Salisbury vets sound alarm on new bug affecting dogs
Some pets have had to be hospitalised after suffering vomiting and diarrhoea
A new stomach bug is alarming vets in Salisbury and leading to some dogs being hospitalised.
Dr Adam Sheridan at Endell Vets, near the city centre, says they've treated dozens of dogs with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in the last two weeks.
They all showed similar signs of vomiting and diarrhoea, leading veterinarians to suspect it's being caused by an e-coli bacteria.
He's advising pet owners to be extra attentive to what dogs eat and drink, and has urged owners to not let dogs eat poo or drink from public dog bowls or waterways.
"E-coli is an oral-faecal transmission, so make sure dogs aren't coming into contact with other dog faeces, cat faeces or faeces of any kind.
"We also see e-coli in waterways quite commonly, so (I recommend) trying to keep out of public waters for the moment."
The veterinarian shared a 'disease outbreak notice' on their Facebook page, highlighting the clinical signs that pet owners should look out for.
"We would like all owners to be aware that there is a diarrhoea and vomiting bug going around in Salisbury.
"We have had significant numbers of dogs with ‘Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis’ over the past week. Many patients have progressed to the state where the have needed hospitalisation, fluids and IV antibiotics."
Dr Sheridan is urging pet owners to see a vet immediately if their dog is displaying warning signs, such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
He says if caught soon enough, the condition is treatable without having to resort to hospitalisation.
"We have had a few cases that have been in the hospital for about a week, where they were very severely sick.
"If we catch it early enough, we can start antimicrobial therapy, faecal binding agents and get ahead of the curve.
"If they're left untreated and they get to the stage of very bad haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, these are the ones that need hospitalisation just to keep their fluid levels up and to help maintain their blood pressure.
"Given the severity of how we've seen this with some dogs, if your pet starts showing signs of vomiting or diarrhoea I would take them to your vets as soon as you can."