Can blue-green algae poisoning cause long-term liver damage in dogs?

Question

My dog got a positive test back for blue green algae. It’s been a week and a few days since we went to the lake, and she was acting normal until two days ago. She went to the vet and everything but should I be worried about long term affects of this poisoning? I’ve read about liver failure? Or would it have already happened if it affected her that badly? She just has this bad rash and is limping from it and has white ish gums still. Pet's info: Dog | Blue Heeler | Female | spayed | 30 lbs

Catherine Stecyk · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Mj tested positive for blue green algae but I'm glad you sought out veterinary attention. Clinical signs of poisoning are dependent on the toxin involved. Microcystins can result in liver damage or failure. Signs of liver injury include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool or black, tarry stool, weakness, pale mucous membranes, jaundice, seizures, disorientation, coma, and shock. Death generally follows within days as a result of liver failure. Blood work changes include elevated liver enzymes, a low blood sugar, a low protein, and even abnormal clotting. These are things that your veterinarian would be able to detect. Anatoxins result in neurotoxicity evidenced by excessive secretions (e.g., salivation, lacrimation, etc.), neurologic signs (including muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis, etc.), blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, and difficulty breathing. Death typically follows within minutes to hours of exposure as a result of respiratory paralysis. If Mj is not showing any of the clinical signs above, I think her risk of being in liver failure is low. However, her pale/white gums are very concerning to me, as this could indicate anemia, or a low red blood cell count. This can make dogs dangerously hypoxemic, meaning they don't have enough oxygen in their blood stream to perfuse their tissues. I would contact your veterinarian to let them know that she is having these signs, so they can determine, based on her exam and bloodwork from her previous visit, if additional intervention is necessary. I hope this is helpful!

Can blue-green algae poisoning cause long-term liver damage in dogs?

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