Since September 2019, reports surrounding four-legged friends suffering from the "Norwegian dog disease" have terrified dog owners across Europe. No wonder: dozens of affected dogs are said to have succumbed to the disease within 24 hours. We provide information about what is known about the mysterious disease.
on 04.01.22 11:14 updated
Norwegian dog disease: symptoms
Let it be said at the outset: the "Norwegian dog disease" is a matter of not a defined disease. But mainly about the observation of clustered Gastrointestinal diseases with serious outcome. Typical symptoms of serious gastrointestinal disease include:
AFP factfile on the mysterious disease that has killed dozens of dogs in Norway. Some 200 dogs have displayed the same.
Possible causes of the "dog disease" from the north
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) has carried out extensive investigations in recent weeks. In the meantime, researchers have been able to rule out poisons as the cause of the disease. In about 50 affected dogs they could detect the bacterium Providencia alcalifaciens. This is a intestinal bacterium that is resistant to many antibiotics. A close connection of the examined bacteria culture could the authority only with 14 dogs observe. All of these dogs originated from the eastern areas of Norway. Currently, authorities continue to search for the origin of the disease.
The researchers believe that the serious course in some dogs was triggered by the interaction of several factors. Therefore it is to be amed that it "the Norwegian dog disease" does not exist.
Instead, it is presumably due to various causes triggered Gastrointestinal diseases.
Course of Norwegian dog sickness: often fatal?
In Norway, about 40 of more than 170 sick animals are said to have died of the disease within 24 hours.
Also in Germany, isolated animals are said to have fallen ill and died from the same pathogens. These include, for example, three dogs from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In their blood the same bacteria were found as in some of the sick animals in Norway. However, most animals suffering from a gastrointestinal disease recover after initiating a therapy.
Diagnosis of the Norwegian dog flu with the veterinary surgeon
If your dog is suffering from bloody diarrhea, you should see a vet as soon as possible. On weekends as well as at night Veterinary clinic with 24-hour emergency service the right place to go. The veterinarian will examine the dog thoroughly. These include palpation of the abdominal region and imaging procedures. In addition to Bacteria can viruses which trigger complaints. Infections are not always behind gastrointestinal complaints. In some dogs, swallowed foreign bodies can lead to bloody diarrhea and vomiting. The earlier you present your pet to a veterinarian, the more likely it is that the therapy will be successful.
In case of exhaustion, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, call the vet immediately! ?
Treatment of the Norwegian dog disease
Whether from Norway or Austria: For gastrointestinal diseases always similar therapy approaches apply. If the vet suspects a bacterial infection, he will prescribe your four-legged friend a antibiotic. What is treacherous about the bacterium that has appeared in Norway is that it is resistant to many antibiotics is. With viruses these do not help anyway.
Only one Blood test brings clarity, but the evaluation in the laboratory takes a long time. If the dog is already weakened, it is put on a drip to regain its strength. A Infusion supplies him with important electrolytes and brings the fluid balance in balance. Until the stomach has calmed down again, is Food renouncement or Schonkost announced. Even if many dogs appear fit again already one day later: Give a prescribed antibiotic absolutely over the intended period of time. Otherwise the bacteria can strike again.
Prevent gastrointestinal disease from Norway
In Norway, 40 dogs have died from a gastrointestinal disease. Now there are first suspected cases in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
As with all transmissible gastrointestinal diseases, the same applies to "Norwegian dog disease": avoid potential Sources of infection. In Norway and Sweden, organizers have canceled some dog events to avoid risk of transmission. But prevention is not only about preventing direct contact with infected dogs. Some dogs are very interested in the excrement of dogs or other animals. Many even allow themselves a bite.
Feces, however, is a dangerous source of infection. Keep your four-legged friend from eating feces or rolling in it.
This applies to dog feces as well as to horse or wild animal feces. Prevent him from dubious puddles in the forest or from public bowls to drink. Because a shared bowl can transmit infections.
Norwegian dog disease? Do not panic!
A gastrointestinal disease is especially for older and weakened dog as well as for puppies a serious danger. The animals quickly lose a lot of fluid and can thus fall into a life-threatening condition get. This is why you should not take diarrhea and vomiting in dogs lightly. That vomit and stool mix with some blood is not uncommon in dogs – but mostly it is very diluted. If it is dark red, (life) danger is imminent – regardless of the cause. The NSFA continues to investigate the present cases, but takes no more samples from sick dogs. The authority does not ame that all cases can be traced back to a single cause.
In Norway the Number of reported cases declines. So be careful, but not panic!