weakness, and lethargy just a day after exposure. Blood tests revealed severe liver failure due to the algae toxin. The vet provided supportive care, including fluids and various medications, and the dog was able to go home after treatment. This case is notable because it's the first reported instance of a dog surviving after ingesting this harmful algae.
People also search for: dog liver failure blue-green algae · Weimaraner vomiting not eating · dog swimming lake algae poisoning
Abstract
A 2.5 yr old spayed female Weimaraner presented after ingestion of blue-green algae (Microcystis spp.). One day prior to presentation, the patient was swimming at a local lake known to be contaminated with high levels of blue-green algae that was responsible for deaths of several other dogs the same summer. The patient presented 24 hr after exposure with vomiting, inappetence, weakness, and lethargy. Blood work at the time of admission was consistent with acute hepatic failure, characteristic findings of intoxication by Microcystis spp. Diagnosis was suspected by analyzing a water sample from the location where the patient was swimming. Supportive care including fluids, fresh frozen plasma, whole blood, vitamin K, B complex vitamins, S-adenosyl methionine, and Silybum marianum were started. The patient was discharged on supportive medications, and follow-up blood work showed continued improvement. Ingestion is typically fatal for most patients. This is the first canine to be reported in the literature to survive treatment after known exposure.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23861261/