Hounded by pain The threat of brucellosis

Hannah Ouston, 30, a legal executive from Cheltenham, has warned dog owners to be aware of the threat from brucellosis in their pet.

Last year, she and her husband, Jack, 30, a care worker, bought a dog.

“We chose a cross-breed, Loki. He was 16 weeks old when we got him on Aug 9 last year. He settled in beautifully. In September, he seemed lame. We took him to the vet but he was fine after a week’s bed rest.

But on Sep 23 we were woken up at 3am by him; he was screaming in pain.

“The vet discovered he was suffering from neck pain and put him on painkillers. But his pain went on for weeks. He was very sick and was on four medications.

“Eventually, Loki was tested for brucellosis and he had to be put down.

“I am speaking out because I don’t want any other dog to suffer so much pain.”