Gainsborough vet warns dog owners after case of potentially fatal illness

A Gainsborough vet has issued a warning to dog owners after a dog was admitted with seasonal canine illness.
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A post on Dowding Vets Facebook page said: “We have just admitted our first case of Seasonal canine illness.

"Please be vigilant in checking your pets skin for harvest mites after any walks.

"Also avoid any woods or forests until we have had a frost which will kill off the mites.”

Be careful when walking your dog in the woodsBe careful when walking your dog in the woods
Be careful when walking your dog in the woods

Seasonal canine illness (SCI) is a recently described condition which currently has no known cause.

It affects dogs shortly after walking in woodland and can be fatal, though often isn’t if treated early.

It’s most commonly seen between August and November, hence the name seasonal.

SCI has been seen in dogs of any age, gender or breed, but doesn’t seem to affect other animals such as cats.

Dogs become unwell roughly 24 to 72 hours after walking in woodland, with symptoms primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, not eating, muscle tremors and on examination some dogs will have a higher than normal body temperature.

Cases in the past have arisen in parts of Lincolnshire, including Laughton Woods, Owlet Plantation near Blyton and Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.

SCI remains an uncommon condition, and there are many other causes of vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy which are simple to treat.

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