Dog likely died of algae poisoning
Officials say to use common sense with pets and children
Staff reporter
The results are in. Blue-green algae is likely the cause of death of a dog that was tested after reportedly drinking water from Marion Reservoir July 6, and could possibly have caused the deaths of two other dogs that became ill that same weekend.
Following a necropsy or autopsy of the adult basset hound dog, the results stated, "Due to the clinical history, exposure of multiple animals, and water analysis, blue-green algae toxicosis (condition produced by a poison) would appear to be the likely cause of death in this dog."
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of Manhattan examined the specimen and determined the findings.
The report continued that, "Postmortem condition of the liver may be occluding (blocking) any subtle lesions that would have resulted from microcystis aeurginosa (blue-green algae) toxicity. The water analysis indicates that the toxin was present in the lake near the time of the canine exposure."
The basset hound was one of four dogs that became ill after reportedly drinking water from a secluded cove at Marion Reservoir. All of the dogs were treated by veterinarian Jessica Laurin of Animal Health Center of Marion County, Marion.
Three of the four dogs died.
Treated water remains safe to drink
City, county, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials maintain that all water that is properly treated, such as the water that is distributed by the cities of Hillsboro and Marion, is safe to drink.
Those who visit the reservoir need to use common sense and wash after being in the water, and make sure pets and small children do not ingest the untreated lake water.
