Dogs visiting Sandringham and becoming sick

[AngelMell]

I'm trying to find out if this is an unsubstantiated rumour or if there is some truth in it. My neighbour who regularly walks his dog in Sandringham woods was told that a number of dogs had died after picking up some disease there.

At my dog training class, I heard the same story, except that the dogs were just becoming sick but not dying.

I've googled for the story but the only mention I found was on a camping website, where some people who stayed at Sandringham campsite had heard about it happening to other peoples dogs. And that there had been a news story on Radio Norfolk, which didn't mentioned Sandringham.

Has anybody else heard about this? Thanks.

[lankeela]

Haven't heard of any dogs that have actually died, but this story has been around for a while, mostly from the CC site. Apparently local vets have christened it the 'Sandringham bug' as it happens regularly, usually in hot dry weather (which could be to do with blue/green algae which forms in ponds when it is hot and dry). Quite a few stories of dogs being sick after being on the site.

[redcrx]

i would expect it to have been a big news story, but a search of the Lynn News website http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/ shows nothing

[daffy654]

Could he have been mistaken about the location at all?
There was a recent report of animals falling ill after visiting Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.

[lankeela]

No this has happened at Sandringham over the past few years. Also at Sherwood Forest, and Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk. Latest warning is for dogs in the Stoke on Trent area, as cyanide has leaked into the River Trent and people are being warned not to let their animals near the water.

[JBWC]

We spent the last weekend of Sept 2009 at a campsite in Sandringham with our two English Springers. Our six year old healthy and hardy dog became very ill the day after we returned - vomiting, struggled to stand and walk, excessive panting, dehydrating, salivating, restlessness - need I say more!! We spent most of that week at the vets (£400). Dog was kept in for a day on a drip and had x-rays. Now seems to be recovered, but not sure if there will be any long-term effects. Our other three year old Springer was fine. They walked from the campsite to the main house, but mainly around the campsite. Kept both dogs to the paths and they drank no water. Six year old tried to be adventurous and explore all the time! Subsequently now heard there has been a problem in the area. Extremely annoyed - no notification anywhere to allow people to make an informed choice.

[AngelMell]

JBWC sorry to hear your Springer has been so poorly, I hope that he (or she) recovers fully. I've currently got two Cocker Spaniels, but I used to have a Springer and I know what lovely dogs they are.

[charlyrich]

This is happening again.. it seems to be every September... please join the following Facebook group to raise awareness and campaign to get something done! My Springer has been at the vets now for almost a week and almost didnt make it... the CC site are aware but still not warning people!

http://www.facebook.c...56108987747319&ref=mf

[charlyrich]

This is happening again this year... My 11 year old springer has been in the vets for almost a week following a stay at Sandringham and we weren't warned

Please join the following facebook group to raise awareness for dog owners and hopefully get something done to stop this problem occurring annually. We weren't warned by site wardens (even when queried) yet Head Office are aware!

http://www.facebook.c...56108987747319&ref=mf

[theclarkes]

Our Golden Retriever has only just recovered from sickness and diahorrea having had it for nearly a week and it wasn't nice! She is just about back to normal now. I wonder if there is any connection with the dead pigeons which have also been around Sandringham these past weeks?

[TheEvans]

We experienced the same sort of problem at the CC site at Sandringham following a very dry spell in early July 2010. Our dog of 14 yrs was taken ill on our second day there. Wardens were helpful in locating a nearby vet and admitted knowing about the so called Sandringham Bug when questioned, but there were certainly no warning signs at the site. On return we contacted CC HQ who said their regional rep would take this up with wardens at the site and get warning signs put up. However from reading posts it doesn't sound as if this has happened. Very distressing to have this happen on holiday when it could be avoided if warning also posted on website.

[CarolMK1]

My Mothers Dog died last Friday - four days after visiting Sandringham Woods, we did not hear the radio or news reports as live out of the area. He had breathing difficulties, was panting and staggering around and couldnt walk. Sadly our Vet was not aware of the risk so did not do a poison test! He was pumped full of antibiotics and anti-inflammatores which did not work and he died 36 hours later. Warning signs should be put up to advise everyone of the risks and to warn people to treat their dogs for poison if any symptons occur. Best of all would be to STAY OUT OF SANDRINGHAM WOODS - We saw a fit and healthy and very loved dog die in 36 hours.

[sarahmorris1_-]

Anglia Television (ITV) request

We're trying to get to the bottom of the Sandringham Bug.

If you've been affected, please get in touch: 08448 816 814

Anyone with any information, please give us a ring.

Thank you

[sarahmorris1_-]

Request from ITV Anglia:

Please get in touch if you've been affected by the Sandringham bug.

We're trying to get to the bottom of what happened and we'd really like to speak to someone who's been affected.

Please give us a ring: 08448 816 814

Many thanks