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Two Dogs Arrive at Shelter with Rare and Deadly Disease
Guest Contributor
Earlier this month, two severely ill dogs arrived at the the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. Both dogs - 6-month-old Rogue and 15-week-old Brick - were experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, lack of appetite, and extreme weakness. After thorough veterinary assessment and testing, the shelter learned that Rogue and Brick were suffering from salmon poisoning disease.
PHOTO: HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA & PIERCE COUNTYDr. Katherine Spaulding, associate shelter veterinarian, says, "The mortality rate of this disease is often really high. If left untreated, dogs usually succumb to the disease within seven to ten days."
Salmon poisoning disease is about 90% fatal to dogs and is unique to the Pacific Northwest region. The disease comes from dangerous bacteria that live within a parasite whose hosts are raw salmon and other fish. This chain of events – a dog consuming raw fish and being infected with a parasite that is infected with bacteria – is what leads to a critical situation.
PHOTO: HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA & PIERCE COUNTYOver the last several days, Rogue and Brick have received round-the-clock care with antibiotics, anti-parasitic medications, fluids, and constant monitoring. The dogs are slowly showing signs that they are feeling better, but their healing journeys have just begun.
Anyone wishing to help with their recovery can learn how to help here.
PHOTO: HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA & PIERCE COUNTYMore information regarding salmon poisoning disease can be found at the shelter's website.
This story was submitted by Lindsey Heaney from our shelter friend the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County in Tacoma, Washington. Learn more about them here!