|
Salmon Poisoning (SPD) can be fatal for dogs on Pacific Northwest beaches
A HAPPY DAY at the beach can end sadly, if your dog finds and
eats dead fish.
Salmon poisoning disease (SPD) is not really poisoning, but a
sometimes fatal infection caused by bacteria-like organisms called
rickettsia (Neorickettsia helminthoeca).
These organisms are carried in flukes (Nanophyetus salmincola)
which require three different hosts: certain snails (Oxytrema plicifer),
which develop into cysts in salmon, and finally form eggs in the intestinal tracts of
canines to complete their life cycles. When the dogs excrete the
eggs, the organisms return to the water to infect other snails, and
the cycle starts over again.
Dogs acquire the disease by ingesting raw salmon, steelhead, or trout from
rivers and streams. The disease is found only in the Pacific Northwest, primarily
Northern California to Washington, which is the habitat for the snails.
Other animals don't seemed to be susceptible to infection, and
cats, raccoons and bears can catch and eat fish without becoming ill.
Humans are not susceptible either...a great relief to sushi lovers.
SPD symptoms include:
- fever
- loss of appetite
- dehydration
- diarrhea
- enlarged lymph nodes
- vomiting
- weakness
It typically takes 5-7 days for symptoms to develop after ingestion of the infected
fish. If untreated, 90 percent of the dogs showing symptoms will usually die
within 14 days.
If you know or suspect that dog has eaten raw salmon, call your
veterinarian immediately. Treated appropriately, dogs usually have
an excellent chance of complete recovery.
Home
| Services
| Staff
| Location
| Boarding & Dog Parks
| FAQ
| Dr's Bag
| Jobs
Hollywood Pet Hospital
3565 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 234-9229
|