Queen Elizabeth has reportedly called in a vet amid fears her beloved dogs could get sick.
Queen Elizabeth
The 91-year-old monarch is believed to have requested the presence of the Animal Health Trust veterinary charity to investigate a mystery seasonal illness which can be contracted by canines on the royal's Sandringham estate, according to the Daily Express newspaper.
In 2014, a number of dogs caught and were later killed by the illness after visiting Sandringham, and the Queen - who is known to be smitten with her beloved corgis - is taking no chances when it comes to the health of her favourite mutts.
The illness, named simply Seasonal Canine Illness, has been rife on the grounds of the estate since 2009, and can reportedly be found in other woodland areas as well.
The cause of the disease - which is categorised by vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy - has not been pinpointed by veterinarians but it is believed bacteria, blue-green algae or fungal spores are responsible.
Queen Elizabeth is so concerned about the disease - shortened to SCI - that a warning to visitors of the estate has been posted on its website, cautioning any dog owners to take their pooch to the vet immediately if any of the symptoms appear.
The notice read: "We are approaching the time of year when cases of Seasonal Canine Illness appear in some dogs walked in the Country Park.
"SCI symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea and some dogs have died of this illness. Dog owners should keep their dogs on leads and under close control, and may wish to consider topical spray treatments for mites. Dogs showing any signs of SCI symptoms should be seen by a vet immediately.
"In recent years, during autumn, several dogs walked in woodlands suddenly became ill. In some cases, dogs did not recover. Please see the poster for more information from the Animal Health Trust."
A downloadable poster is available on the Sandringham estate website, which details what to do if a pooch starts to display SCI symptoms.
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