In March 2011 several confirmed cases of salmon poisoning at Santee Lakes and Cuyamaca Lake from trout stocked from Northern California were reported.  In June there were at least two more cases confirmed in dogs that ate raw fish at Cuyamaca Lake. 

Salmon (and other types of fish that swim upstream to breed) can be infected with a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola.  The danger occurs when the parasite is infected with a rickettsial organism called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. It’s this microorganism that causes salmon poisoning. Generally clinical signs appear within six days of a dog eating an infected fish. 

Common symptoms of salmon poisoning may include:

• vomiting
• lack of appetite
• fever
• diarrhea
• weakness
• swollen lymph nodes 
• dehydration

If untreated, death usually occurs within fourteen days of eating the infected fish. Ninety percent of dogs showing symptoms die if they are not treated.

Thankfully, salmon poisoning is treatable if it’s caught in time. A key to its diagnosis is telling your veterinarian that your dog ate raw fish.

Given the severity of the condition, treatment is relatively simple. Your veterinarian will prescribe oral medications which will  kill the rickettsial organisms that cause the illness, and the parasite. If the dog is dehydrated, intravenous fluid are given. Once treatment has been started, most dogs show dramatic improvement within two days.  Next time you are fishing or purchase raw salmon, be sure to keep your pet from ingesting any of it.