Salmon Poisoning

Salmon Poisoning Disease

Dogs are susceptible to salmon poisoning. If not treated, salmon poisoning disease is usually fatal to dogs within 2 weeks after exposure.

Salmon (salmonid fish) and other anadromous fish (fish that swim upstream to breed) can be infected with a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola. Normally, the parasite is relatively harmless. The danger occurs when the parasite itself is infected with a rickettsial organism called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. It’s this microorganism that causes salmon poisoning.

Salmon, trout, and other fish such as the lamprey, sculpin, redside shiner, shad, sturgeon, candlefish and the large-scale sucker who spend their lives in coastal streams and rivers st can be infected.

(Canids) (Canidae) animals that includes the wolves, jackals, foxes, coyote, and the domestic dog - Canids are the only species susceptible to salmon poisoning.

Symptoms Of Salmon Poisoning

The symptoms of salmon poisoning disease are similar to other gastrointestinal diseases such as canine parvovirus.

If infected, your dog would likely show some or all of the following symptoms about 6 to 10 days after ingesting fish which were carrying the bacteria.

Symptoms may be of variable severity but generally consist of:

Fever, often greater than 104 F

Depression

Anorexia

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Nasal or eye discharge

Weight loss

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you know your dog has ingested raw fish and it exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, notify your veterinarian.

If not treated, salmon poisoning disease is usually fatal to dogs within 2 weeks after exposure.