Pet Health Articles
BLOWFISH
Fishing is a popular past-time along Perth beaches and the Swan River. However, recreational fishermen here have a habit of leaving a particular type of fish on dry ground to die. The fish is Torquigener pleurogramma, otherwise known as the Banded Toadfish, Weeping Toado or simply "Blowie". Dead blowies are often found left stranded along beaches, jetties and piers. Blowies contain a very deadly toxin known as tetrodoxin. One fish potentially contains enough toxin to kill 30 persons! The toxin concentrates in the ovaries, skin, intestines and liver; in Japan, highly-trained licensed chefs remove these parts and the fish is sold in restaurants. On a sidenote, approximately ten thousand tons are consumed in Japan each year, one ton in New York and small amounts in Hong Kong. Amazingly about 70-100 deaths occur each year in Japan but this has not discouraged people from trying this potentially deadly delicacy. In Perth, dogs that frequent the beach or Swan River are most at risk. Depending on the amount of tetrodoxin consumed, motor incoordination may occur within 10-45 minutes, followed by paralysis and difficulty in breathing, leading to death. There is no known effective treatment or antidote. If you suspect your dog has eaten a blowie, you should contact us immediately. If caught early, first aid may be rendered in the form of inducing emesis (vomiting).
