Dog owners warned of killer algae (From The Argus)

Dog owners warned of killer algae

4:09pm Sunday 5th July 2009 in

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VETS have warned people not to let their pets swim in ponds after deadly algae almost killed a dog.

Five-year-old collie Cassie took a cooling dip in the pond at the National Trust’s Petworth Park, but swallowed water poisoned by algae.

The toxic blue green algae, called cyanobacteria, is rare, but has been cropping up in lakes and ponds after the hot weather.

Cassie’s owner Annie Fabbri, 47, of Lodsworth, near Petworth, said: “There is a four to five hour window from ingestion of the poisonous water to death.

“Fortunately we were able to get to a vet who knew what to do and saved Cassie’s life. I certainly wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what we have been through – so even if your dog is desperate to cool off in this hot weather, make sure it is in a river or the sea.”

Vet Charles Williams saved Cassie by giving her adrenaline and fluids to rehydrate her, then rang toxicologists at the Veterinary Poison Information Centre for advice on the algae and how to treat it.

Mr Williams said: “They described Cassie’s case exactly and we were able to build up a picture of her problem.

“At one point I thought we were going to lose her but within half an hour we began to make inroads.

“She is a very lucky dog.

“Blue green algae is an extremely poisonous substance and from the first sign of symptoms dogs can die very quickly,”

Mr Williams warned other dog owners to steer clear of stagnant ponds particularly those which looked turgid and green.

He said if pets showed symptoms of illness shortly after leaving water, had acute salivation and pale gums they should be taken to their vet immediately.

He added: “If blue green algae is in still water you should not allow animals to swim there.”

A spokeswoman for the National Trust at Petworth Park said signs were now being placed around the pond.

She said: “We are aware of the algae and we have put up warning notices telling people not to let their dogs or their children play in the water.”