Edicational post Salmon

[Gina Heitz <brier@oregonsbest.com>]

Hi All,

Another form Auntie Ellen's stash. This one is of major importance to
several of us. :-) 


SALMON POISONING 

Salmon poisoning is a disease of dogs that is unique to the Pacific
Northwest. It is commonly called salmon poisoning but it is not a
poisoning. The disease is actually an infection caused by an organism
found in salmon and steelhead. More specifically, it is caused by a
rickettsial organism that is carried inside a parasite that dogs acquire
after eating uncooked salmon or steelhead. Once the parasite infects a
dog it releases the rickettsia into the dogs tissues. It rapidly spreads
throughout the dog's body causing a systemic (whole body) infection.
Symptoms of the illness usually develop in 5 to 7 days after the
infection. 

The first symptom of salmon poisoning is a loss of appetite.
Although sick dogs refuse to eat anything they continue to drink water
and often their water consumption increases dramatically. They lie around
and show no interest in anything except drinking water, with vomiting and
diarrhea developing, as they become more ill. Their bowel movements have
a characteristic yellow color and strong odor. They have a high fever
with the lymph nodes becoming quite swollen. As the disease progresses
dehydration and electrolyte imbalance occur followed by death in 90% of
the dogs that do not receive medical treatment. 

The treatment necessary for a dog with salmon disease depends on
how long the dog has been ill. If it is diagnosed early in the disease
appropriate antibiotics may be all that are needed. As the illness
progresses more complications will occur and treatment will require
hospitalization and intensive care. With early recognition and treatment,
a dog with salmon poisoning has almost a 100 % chance of survival. 

Prevention is always better than treatment so use the following
information as an aid in the prevention of salmon poisoning. Dogs should
receive only thoroughly cooked salmon or steelhead. Any uncooked fish
should be disposed of in a manner that will not allow a dog access to it.
Fishermen need to be careful not only with the fish, but with the
entrails and blood. It is relatively easy when cleaning up the boat or
fish cleaning equipment to leave fish parts around for a dog to find.
People who live along the rivers or who walk their dogs in those areas
need to realize that salmon or steelhead carcasses can be a source of
infection. Watch your dog closely. 

The symptoms mentioned above are general symptoms of a serious and
potential life threatening illness. If your dog shows some of these
symptoms and has exposure to salmon or steelhead, there is a strong
possibility it has salmon poisoning. Remember that catching this illness
early in its course makes treatment relatively easy and a successful.

Larry C. Wainright, DVM 
The Village Vet Animal Hospital pc