Necropsy shows 4th dog died from tumour, not blue-green algae, owner says

Another dog has died shortly after being near a body of water in southern New Brunswick, this time the Kennebecasis River — but it had nothing to do with coming into contact with blue-green algae. 

After three dogs died after swimming in the St. John River, the dog's owner, Ray Mitchell, was convinced his dog Layla had come into contact with blue-green algae while swimming in the Kennebecasis River.

The dog died 10 to 12 minutes after getting out of the water in Summerville on the Kingston Peninsula.

Mitchell took the dog to a veterinarian, who suggested the family allow the provincial veterinarian to do a necropsy to determine what caused Layla's death. 

• Toxic blue-green algae blooms prompt dog owners to keep pets onshore 
• Blue-green algae confirmed as cause of dogs' sudden deaths in Fredericton 
• What you should know about toxic algae blooms if you're heading to the St. John River

But necropsy results show Layla died from a cancerous tumour on her heart and spleen. 

"She bled internally and died peacefully with little or no pain," Mitchell said, who received the necropsy results Wednesday afternoon.

Although Mitchell is upset over the loss of his 10-year-old dog, he's relieved to know she didn't die from poisoning in the water.

"She was never in any acute pain," he said. 

But Mitchell is still urging dog owners to be cautious when bringing their dogs to play in the water. He said the Department of Environment was out testing the water by his property near the river on Tuesday. He said it should be done on an "ongoing basis." 

Three dogs have died in recent weeks after consuming blue-green algae from plants around the St. John River.

Two dogs ate some aquatic plants onshore at Carleton Park on Fredericton's north side. The third dog was swimming near Hartt Island RV Resort, 14 kilometres west on the St. John River.

Last week, provincial veterinarian Jim Goltz confirmed the cause of the deaths to be blue-green algae. The algae blooms occur in high temperatures and low water and can be harmful to dogs and humans. 

Given the circumstances, Mitchell decided to ask for the necropsy on Layla.

CBC News has asked for another interview with Goltz and is waiting for a response from the province. 

Mitchell and his family were trying to stay cool on the private beach near their home Sunday when he suggested his son take the dog for a swim. 

"The dog showed no sign of illness," Mitchell said.

The dog swam around with his son for a few minutes before coming back to shore. Soon, Mitchell could see the dog was failing quickly so he told his wife to call the vet.

"By the time the veterinarian​ called us back, she had passed," Mitchell said of the family pet. "This is devastating, horrible. "