VET ISSUES WARNING TO DOG OWNERS OVER SUSPECTED VIRUS OUTBREAK
Source: ExaminerLive (Extract)
Posted: January 29, 2020
Ring the vets if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms
Vets are warning dog owners to keep an eye on their four-legged friends after a suspected virus outbreak.
The warning comes after a number of dogs across the country have been treated for excessive vomiting and diarrhoea, which are symptomatic of the virus.
According to Essex Live, Emily Nightingale, a qualified vet, told dog owners to watch out for the symptoms and bring pets to a vet as soon as they appear.
She said: “We have seen more dogs coming in suffering with vomiting and diarrhoea in the last week – double the amount expected for this time of year.
“Most vets see one dog a day with vomiting and diarrhoea, so when you start seeing dog after dog with it, it becomes a worry.
“The dogs that responded best to the treatment are the ones that had treatment the quickest.
“One came in really unwell, they could barely walk up the corridor, we had to pick him up. He was the worst by a mile, he had been showing symptoms for up to five days.
“We must have a bug going around, because all our patients have been wormed, which leaves bacteria and viruses to be the only cause.”
Here is a list of things to look out for:
- Prolonged vomiting (for five days or more)
- Diarrhoea
- Being lethargic
- Having blood in their stools
- Not eating
The suspected bug has been reported by a number of UK vets, including those in Liverpool, Norfolk, and Colchester.
Emily gave dog owners this advice: “Just be vigilant, if your dogs are showing signs of being unwell, ring the vets.
“I wouldn’t say that this is a fatal virus but we are seeing much more of it, people just need to be sensible and take them to the vets if they think something isn’t right.”
How is the illness treated?
After exploring a dog’s medical history, Emily said a physical examination is carried out.
The dog’s temperature is taken, followed by a blood test; depending on the results, X-rays and ultrasound scans can also be taken.
Seriously ill dogs can be given intravenous drips, but most dogs are given anti-sickness medication and they seem to recover well.
