Autumn’s Mystery Disease

With the wilder (but strangely warm weather) this weekend, the leaves coming off the trees have finally proven that autumn has arrived. It is one of the benefits of dog ownership that you have an excuse to go walking through great piles of leaves in the woods and relive on of your childhood delights. A visit to one of the great forests of Sandringham or Thetford is always on the cards but there is danger lurking in any woodland and, for now, it’s cause is completely unknown.

Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) has only been recognised in recent years and investigation as to its cause is being carried out by the Animal HealthTrust in Newmarket. Dogs visiting woodlands in autumn can pick up the disease and within a few days of the visit start vomiting and becoming very depressed. Rapid dehydration, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy are common, and treatment requires hospitalisation and fluids for up to 10 days. There may be a bacterial infection as the dog will have a temperature, so antibiotics are often used as well. Unfortunately, some dogs are so severely affected by the disease that they do not survive. 

SCI can affect all breeds of dogs, but smaller dogs seem more likely to become affected. Dogs that are new to the woodland are also more susceptible. In many cases, Autumn Harvest Mites called chiggers are seen on the limbs and it is suspected that they may have an involvement in SCI, but it has not been proven yet. It is sensible, therefore, to use anti-mite sprays on your dog before visiting a forest. Ask your vet for advice as to which product is best for your pet.

The disease was first recognised in 2009 and since then, there have been many cases of the disease especially in Norfolk, Lincolnshire and the Midlands. It is recognised more easily by vets and there is increasing awareness amongst owners, so survival rates have improved as early intervention is more effective. Unfortunately, since there is no known cause, as yet, there is no specific treatment.

Still, enjoy your woodland walks but take precautions for your dog by using a mite spray and try to stick to the paths. You never know where the wild things are.