Greyhound owners are being warned to keep an eye on their dogs after a series of cases of a potentially fatal illness have been confirmed in the Hunter.
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Greyhound Racing NSW issued the warning on Tuesday after several cases of Streptococcus equi subsp zooepidemicus appeared in the region.
The illness can occasionally cause sudden death without a dog exhibiting any visible symptoms.
Infected dogs may initially present with signs similar to kennel cough, including a cough and nasal discharge.
However, the disease may rapidly progress to the potentially life-threatening canine haemorrhagic pneumonia.
The disease is characterised by fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, mucoid to blood-tinged nasal discharge, rapid or laboured breathing and collapse.
Trainers are advised to closely monitor their greyhounds and seek veterinary attention if they observe any signs of the disease.
Owners are warned not to administer cough medication to dogs without consulting a vet first.
Dogs can recover from the disease if help from a vet is sought early. This strain of streptococcus is highly contagious and spread through contact between dogs.
