Blue Green Algae Cyanobacteria Slow moving bodies of water – Lakes, ponds, creeks and some rivers Discolours the water blue-green or greenish brown More prominent in summer Some species produce toxins that can kill cattle, sheep, waterfowl and dogs when ingested Forms a scum layer on the water when conditions are calm – poisoning can occur when no scum is visible

Clinical Signs  Massive haemorrhage  Trembling  Vomiting  frothing at the mouth  Diarrhoea  Convulsions  In extreme cases death can occur within 30 minutes after signs first appear

Treatment  Activated charcoal to help bind the toxins and move them out of the dog's system.  Forcing the dog to throw up before the toxins leave the stomach has also proven useful.  Atropine is also administered in some cases, stops the poison going to the brain.