During autumn 2009 - 2010, several dogs which have been walked in the woodlands suddenly became ill. In some cases dogs did not recover. Cases of the illness, named Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) are generally seen from August to November.
There have now been many reported cases from Rendlesham Forest - dog owners are therefore advised to remain vigilant during this time and seek immediate advice from a vet if you are concerned about your dog.
"This is our dog at the moment, we went for a walk at Rendlesham on sunday and my dog is now on a drip at the vets. We don't know if she will make it, we are devastated. No words can express our sadness and feel angry at being completely unaware about SCI!" - Sharon-Denise, Felixstowe
Holiday Dogs with the help of www.doghousesuffolk.co.uk will not only be raising money for this much worthy cause, but at the same time raising awareness. It's important that all dog owners are aware of the symptoms which are: VOMITING, DIARRHOEA, LETHARGY and should contact a vet immediately as clinical signs come on incredibly quickly, within a few hours of access to woodland.
We shall therefore be holding a 'SPONSOR YOUR DOG' group walk on Sunday 4th December, meeting at Manor Terrace Car Park, Felixstowe at 11am for a leisurely walk around the Languard Fort area. If you do not own a dog then please feel free to come along as the walk is open to anyone who wishes to raise money for the Animal Health Trust! Registration is £5 per dog and all proceeds will be going towards the Animal Health Trust to help them with their investigations into SCI.
More moving comments from owners who's beloved dogs have suffered this terrible illness:
Our friends took our beloved cocker spaniel Ruby for a walk in Clumber Park on Saturday, by Monday morning she was fighting for her life with the most horrendous sickness ever. She was put onto a drip and treated with antibiotics. She is still with us but has permanent damage to a heart valve due to the severity and speed of the illness. She is 3 years old with no history of illness - we are totally devasted! We had never heard of this condition, SURELY THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME AWARENESS RAISING! - (Karen Hanson, North Lincolnshire).