The bug that could be causing dogs to fall ill in the North East

The British Veterinary Association has said dogs falling ill are showing what are described as "gastroenteritis-like" symptoms and cases have been reported inland.

Last week, a Whitby-based veterinary group said it had become "inundated" with dogs falling ill after visiting beaches in the region as they warned people to stay clear.

Read more: Vet issues warning after dogs fall ill on North East beaches

However, the BVA has said there have been reports from vets across the region of poorly pets who have never been to the beach and it could be from a virus.

Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

Dr Justine Shotton, president of the BVA, said there is no current evidence to suggest a link between visiting the beach, but said cases involving gastroenteritis was generally higher than normal.

Urging people not to panic, she said: “We are aware of a recent spike in cases of dogs falling ill from gastroenteritis-like symptoms in several parts of Yorkshire and North East England.

Read more: DEFRA 'aware' after reports of dogs falling ill on North East beaches

"Vets see gastroenteritis cases relatively commonly in practice, but numbers seem to be increasing and more widespread than usual.

“At this time, we can't speculate on what might be causing the symptoms, and there is currently no evidence to suggest a direct link between the illness and the dogs visiting the beaches.

"We’ve heard reports from vets in the area who are really far inland and they are also seeing an increase in these kinds of cases in dogs that have never been to the beach, so I’m not sure yet if we have enough information to make that link.

Read more: Chemical pollution fully ruled out as cause of crab deaths in North East

“With gastroenteritis, most cases are mild, but some dogs may need hospitalisation with a drip.

"In the worst situations, it can become haemorrhagic leading to secondary complications or even death, but that is very rare.”

Last Monday, the Yorkshire Coast Pet Care said they had been "inundated" with dogs that had fallen ill after visiting beaches up and down the region.

The group, which warned against use of the beaches until the authorities had "got to the bottom" of it, said dogs were falling ill with vomiting and diarrhoea.

In a statement, it said: "I work within several practices up and down the North East coast and we have recently been inundated with dogs coming off the beaches with vomiting and diarrhoea.

"Personally until the local authorities have got to the bottom of it I would not recommend taking your pets on the beach for the foreseeable future.

"I have been in touch with governing bodies and they are currently looking into it.

"If your dog is showing symptoms please let the local authorities aware as well as seeking veterinary attention should your pet need it."

What can cause gastroenteritis?

According to the PDSA, gastroenteritis can be caused by a number of different things including Parvovirus and eating something they shouldn't have.

The charity states a sudden change in food, worms, parasites, bacterial gut infections, gut blockages, food allergies and organ failure can also be to blame.

But authorities have been keen to highlight that cases involving gastroenteritis have been reported by those who have never been to the beach, largely dismissing rumours that pets could have exclusively picked something from the beach.

Read more: Vet nurse says 'dozens' of dogs being treated after visit to North East beaches

A Scarborough Borough Council spokesperson last week said: “The cause of the illness, and the locations it appears to be linked to, are unclear.

“While dogs walked on beaches have been affected, we have also read reports from dog owners that the same symptoms are affecting dogs only walked at inland locations away from beaches.

“We are in discussions with our partner organisations to gather intelligence and carry out investigations into possible causes.

“If any vets have information about possible links to a canine virus that could help these investigations, we kindly ask them to contact our dog warden service.”

'Contact your vet'

Explaining that additional cases could be due to the time of year, Dr Shotton said a spike in cases was reported a couple of years ago and was attributed to seasonal variations.

Urging owners whose pets are showing symptoms to seek advice, she said: "Our advice to concerned owners is to contact their local vet for prompt treatment if their dog shows any signs of illness, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.”

Dr Shotton also encouraged veterinary practices to report any cases to help researchers in their investigations.

“BVA is asking vets to report any gastroenteritis-like cases to SAVSNET to help researchers build a clearer picture of the outbreak and to investigate if the spike is part of normal seasonal variation or if a specific virus or bacteria is at play," she added.

DEFRA previously confirmed that it is aware of reports and said it is contact with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

APHA is responsible for identifying and controlling "endemic, exotic diseases and pests" in animals, plants and bees, and surveillance of new and emerging pests and diseases.

The authority also ruled out a link between the deaths of thousands of crabs.

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