Botulism in dogs is a rare disease that affects the nervous system, causing paralysis. It is related to the consumption of meat in poor condition, although there are other causes, as we explain in this article on our site.
Watching the food the dog has access to is part of the preventive measures. It is important, since the prognosis will depend on each case. Some specimens will recover spontaneously while others may be fatal.
What is botulism?
Botulism in dogs occurs as acute paralyzing disease This effect is due to the action of a neurotoxin, that is, a substance that is toxic to the central or peripheral nervous system. This toxin, in particular, is produced by the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which is very resistant in the environment.
The dog gets the disease when it eats spoiled meat. This can happen if it eats carrion or if we give it, without being aware, some meat that has been stored for too many days, even if it is cooked. That is why we must avoid giving them leftovers or, at least, not offering them if we have cooked them for days. Garbage and buried food are sources of contamination. Therefore, botulism is more likely in dogs that live in rural areas or that roam alone.
Another way to get botulism is eating vegetables or meats that are improperly canned. Finally, we must know that botulism in dogs has an incubation period that ranges from 12 hours to 6 days.
Botulism symptoms in dogs
The outstanding symptom of botulism is paralysis which, moreover, can evolve rapidly, that is, it is progressive. It begins by affecting the hind legs and progresses to the front legs. In addition, we can appreciate lack of coordination, weakness or falls The dog can end up lying down and with weakness and paralysis in all four limbs and even in the head and neck. He only manages to move his tail a little. It gives the sensation of being anesthetized.
In these cases of greater affectation, the dog is unable to change only its posture or turn its head. There is a generalized state of flaccidity. Muscle tone will also be decreased. The pupils appear slightly dilated. The paralysis can affect swallowing, so that we will see sialorrhea, which is the inability to retain saliva inside the mouth, although it is likely that its production is also affected.
Aspiration pneumonia is a complication of this condition. When the muscles related to breathing are damaged, there is an increase in the respiratory rate. The severity of the condition depends on the amount of toxin ingested and the resistance of each dog.
Diagnosis and treatment of botulism in dogs
The first thing the vet needs to do is confirm the diagnosis There are several diseases that cause weakness and paralysis, so it is important to identify Which of them is it about? The differential diagnosis is made with tick-induced paralysis, myasthenia gravis, or hypokalemia or low blood potassium.
The presence of this disease can be confirmed by finding botulinum toxin in the blood, urine, vomit, or feces. Usually, a blood sample is taken and sent to a lab. It has to be done early in the disease, so it's important to seek care early.
Dogs with a very mild condition even manage to recover without any treatment being necessary. Even in these cases, they have to go to the vet to confirm or not the diagnosis. In any case, the treatment will be supportive.
Dogs with a more serious clinical picture should be helped to change position. They are given fluids intravenously and their bladders are manually emptied three times a day if they are unable to urinate on their own. Faced with swallowing problems they will need support to eat. We can offer a soft diet. It is also common to prescribe antibiotics.
Is there a cure for botulism in dogs?
There cannot be a single answer to this question, since the prognosis will depend on each case and the amount of toxin ingested. If the disease does not progress rapidly, recovery is likely to be good and complete, even in dogs with paralysis in all limbs or problems with swallowing.
