Salmon Poisoning Disease in Dogs
What is salmon poisoning disease?
Takeaways
- Salmon poisoning disease in dogs is caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked salmonid fish (char, salmon, trout) containing parasitic flukes infected with the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca.
- Seek veterinary care if your dog shows clinical signs of salmon poisoning disease and may have had exposure to fish.
- The disease is easily treated with appropriate veterinary care but is fatal if left untreated.
- Do not feed raw or undercooked freshwater fish to your dog. (Cooked fish can be fed in moderation.)
Salmon poisoning disease is caused by the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca. Dogs become affected when they eat raw or undercooked fish from freshwater streams or coastal areas, such as salmon or trout, that contain parasitic flukes (Nanophyetus salmincola) infected with the bacteria. The disease is often encountered in the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and parts of Canada, where dogs are exposed through scavenging or fed fish by humans.
Fish can contract flukes after the parasite exits the snail’s body and penetrates the fish’s body. However, not all fish contract flukes, and not all flukes are infected with the bacteria. Eating raw fish without flukes can still cause other problems, so it is best to keep dogs away from all raw fish as a precaution.
Early treatment has a high success rate, but salmon poisoning disease in dogs is potentially fatal if left untreated.
What are the clinical signs of salmon poisoning disease?
Salmon poisoning disease in dogs is characterized by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, weakness, lethargy, dehydration, and swollen lymph nodes. Clinical signs may appear within a week to a month after eating infected fish.
How is salmon poisoning disease diagnosed?
Salmon poisoning disease is diagnosed by a veterinary examination. Patient history of recent exposure to raw fish, either from the known diet or potentially through recent outdoor activities such as fishing or hunting trips, can help with diagnosis. The veterinarian may perform a fecal examination for parasite eggs, a lymph node aspirate to evaluate for the presence of Neorickettsia, and bloodwork that may indicate infection or dehydration.
How is salmon poisoning disease treated?
Treatment for salmon poisoning disease in dogs often includes antibiotics (usually doxycycline) to clear the infection, and dewormer (praziquantel) to eliminate the parasite. Supportive care may consist of fluid administration and anti-nausea medications. Sever cases may require hospitalization.
What is the prognosis for salmon poisoning disease?
The prognosis for salmon poisoning disease in dogs is excellent if recognized and treated early. Without treatment, it is fatal in 90% of dogs within 2 weeks.
How can salmon poisoning disease be prevented?
Salmon poisoning disease can be prevented by never feeding raw or undercooked freshwater fish to dogs and supervising dogs near freshwater rivers and coastal areas where fish may wash up. Be aware of the risk of salmon poisoning if you travel to the Pacific Northwest with your dog(s), and educate family members, friends, and pet sitters of disease risks.
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Dog’s Close Call with Salmon Poisoning Disease Shocks Owners but Raises Awareness
Ollie's health scare alerted his owners to a disease they never knew existed. He was diagnosed with salmon poisoning disease - likely the result of an encounter with a dead salmon on a river bank during a recent outdoor adventure.