Call To Vets To Help Investigate Mystery Dog Illness

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has joined calls for greater awareness of Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) – the mystery sickness suffered by a number of dogs after countryside walks during the autumns of 2009 and 2010. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), the Forestry Commission, Nottingham County Council, the Animal Health Trust and Nottingham Veterinary School have all put initiatives in place to step up efforts to find out what is causing the dogs to fall ill by coordinating an information and research gathering exercise. In 2009 and 2010 there were reports of SCI in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and Warwickshire, and others from further afield. Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea, shaking and trembling, and high temperature and have generally been displayed by animals within 24 hours of walking in the countryside, especially in woodlands. A small number of dogs have died, but the cause remains unknown. Commenting, Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: “It is very important that awareness of SCI is raised with dog owners so that they can be alert to the symptoms of the illness. “The BVA is drawing members’ attention to this research gathering and awareness campaign so that they can warn clients.” Find out more here

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