What Is Canine Botulism

Canine botulism is an acute, often fatal poisoning that occurs when a dog eats the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum - usually in rotting carcasses or contaminated food and water. It mostly strikes in summer, with signs appearing just hours later. The classic picture is a progressive, symmetrical paralysis that creeps from the hind legs forward while the dog stays alert with a normal temperature; severe cases end in breathing failure. Diagnosis depends on finding the toxin in food, tissue, or blood, and treatment combines antitoxin with washing out the gut. The simplest defense is never feeding spoiled meat and boiling feed before use.