Changes

==Description==

==Description==

Blue-green algae (''Microcystis aeruginosa'') is a type of phytoplankton that is found in ponds and other freshwater environments. They arise following long spells of hot dry weather and hence bloom in the summer but are also assosiated with high levels of phosphate and nitrate in the water. These algae can be extremely toxic and can poision livestock, birds and sometimes dogs.

Blue-green algae (''Microcystis aeruginosa'') is a type of phytoplankton that is found in ponds and other freshwater environments. They arise following long spells of hot dry weather and hence bloom in the summer but are also assosiated with high levels of phosphate and nitrate in the water. These algae can be extremely toxic and can poision livestock, birds and sometimes dogs.

 

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Test water for presence of blue-green algae. This can be done by fixing fresh samples in a 1:10 dilution of formalin or frozen water samples can be evaluated for lethality using a mouse bioassay.

Test water for presence of blue-green algae. This can be done by fixing fresh samples in a 1:10 dilution of formalin or frozen water samples can be evaluated for lethality using a mouse bioassay.

Althouh non-specific, a biochemical profile suggests hepatotoxicity with increases in ALT, AST and ALKP.

A biochemistry profile may suggest hepatotoxicity with increases in Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

==History and Clinical Signs==

==History and Clinical Signs==

History of drinking from stagnant water.

History of drinking from stagnant water source. Clinical signs can be variable but in acute cases death can occur within a few hours. In less severe cases liver damage causing jaundice and photosensitisation may lead to death. Generalised signs may include severe abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, muscle tremors, convulsions, hyperaesthesia, staggering, dullness, recumbency, ataxia, flaccid paralysis.

Can be variable but in acute cases death can occur within a few hours. In less severe cases liver damage causing jaundice and photosensitisation may lead to death. generalised signs may include severe abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, muscle tremors, convulsions, hyperaesthesia, staggering, dullness, recumbency, ataxia, flaccid paralysis.

==Pathology==

==Pathology==

 

Congestion of the lungs, liver, mesenteric vessels and lymph nodes.  

Inflammed  and congested liver, with areas of necrosis. The lungs mesenteric vessels and lymph nodes and gall bladder may show congestion.  

Inflammatory and congestive changes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Inflammatory and congestive changes in the gastrointestinal tract may also be present.

 

 

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

There is no specific anti-dote.

There is no specific anti-dote.

With a history of recent ingestion, gastric decontamination can be performed unless there is evidence of impaired neurological status.

Following known ingestion, gastric decontamination can be performed unless there is evidence of impaired neurological status.

Detoxifixation and supportive treatment for the diarrhoea, dehydration, shock and hepatic insufficiency.  

Supportive treatment is required for other clinical signs which may include diarrhoea, dehydration, shock and hepatic insufficiency. To prevent toxicity keep animals away from infected water or use algicides such as copper sulphate to water soutces.

Keep animals away from infected water.

Add algicides such as copper sulphate to the water.