Animal Health Trust continues its investigation into Seasonal Canine Illness
DOG OWNERS WARNED TO STAY ALERT
AS SEASON FOR MYSTERY DOG
ILLNESS APPROACHES
A leading veterinary charity is issuing an alert to dog owners across the county, asking them to stay vigilant for signs of a mystery illness which can kill dogs.
During autumn 2009 and 2010, several dogs which had been walked in woodlands suddenly became ill. In some cases, dogs didn’t recover. Responding to this, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) launched an investigation into the illness, which it has named ‘Seasonal Canine Illness’ (SCI).
Richard Newton of the AHT, said: “We want to arm dog owners with as much information as we can. Unfortunately we are looking for a small needle in a very large hay stack so this could take some time.
“We know that if cases reoccur this year we’re mostly likely to see them from August to November. We also know that if a dog is affected clinical signs come on very quickly and the dog owner should seek veterinary help as soon as possible.”
Although clinical signs of SCI, which include vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy are fairly common and non-specific, it is their onset within only a few hours of dogs walking in woodlands that is distinctive.
For the purpose of its investigation the AHT is focussing its data collection on four previously affected sites: Sandringham Estate and Thetford Forest in Norfolk and Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.
Richard Newton, added: “We do not believe that dogs are at any more risk walking at the four sites we’re investigating than at any other woodland site. We simply need to limit our investigation area in order to get the most useful data.
“Nearly 400 people completed questionnaires last autumn after walking dogs in these areas but we were also alerted to other areas, across the whole of the UK, where dog owners believe cases had occurred.”
The AHT is asking dog owners who have walked their dogs at any of the four study sites since 1 August 2011 to complete and return the relevant questionnaire. Even if your dog has not been taken ill your information will be invaluable to the investigation. Questionnaires, and further information, are available from the website: www.aht.org.uk
Richard Newton, said: “We don’t want to alarm people. There’s every chance that cases of SCI may not reoccur in 2011. However if they do we want dog owners to be able to spot the signs quickly and get the necessary help.”
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Farrah Stevens, AHT press office, 01638 555602
Additional notes:
- The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is an independent charity, employing over 200 scientists, vets and support workers. It aims to improve the health and welfare of horses, dogs and cats through research. It also provides specialist referral services and continuous education to vets. Visit the website at www.aht.org.uk
- In September 2010, the AHT was asked by the Sandringham Estate to investigate the illness on its site. Since the investigation began, more cases have been identified across Norfolk and Nottinghamshire and the AHT has been working with the National Trust and the Forestry Commission on this investigation. The Caravan Club and the Environment Agency have also assisted the investigation.
- The AHT advises any dog owner who is concerned about their dog’s health, or if their dog is experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy to contact their vet immediately.
Join the Animal Health Trust’s fight
against cancer
Cancer is the most common cause of death in dogs and the second most common cause in cats. However the good news is that with the right facilities, expertise and treatment it is the most curable chronic disease in these animals.
The Animal Health Trust is developing a new Cancer Centre which will provide all three treatment options: surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, on one site. The brand new facility – due to open in 2012 - will treat horses, dogs and cats and also aims to further knowledge and understanding of cancer, not only in animals, but also in people.
Sue Murphy, Head of Clinical Cancer Treatment at the AHT, said: “Having all three treatment options on one site means that whatever the diagnosis, we will be able to offer each and every patient the very best options for their specific case. With one in four dogs and one in six cats developing cancer at some time in their life this new centre will help many more animals from all across the UK.”
Treating animals with all types of the disease will enable the AHT’s vets and scientists to expand current knowledge about cancer. This will help with the development of new ways to diagnose and treat the disease.
Vets and scientists at the AHT already work with cancer researchers looking at the disease in humans. There are a number of links between human and animal cancers which have already been identified. It is hoped that knowledge gained from the AHT Cancer Centre may also help in the understanding of cancer in people.
The AHT has launched an urgent appeal to raise funds to equip the centre with a linear accelerator. If you would like to make a donation to this appeal, please visit www.aht.org.uk or call 01638 555648.
