Willow is a lively young spaniel with a well-earned reputation for picking up things she shouldn’t while out on walks. During a stroll one Tuesday in November, she managed to swallow something before anyone could stop her. She seemed perfectly fine at first, but by Thursday she had developed diarrhoea and, over the weekend, small amounts of blood and mucus were noticed in her stools.

Even though Willow remained cheerful and full of energy, the ongoing tummy trouble sensibly led to a visit to the vets, complete with several stool samples (always appreciated here at Shepton!). Her examination was reassuring, and with her mischievous scavenging habits in mind, a faecal test was submitted. While we waited for the results, Willow continued on a bland diet, probiotics and a short course of worming treatment.

The results soon provided a clear answer: Willow had Campylobacter, a bacterial infection commonly seen in young dogs that can cause intermittent diarrhoea. Dogs usually pick this up from the environment, for example through puddle water, contact with other dogs’ faeces on walks, or from scavenged food or wildlife remains. Inquisitive youngsters like Willow, who explore the world with their mouths, are therefore particularly prone to encountering it!

She was prescribed an appropriate antibiotic (erythromycin), and the response was almost immediate. Within 24 hours her stools had firmed up and the blood and mucus had resolved.

Happily, Willow is now fully recovered and back to her energetic self. However, her diagnosis also serves as an important reminder: Campylobacter is zoonotic and can be transmitted to humans. Good hygiene is essential: avoid face-licks, wash hands after handling pets, and take care when cleaning up diarrhoea or soiled areas. Picking up poo promptly and disposing of it safely, protects everyone at home.

This infection is especially common in young dogs, so it’s always something to consider and investigate promptly if diarrhoea develops.

Thanks to swift testing and targeted treatment, Willow’s worrying week ended with a smooth recovery.

And, true to spaniel form, Willow’s sense of adventure continues. After enjoying a ball-and-sock game as part of her dental care, she seems to have developed a taste for socks and returned about a month later having swallowed one! Thankfully, her owners acted quickly and brought her straight in to see us. She was given an injection to induce vomiting which brought the sock up to avoid a blockage or complication. We are pleased to report that Willow recovered well for a second time.

Clearly, her love of scavenging isn’t quite behind her yet… typical spaniel!