After a suspected exposure to a dead salmon infected with Nanophyetus salmincola, this seven-year-old Portland dog developed life-threatening salmon poisoning disease, a rare but serious condition seen primarily in the Pacific Northwest. Photo courtesy DoveLewis A seven-year-old dog from Portland, Ore., survived a severe case of salmon poisoning disease (SPD), highlighting the rapid and potentially fatal course of this uncommon Pacific Northwest condition. It likely ingested a dead salmon carrying Nanophyetus salmincola, a fluke that transmits Neorickettsia helminthoeca, the bacterium responsible for SPD. It developed lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and inappetence. Laboratory testing revealed severe thrombocytopenia, with platelets just 6,000/µL, and hypoalbuminemia (1.7–1.9 g/dL), indicating critical systemic compromise. Fecal analysis confirmed SPD, prompting referral to DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital for intensive care. “Salmon poisoning can escalate rapidly, and Forrest presented with classic severe clinical signs,” says DoveLewis Criticalist Marie Min, DVM, DACVECC. “Its platelet counts and albumin levels were dangerously low, increasing its risk for complications. With timely intervention and close monitoring, we were able to stabilize it.” Photo courtesy DoveLewis This case illustrates how quickly SPD can progress from mild gastrointestinal signs to life-threatening illness, emphasizing the need for rapid recognition and intervention in dogs exposed to raw salmon or trout in the region.
