Mystery New Forest Dog Illness May Be Back

[woofgang]

This today from my vet's facebook page
"Dog walkers please pass this on. It is a warning that the mystery New Forest virus that took several dogs at the beginning of the year may be back. One of our flyball dogs, Gemma, a fit, healthy and active lovely little girl, was walking near Linwood on Thursday when she presented with a swollen paw and would not continue to walk. We are devastated that she died this morning, 48 hours after it happened, following complete kidney failure. She was admitted to Anderson Moore, one of the specialist vets that are investigating the earlier deaths and they believe that is the cause of her death.
Please pass this on to other walkers in the area."
Vets are Seadown if anyone else wants to keep an eye on their Fb page

[pixie373]

Thank you, woofgang. Is it just that area? I haven't heard of this before :-\

[rockyracoon]

That's dreadful, do they think it's in the ground or is someone deliberately poisoning areas where dogs walk?

[woofgang]

No one knows, extensive testing has been done....
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-96mh8r

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/10403147.New_Forest_mystery_dog_killer_toxin_hunt_widens/

[pixie373]

How awful.

[Canary42]

Could it be a snake-bite ?

[lankeela]

Sounds suspiciously like a snake bite to me. However Seasonal Canine Illness is being investigated by the Animal Health Trust. It has been known about for a couple of years now, and there are several areas where it has been found including Thetford Forest and Sandringham estate in Norfolk, Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk.

[lankeela]

http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-xmodnewsrss_detail/SCI-EXPECTED-TO-REOCCUR.html

[woofgang]

Lankeela, I think that SCI has been ruled out for the deaths that are mentioned here. The onset symptoms are different, no vomiting or diahorroea, just one or more skin lesions, general malaise (described as depression) then kidney failure.

[lankeela]

One reason why its always best to take you dog to the vet if you have any concerns. Sometimes waiting a few days can mean the difference between life and death.

[woofgang]

yup, there have been phases with my current two when I might as well have just slept in the waiting room