Baiting ruled out as cause of death of Spring Creek dog

Following the tragic loss of a beloved local dog, who recently passed away after swimming at Spring Creek, an unsettling question loomed over the Douglas Shire community. Is there a potential serial dog baiter responsible for these devastating losses?

Emma Jeffrey, owner of Sammy, the recently deceased dog, emphasised the urgent need to raise awareness about the potential dangers at Spring Creek.

Contrary to initial suspicions of a bait-related incident, Sammy's symptoms did not align with a bait.

As previously reported on Newsport, the absence of bite marks and comprehensive tests, including blood tests and X-rays conducted by Mossman Vet, revealed no abnormalities.

However, the following day brought forth behavioural changes in Sammy, accompanied by distressing muscle spasms. Seeking further answers, the veterinarian diagnosed Sammy with a neurotoxin-induced condition.

Mossman Vet’s insights

Mossman Vet Susan Pasagic explained that this particular type of toxin can be triggered by various sources such as snakes, plants, and other unknown substances.

“It quickly affects the brain and results in severe consequences,” she said.

“Over the years, the common issues usually relate to toxin ingestion, such as baits, people leaving illicit drugs behind or snake bites.

“Nothing specific, though there have been reports from other clients that they have had similar incidents with their own dogs, which died before being able to seek veterinary care.

“Early treatment is crucial for animal health issues caused by various environmental factors.

“If dogs are seen taking baits etcetera, time is of the essence. This particular incident could have been a bait, snake, illicit drugs or toad that will produce similar neurological symptoms.

“Whatever it was, it was slow to metabolise and caused neurological symptoms that were changing and increased in severity over time.

“We can often make them vomit and treat side effects, if something is absorbed it makes our job much more difficult.

“Unfortunately there are many toxins that don’t have antidotes, such as toad toxin, and this just requires supportive treatment and management of symptoms till the toxin is able to be cleared from the animal's system.

“I think it's important to remember that all bodies of water can have potential dangers attached to them, some visible and some invisible to us.

“I can't say if there is something at Spring Creek, nothing was found and nothing was seen to suggest this is the site of the toxin.

“All we can say is that the symptoms were neurological, and in the absence of any head trauma or any accident, the next likely cause is some form of toxin, whether that be bait, snake, illicit drugs, or toads.”