Changes

==Description==

==Description==

Blue-green algae (''Anacystis cyanea'' ''Microcystis aeruginosa'' ''Microcystis toxica'') 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 is a type of phytoplankton found in ponds and other freshwater environments and toxic strains include ''Anacystis cyanea'', ''Microcystis aeruginosa''and ''Microcystis toxica''. The algae 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==

==History and Clinical Signs==

==History and Clinical Signs==

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.

History of drinking from stagnant water source.

Some genera produce hepatotoxic peptides called microcytins whilst others especially Anabaena , can produce both neuro and hepatotoxins. If a toxic waterbloom contains both types of toxins, neurological signs will be seen first as these toxins act quicker than the hepatotoxins. 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.

==Pathology==

==Pathology==