Nova Scotia veterinarian warns dog owners about toxic blue-green algae in lakes
Dog owners in Nova Scotia should be on the lookout for blue-green algae in lakes and ponds this summer after two dogs died following a potential exposure to the bacteria, a veterinarian at the clinic that treated the fatally ill animals said.
Juanita Ashton with the Elmsdale Animal Hospital said one of the two Golden Retrievers was dead and the other was suffering from seizures and diarrhea when they arrived at the clinic north of Halifax.
The cause of the illness has not yet been confirmed, but she said the symptoms were consistent with an exposure to toxic blue-green algae blooms.
"The big risk for dogs is when they go swimming in it, they're usually ingesting a lot of the water," she said. "If they ingest enough of it, it is potentially fatal."
Residents of the area around Grand Lake, near Enfield, N.S., were informed of the potential danger in the water after one person was hospitalized and two dogs died last week.
Blue-green algae produce toxins that pose a range of health threats to humans and animals.
Dogs can develop mild skin rashes or suffer from organ failure and death, Ashton said.
If a dog consumes enough of the bacteria, veterinarians can offer supportive treatments but "it's very hard to get these dogs to a normal state of health," she said.
While the older dog had died before arriving at the clinic, the younger puppy was extremely sick, Ashton said.
"It was so devastating," she said. "They were just the best pet owners. They were very responsible."
Nova Scotia's Environment Department said people with wells that have a depth of 30 metres or less and are located within 60 metres of the lake should not use their well water for drinking, bathing or cooking until further notice.
An official with the department said the water is being tested for pesticides, organic materials and petroleum hydrocarbons, but the toxin produced by blue-green algae is the likeliest cause.
"A picture was taken the first evening ... and it has that quite vibrant colour to it, suggesting it is blue-green algae," Deputy Environment Minister Julie Towers said in a briefing on Friday, adding that it came after an unusually warm series of days.
The frequency and size of the blooms may be linked to climate change, she said.
"Algae like any plant responds to warmth. We're getting warmer. We're seeing climate change effects," Towers said. "I suspect we're going to have more blooms in more sites."
For dog owners, Ashton said it's important to keep an eye out for a bright green scum on lakes and ponds, especially during a heat wave.
Toxic blue-green algae can range in colour from bright neon green to turquoise, olive-green, or even red, according to Nova Scotia Environment Department's website.
Blooms can look like fine grass clippings in the water or a large carpet of scum on the surface. The algae can be seen floating on the surface or suspended in the water.
"When there are hot days, not windy -- this is when the bacteria likes to form on the top of water," Ashton said. "In Grand Lake, it's a big, giant lake, so it's not going to be all over that lake but it could be at the shoreline."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.