Autumn is well underway and as usual, we wanted to remind you of those seasonal risks to our pets

Mushrooms and toadstools: There are thousands of mushroom species and the signs they cause can vary hugely depending on which species is ingested. These can range from gastrointestinal signs to hallucinations, behaviour changes and in severe cases, kidney and liver failure. If a sample of the mushroom can be safely collected at the time and/or photos taken of the location it was growing, including the top and underneath of the mushroom, this will allow the most accurate identification. Please remember to wash your hands after any handling of the mushroom yourself. Expert knowledge is needed to help identify the mushroom via the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) who work closely with the Fungus Conservation Trust to provide, at a fee, this brilliant service to us so we can provide the best care for our patients.

Acorns, conkers and berries: If scavenged by our pets, signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite and abdominal pain. Acorns may also cause an itchy rash and swelling of the lips or around the eyes. An additional risk to their ingestion is that their shape and size (particularly conkers) may cause an intestinal blockage. Like mushrooms, there are numerous species of berries, therefore if a sample or photo can be collected, that can help us identify and work out the best plan for your pet.

Spring Bulbs: This is the season for planting daffodils, tulips, and snowdrops. To prevent ingestion and potential gastrointestinal issues, please store these bulbs securely and ensure that pets are kept at a safe distance during the planting process.

Halloween chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to pets as it contains theobromine. The higher the cocoa content in chocolate, the more theobromine it contains and the more toxic it is. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, but with high doses, it can progress to neurological signs, such as seizures. Another toxic chemical found in sweets, including marshmallows, is Xylitol (a sweetener). Xylitol can cause blood sugar levels to drop to dangerously low levels and, in some patients, cause liver failure.

Fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks: Unused fireworks contain various components, including fuel and colouring agents, which can lead to gastrointestinal toxicity if chewed. Used fireworks present a lower risk, as the chemical components are typically expended during the display. While sparklers pose a risk for gastrointestinal upset, it is also important to exercise caution around pets due to their potential burn and fire hazards. Additionally, glow sticks and other glow-in the-dark toys are more prevalent during this season. The fluid inside these items is bitter and, if ingested, may cause distress, hypersalivation, and vomiting in pets. Symptoms are usually transient, and if safe to do so, rinsing the mouth can provide relief.

Human cold and flu medications: With flu season approaching, it is crucial to keep medicines out of reach of our pets, as many can be highly toxic. For example, paracetamol is particularly harmful to cats at any dose, potentially leading to anaemia, as well as liver and kidney damage. Similarly, ibuprofen poses a significant risk to both dogs and cats, with symptoms that can include vomiting and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to acute kidney injury and seizures.

Antifreeze, de-icers, and windshield washer fluid: These can contain a chemical known as ethylene glycol, which despite the inclusion of bittering agents, dogs and cats may still ingest. This chemical even at a small volume, can be toxic necessitating immediate veterinary attention. Sadly, cats are particularly susceptible to these toxic effects. Therefore, it is essential to keep bottles of antifreeze and windshield washer fluid tightly sealed and stored out of reach of pets during the colder months.

If you are worried that your pet has eaten something dangerous, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can assess the risk and make the best plan for you and your pet. Contact us on 01606 880890 or 01606 717969.

Remember S.P.E.E.D

• Stop the pet eating any more suspected poison
• Phone the vets
• Emergency appointment
• Evidence – bring labels/samples/vomit
• Don’t delay!

Monty is a 12-year-old cat who came for a check-up at Hollybank Vets after he became lethargic and did not want to play or fight with his sister. He had also lost weight and been sick a few times.

During the examination, there were a couple of findings; pale gums, an abnormal feeling area in his abdomen and a heart murmur of long standing. It can be difficult to know how relevant each of these findings are in relation to the presenting problems so firstly, to follow up on the pale gums, we ran some blood and urinary tests. These showed no concerns in relation to the pale gums but did show some electrolyte changes and glucose in his urine.

One of the electrolyte changes was low potassium. A condition called Conn’s syndrome, also known as primary aldosteronism, presents with low potassium and can cause weakness and lethargy. As this was one of Monty’s clinical signs we explored it further. As the syndrome is also associated with a high blood pressure, Monty next had his blood pressure measured however this was normal!

As Monty’s symptoms couldn’t be explained by the initial tests, we elected to do further investigations and we booked an ultrasound specialist to come and scan Monty’s abdomen. This would also follow up on the abnormal feeling area in his abdomen. The ultrasound scan revealed that not all of Monty’s abdominal organs were in his abdomen where they should be, and some were now sitting in his chest! An X-ray showed that there was a diaphragmatic hernia or rupture present.  This is where a hole in the muscle of the diaphragm has formed, which allows organs such as loops of the small intestine and the spleen to move through to the chest.

The diaphragmatic rupture was an unexpected finding as Monty was breathing normally. Usually, cats with abdominal contents in their chest would be dyspnoeic (have difficulty breathing) as there isn’t as much room for the lungs to expand. We suspected that this was the reason for Monty’s recent lethargy and his owner did recall him falling with some force when jumping onto the table at home, which could have been when the trauma happened. Possibly the hernia had been present for some time, but then the traumatic fall had caused some or more organs to move into the chest.

Monty needed surgery to repair his diaphragmatic rupture. As Monty had an unusual presentation it was possible that the closure may be complicated so our visiting soft tissue surgeon came to Hollybank to perform the surgery. Monty’s surgical repair went really well and the surgeon replaced the organs into his abdomen.

When the surgeon was able to see the ruptured muscle they could tell that it was a chronic injury, and this supported the theory that the rupture had been present for a while, but with the organs moving through to the chest more recently. The surgeon also placed a chest drain for Monty allowing us to remove any postoperative air and fluid build-up that may occur in his chest facilitating a smooth and comfortable recovery for him.

After waking up from surgery, Monty showed improvement, ate well, and seemed brighter than before. Monty stayed in the hospital for four days to receive the nursing care he needed which including management of his chest drain. Once his chest drain was removed he was sent home with pain relief to continue his recovery.

Monty is currently doing very well at home, back to causing trouble and fighting with his sister!