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.
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

Several dogs die in Norway after mystery illness
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has advised dog owners to restrict close contact with other dogs.
Dogs displayed symptoms of severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

Several dogs in Norway have died in recent days after suffering a serious illness, of which the cause is not yet known.

According to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI), more than 20 dogs with similar symptoms have died so far in various parts of the country. It is not yet confirmed, however, if the cases are caused by the same disease. The same symptoms have also been reported in more than 60 dogs.

The first cases of dogs suddenly suffering from vomiting and bloody diarrhoea were reported in Oslo. Further cases have since been reported in several counties, including Nordland, Hordaland and Romsdal.

The NVI says that it is working closely with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences to gather information on the origin and potential cause of the illness.

Speaking to The Guardian, Joran Jarp from the NVI said it was “naturally alarming to have healthy Norwegian dogs dying so quickly. This is a very special situation; I haven’t been in involved in anything like it before.

“We have seen that many different types of feed have been used in the dogs that are autopsied, and have no reason to believe that it is the cause of one specific feed. We are investigating possible viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic causes.”

The NRI has received 10 dogs for autopsy, which have all displayed the same pathological symptoms of severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. From eight of these dogs, scientists have cultured the same bacteria - Clostridium perfringens - in the gut, together with another bacteria, Providencia alcalifaciens.

The team has not yet concluded if this is the cause of the disease and they await analysis for the presence of viruses and some toxins. So far, they have ruled out rat poison, Salmonella or Campylobacter.

It has also not yet been confirmed if the disease transmits between dogs. However, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority has advised dog owners to restrict close contact with other dogs and not let the dog greet other dogs when out walking.

Owners are also being advised to seek veterinary help should they notice bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and rapid deterioration in the general condition of their dog.

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

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.