A walk through the woods could be fatal to your dog

Deborah Cornwall has a static caravan at Formby Point Caravan Park and recently took Basil, her beautiful black Poodle cross Bichon Frise, out for a walk just through the woodland adjacent to Lifeboat Road.

Soon after getting back, Basil became lethargic and was drinking more than usual and then he wouldn't eat. Deborah then became concerned and took Basil to her vets in Rufford. Basil was admitted and put on a drip. He'd suffered acute kidney failure and pancreatitis. Sadly, Basil passed four days later.

Basil also had 'harvest mites' on his front paws which had irritated him to the point of constant licking. The vet couldn't say if the two were linked.

Deborah wants to make all dog owners aware of what might have been the cause of Basil's death, an illness called - Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI). This is a mystery illness which effects dogs during the Autumn months and can be fatal.

The most common clinical signs are sickness, diarrhoea and lethargy, typically experienced within 72 hours of walking in woodland. The cause of SCI is unknown and there are no known preventative measures.

This is what the Animal Health Trust says about SCI

Seasonal Canine Illness is a mystery illness affecting dogs during the autumn, which can prove to be fatal.

Cases are generally seen between August and November. SCI can affect dogs of any size, shape or sex and it causes dogs to become very ill, very quickly after being walked in woodland.

The most common clinical signs are sickness, diarrhoea and lethargy typically experienced within 72 hours of walking in woodland. If you suspect your dog is showing signs of SCI then please contact your vet immediately.

We are unable to advise on specific cases, or offer specific or individual advice on where you should or shouldn’t walk your dog during SCI season.

The cause of SCI is unknown and there are no known preventive measures. You may wish to ask your vet about topical spray treatments for mites to apply to your dog immediately before a walk.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of fatal cases. We hope this is due to increased awareness of the condition and that dog owners now know to contact a vet for advice if they spot any of the clinical signs.

Information provided to us certainly shows that if dogs get veterinary treatment quickly for SCI signs, they tend to recover within seven-10 days. In 2010, 20% of cases reported to the AHT resulted in death. In 2012, less than two per cent of cases reported to us resulted in death.

Please go to the Animal Health Trust website to find out more BY CLICKING HERE