Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 1st September 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Sandringham Estate warns of mystery dog illness
woodland dog
SCI affects dogs during the autumn, with cases usually being seen between August and November. (stock photo)
Seasonal canine illness has affected dogs at the estate in previous years
 
The Queen's Sandringham Estate has issued a warning about the risks of seasonal canine illness (SCI), a mysterious and sometimes fatal illness that can affect dogs that have been walked in woodland.

A statement on the estate's website reads: 'We are approaching the time of year when cases of Seasonal Canine Illness appear in some dogs walked in the Country Park. SCI symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea and some dogs have died of this illness.

'Dog owners should keep their dogs on leads and under close control, and may wish to consider topical spray treatments for mites. Dogs showing any signs of SCI symptoms should be seen by a vet immediately.'

Last year, it was reported that 15 dogs developed SCI after visiting the estate, prompting criticism from some owners, who say there were insufficient warnings.

SCI affects dogs during the autumn, with cases usually being seen between August and November. It causes dogs to become very ill soon after being walked in woodland, and can prove fatal.

The cause of the illness is unknown and there are no known methods of prevention. However, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) says dogs owners may wish to ask their vet about topical spray treatments for mites, which can be applied to the animal just before a walk.

A spokesman for Sandringham Estate is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "The estate makes every effort to spread awareness of seasonal canine illness with the public and to guide dog owners to keep their dogs on leads when walking on the estate."

Warning posters and flyers have been put up at the visitor centre and country park, including the main dog walking areas, car parks and camping and caravan sites.

The spokesman added: "We are not aware of any cases of seasonal canine illness on the estate this year."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with 15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.