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A prize-winning agility dog was left fighting for her life after exposure to toxic blue-green algae. Her case highlights the hidden dangers dogs can face around water, even outside of peak season.
Cocker spaniel Lyric spent two nights in intensive care at our Vets Now clinic in Kilmarnock after becoming critically ill following what should have been a routine swim.
A normal walk that turned into an emergency
Lyric had been out with her owner, Amanda Smith, at Irvine Beach Park in North Ayrshire, a place she had visited countless times before with the family’s other four dogs.
The group stopped near a familiar pond, where all five dogs went for a swim.
At first, nothing seemed unusual. But within 40 minutes of returning home, Lyric’s condition changed dramatically. She became cold, weak, and unresponsive.
Amanda said: “She went from her normal, lively self to being completely lifeless in such a short space of time. I knew something was seriously wrong.”
Lyric had developed severe diarrhoea, and her condition was rapidly deteriorating.
Rushed to emergency care
With her daytime vet closed, Amanda contacted us and made the journey straight away.
“It’s only around 15 miles, but it felt like the longest journey of my life,” Amanda said.
“She was getting worse and worse, and at one point I thought I’d lost her.”
On arrival, Lyric was taken straight into intensive care and was in a very serious condition.
Vet, Sam King, said: “She was hypothermic, with a dangerously low heart rate of just 30 beats per minute and falling. Her blood had stopped clotting, and we needed to stabilise her quickly.”
The team acted fast, providing emergency treatment including IV fluids and specialist warming equipment.
At first, vets believed Lyric may have ingested a toxic substance. As her condition developed, it became clear the cause was likely something less obvious. The water she had been swimming in appeared to have triggered a severe toxic reaction.
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A remarkable recovery
Lyric required one-to-one care over two nights in our Kilmarnock clinic and, against the odds, she began to improve.
“The outcomes for dogs with severe reactions to blue-green algae can be very poor,” said Sam. “But Lyric was incredibly strong, and she pulled through.”
After continued monitoring, she was well enough to return home.
Amanda said: “Seeing her walk out with me was incredibly emotional. I honestly thought we were going to lose her.”
After several weeks of recovery, Lyric is now back doing what she loves and competing again.
Blue-Green Algae, what to watch for:
If your dog has been swimming and shows any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary help immediately:
- Weakness or collapse
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, especially with blood
- Tremors or seizures
- Unusual lethargy or behaviour
- Breathing difficulties
When minutes matter
Sam added: “This case shows just how serious blue-green algae exposure can be. It is a hidden threat that can appear at any time of year.”
“If your dog becomes unwell after being in water, do not wait. Get veterinary help straight away. Time is critical, and early treatment can save lives.”
Stay safe around water
While many dogs love to swim, it is important to stay cautious:
- Avoid water that looks discoloured or has a green sheen
- Check for local warnings before visiting lakes or ponds
- Do not let dogs drink from unknown water sources
- Rinse your dog after swimming
Enjoy time outdoors with your dog but stay aware of hidden hazards. If the unexpected happens, we are here when minutes matter.