Botulism is a disease caused by clostridium botulinum, a bacteria found in soil. Clostridium botulinum release a toxin that has a debilitating effect on humans and pets. This toxin can be found in decaying animals and plant materials, so dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or that hunt can be especially susceptible.
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Onset of symptoms
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The effects of botulism in your dog would be likely to appear between 12 and 36 hours after your dog was exposed to the bacteria's toxin. This span is much shorter than in humans, so it may be easier to diagnose if you know your dog has recently consumed a decaying carcass or rotting plant materials. The recent diet of your dog will be important information to share with your veterinarian when diagnosing your dog's illness.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of botulism include paralysis of limbs, difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, difficulty swallowing and paralysis in the dog's facial features. These symptoms are similar to other forms of infections and diseases in dogs, so your veterinarian may have to run additional tests before diagnosing the disease.
Treatment
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Once a dog has been diagnosed with botulism, the only type of care available is supportive. The dog must be cared for in an animal hospital or by experienced care-takers for several weeks until his or her body begins to function normally again. Unfortunately, many pet owners are unable to afford this type of intensive care and the dog must be put to sleep.
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