can organisms in tankwater (virus/bacterium/parasites) make dog ill?

[petspoiler]

I have one small dog sick, & a 2nd big dog has only had intermittent signs. loose stools with some bright blood, an incident of pure blood.. isolated vomiting incidents. not enough that dog 'appears' sick.

My dirty tank water drains out to a garden area where dogs have access, so they could lick it.
The vet focused suspicion on Cryptosporidium.
Can aquariums harbor bacterium Cryptosporidium, Salmonella, ..
Anyone know of that?
I'm wondering if it's unwise for me to keep draining out to their area. I'd have to buy more hose to go elsewhere.

Those, & parasites like Giardia- are some things we're awaiting results for, with an "IDEXX Canine Diarrhea Panel". (aside from usual canine stuff).

Between messes, dog management, vet$$, and the first tests don't detect cancer- it's a drag.

 

[strollo22]

I would think that any bacteria that's able to live in water wouldn't be able to survive once it's on land. I'm not positive and I would live to see the answers as well since I basically do the same with my tank water.


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[petspoiler]

I would think that any bacteria that's able to live in water wouldn't be able to survive once it's on land. ..........

my dogs could get a lick while it's still wet. I drain water-changes into garden near doorway.

Thanks.

 

[Azedenkae]

Yes, tank water can harbor pathogens - they may not thrive there and be in a state where they're alive but not growing and when your dog licks it up... yeah, basically it's like food poisoning.

Salmonella, E. coli, etc. etc. all can survive in tank water.

It's like how you can sometimes get sick from drinking contaminated tap water. Same principle.

 

[joe jaskot]

I seriously doubt your dogs got sick from your aquarium water. I've seen dogs drink out of toilets. I have my neighbors cats and a friend's dogs drink out of my outdoor pond. They never got sick. I would look elsewhere for your problem.

 

[petspoiler]

joe, I understand your point. but I was curious as to the suspected organisms being common in aquaria, since gravel vaccs & filter rinses dump out such concentrated stuff.
I know there are other sources (IF it's even caused by an organism) :-/
Really small animals are more fragile than big ones. the G-kids' chihuahua is sickest. my 75-80 pound dog has less signs even though she's old (and becoming frail).
So, *smh*, I googled Cryptosporidium+aquarium and it is known to exist there.

All I'm looking for is to diminish risky exposures. am not stopping with tank drainage.
TBH, it will be a good thing if organisms caused this. at least my next $$ may go toward treatment. Vet tests can be a bottomless pit.
should know that next Wed.

 

[petspoiler]

follow up:
dog tested positive for Cryptosporidium. prescribed 6 weeks of meds, and it's working