Also, Chlorella obtains its energy through photosynthesis, while Prototheca is saprotrophic, feeding on dead and decaying organic matter.

[9] Protothecal mastitis is endemic worldwide, although most cases of infected herds have been reported in Germany, the United States, and Brazil.

Symptoms can include diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, inflammation of the eye (uveitis), retinal detachment, ataxia, and seizures.

[11] Dogs with acute blindness and diarrhea that develop exudative retinal detachment should be assessed for protothecosis.

[6] Diagnosis is through culture or finding the organism in a biopsy, cerebrospinal fluid, vitreous humour, or urine.