Warning Blue-green algae My neighbors son and his wife went to a lake in Minnesota last weekend. They had their dog, Bosley, a black lab 10 month old puppy with them. Bosley loved the water and they would throw a frisbee into the water and Bosley would retrieve it. After doing that for a while, Bosley came out of the water and collapsed, having uncontrollable diarrhea and vomiting and he appeared to be having a seizure. They immediately took him and headed for the nearest vet, which was quite a distance from where they were. Bosley died in less than an hour of his first symptoms, in his mom's arms, before they even got to the vet. So sad! My heart aches for them. It turns out his death was caused by blue-green algae which blooms in the lakes or ponds when the conditions have been favorable such as hot, dry weather in warm, nutrient rich water. Most likely, Bosely swallowed water when retrieving the frisbee and it is so highly toxic that even if they had gotten him to the vet in time, there would be nothing they could do...there is no known antidote. I did a search on blue-green algae and it's surprising how many lakes and ponds have this problem...all over the world...the only place that hasn't had this is Antarctica. Not all lakes and ponds have this toxic algae but if you notice dead fish or wildlife around or near the pond or lake, you can be pretty sure it is infected. If Bosely had only gone in the lake and not swallowed any water, he would have symptoms of runny eyes and nose and skin problems, but he wouldn't have died. It is also harmful to humans, especially children, but not usually deadly to them. Be very cautious around any lakes or ponds with your pups! I had NEVER heard of this and just wanted to warn you all about a scary thing. Dogs that drink from contaminated lakes or ponds are usually dead within a half hour. I guess, if you see any kind of algae floating on a lake, keep your dog away. It probably isn't the toxic kind, but better safe than sorry! |
My gosh!! I never heard of it either!!! How very terrible for them. That is just awful that that happened! I'm sure they are devestated. My heart goes out to them:( . |
Oh how awful! I'm so sorry that they lost their dog! I never heard of this, thanks for posting it! |
Ohh so sorry that happened. We have had some problems here with that in the last few years . just this spring they had 4 dogs and 5 cats die just at one small lake. poor babies :cry8: :cry8: |
Omg! That is terrible...not to mention bizzare! What's most interesting...is that Blue Green Algae is touted in health food stores as some sort of magic supplement for human consumption...I see ads for it all the time! Francie |
I had never heard of this before either! Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. I just hate that, at times, it takes a tragic event to bring attention to something so deadly:( My heart goes out to them on the loss of their lab. |
As daisy mae said, we have had it around here the past several years. they refer to it as toxic algae, and they watch our lakes very closely and close them if the find any. |
I am so sorry for their loss. What a horrible experience to go thru. Thank you for sharing the info with us. I had never heard of it before. I will keep your friends in my thoughts and prayers. |
How horrible for your friends. Thank you for posting this important information. Admin - could this be a sticky for Yorkie Health?? |
I feel so sorry for them. That's really sad.:( |
WOW, that is such a sad story.. My heart goes out to them. How terrible that much have been. I've never heard of that, so thanks for posting that. Maybe it will save a life. I know my friends little girl 2 years ago was being stupid and played in the creek in her aunts back yard. Well, it was hot and she cupped her hands and took a small drink. Not long after that, that night she had blood in her stool and flu like symptoms. Things went from bad to worse really fast. Come to find out it was something in the creek. She had to be put on life support at Riley Childrens Hospital. it was contagious too cause she little 2 year old brother had it too and he hadnt been in the creek. So my friend has two babies in two diff rooms at one time. Her and her hubby had to take turns. They had to suit up before they could go into the room. It was terrible. All went well through many prayers!!!!! God answered them and the kids are fine today!!! |
What a sad story. A happy family outing and it had to end so tragic! Our whole world is just getting more and more polluted! My heart goes out to your friends. Thank you for making us aware of this problem. |
Oh, that just breaks my heart... Many prayers for your friends! :( |
hOW AWFUL man, that is just terrible. That poor dog and the owners. So sad. Connie, thanks for making me aware of this. This is news to me and good advice. Thanks... |
Thank you so much for posting this info... We take our dogs boating almost every weekend and I had never heard of this. At least now that I am aware I can watch for this and keep them out of the water when present. Thanks again!!!! |
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