Blue Green Algae

• Cyanobacteria• Slow moving bodies of water – Lakes, ponds, creeks and some

rivers• Discolours the water blue-green or greenish brown• More prominent in summer• Some species produce toxins that can kill cattle, sheep,

waterfowl and dogs when ingested• Forms a scum layer on the water when conditions are calm –

poisoning can occur when no scum is visible

Clinical Signs Massive haemorrhage Trembling Vomiting frothing at the mouth Diarrhoea Convulsions In extreme cases death can occur within 30

minutes after signs first appear

Treatment Activated charcoal to help bind the

toxins and move them out of the dog's system.

Forcing the dog to throw up before the toxins leave the stomach has also proven useful.

Atropine is also administered in some cases, stops the poison going to the brain.