Our Yorkshire Farm: Clive Owen discusses his dogs
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Dog owners across the country have been baffled by a mystery canine illness for weeks, but new data from the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) has revealed a plausible theory behind the rising cases. Multiple reports of dogs being infected throughout Yorkshire are thought to be linked to Canine Enteric Coronavirus, but what are the main symptoms? How can you tell if your pet is infected?
Veterinary experts in infectious diseases have shared their theory that a form of coronavirus could be to blame for a “sudden wave of sickness” which has hit dogs across Britain.
The unknown illness had been branded a mystery until the recent revelations from SAVSNET.
An influx of reports of dogs falling seriously ill after their daily walks prompted the specialist research, led by the team at the University of Liverpool.
It is alleged that the first case was reported on the Yorkshire coastline, though reports quickly spread inland affecting areas including Leeds and Kirklees.
Veterinary experts in infectious diseases have shared their theory that a form of coronavirus could be to blame for a “sudden wave of sickness” which has hit dogs across Britain.
The unknown illness had been branded a mystery until the recent revelations from SAVSNET.
An influx of reports of dogs falling seriously ill after their daily walks prompted the specialist research, led by the team at the University of Liverpool.
It is alleged that the first case was reported on the Yorkshire coastline, though reports quickly spread inland affecting areas including Leeds and Kirklees.
Revealed as the most likely candidate for the mystery diseases, CEC is known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs, cats and some other small animals.
In a paper published by disease Professor Alan Radford and Dr Jenny Stavisky, the pair explain that: “Infection is normally faeco-oral, and the virus primarily replicates in the small intestinal villi, resulting in desquamation and malabsorptive diarrhoea.”
In simple terms, this means that dogs could quickly become malnourished, uncomfortable and possibly begin to lose weight while suffering from diarrhoea.
Canine Enteric Coronavirus has been around far longer than COVID-19 and historically has only produced a relatively mild illness in dogs.
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What are the symptoms of CEC?
If your dog is showing symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea, it is unlikely that they are suffering from this type of coronavirus.
Sickness will usually resolve itself and is not thought to be life-threatening in most cases.
However, persistent symptoms are a cause for concern and should never be ignored.
Always seek professional guidance if you notice your dog is distressed, or if symptoms don’t go away on their own.
Bethaney Brant, SAVSNET project coordinator added: “Although the exact cause is unknown it is likely to be infectious.
“Thankfully affected dogs usually make a full recovery with appropriate care and there is no known risk to people.”
Is CEC related to human coronavirus?
Despite the deceiving name, Canine Enteric Coronavirus is unrelated to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
There is no need to worry about contracting the illness yourself if you believe your pet is unwell.
Broadly speaking, coronaviruses describe a specific type of virus, rather than a singular illness.
With this in mind, it is important to remember that different types of coronaviruses rarely share much more than the name itself.
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