TOXIC News…Summer Toxins Part 2!

Posted on by

IMG_1467During the Summer months we all spend more time outdoors and lead more active lifestyles. This is true for our pets too. However, there can be risks associated with these new activities and encounters. 

Adder Bites; the Adder is the only venemous snake in the UK. They can bite your pet if provoked however they are not normally aggressive. The Adder is a protected species so it should not be caught. Once bitten the venom causes rapid swelling and pain around the bite. Your pet can also show signs of lethargy or collapse. In some cases more severe signs can develop.

BBQ light fluid; the fuel component in this can  be irritant to the skin and eyes causing inflammation and burns. On inhalation or ingestion it can also cause oral ulceration, vomiting and breathing difficulties. 

Bees and wasps; Bee and wasp stings can be painful to your pet. The area around the sting often swells and this can be extensive. Some pets will have an allergic reaction to the sting resulting in collapse and breathing difficulties. If your pet has suffered multiple stings at once they can sometimes become unwell within the next 24 hours.

image5Blue green Algae (Cyanobacteria);  In the Summer there can be a sudden growth of blue-green algae in lakes and ponds. There are different types of algae; some can cause liver damage whilst others can affect the brain causing tremors, paralysis and breathing difficulties. Dogs that swim or play in lakes or ponds are therefore at risk. The signs can be very sudden in onsetn, within a few minutes. If you are aware of the presence of blue green algae or see a sign reporting its presence then please prevent your dog from entering the water.

Jellyfish; Ingestion or licking of a jelly fish can cause a number of issues; vomiting, local swelling, pain, high temperatures and in cases breathing difficulties Also be aware that even dead jellyfish can sting! 

Mouldy food; In the warm weather food can quickly turn mouldy and this process can release toxic substances. Ingestion of such mouldy food can can cause vomiting, tremors, a high body temperature and convulsions.

Seawater; Seawater contains salt (sodium chloride). Excessive ingestion of salt can lead to a high and dangerous sodium concentration in the blood. This can result in thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. In severe cases there is a risk of convulsions and coma.

If you are concerned your pet has been affected by one of the above then please phone us immediately on 01606 880 890

TOXIC News….Summer Toxins – Part 1

Posted on by

FullSizeRender_1Whilst you are out and about in the garden this Summer please remember that some of the products we use can be harmful to our pets.

Compost; Moulds found within compost heaps can release toxic compounds. If ingested these can cause tremors and convulsions.

Fertiliser and bone meal supplement; these are commonly used in our gardens. However, they are considered to be of low toxicity causing irritation to the skin or if eaten gastrointestinal upset.

Lawn feed, weed and moss killers; these generally contain fertilisers (as above), weed killers and moss killers. All of these components are irritant and can result in GI upset.

  • Weed Killers; lots of different products are available. However, Glyphosate ingestion can lead to more severe poisoning. This can include breathing problems, convulsions and a low heart rate.
  • Moss Killers; Ferrous Sulphate is often added to fertilisers to kill moss. There is a risk of iron poisoning when ingested. This can cause more severe GI signs and potentially liver failure.

IMG_1201Insecticides; there are multiple products available including ant baits, fly sprays and plant sprays. Ensure you read the manufacturer’s instructions and limit exposure as per their guidelines. 

Slug killers; many contain a toxic substance called Metaldehyde. This can quickly cause tremors and convulsions. Some products may also contain Ferric Phosphate (as above.)  

Benzalkonium chloride; this is found in some patio cleaners. Exposure can cuase oral inflammation and ulceration, drooling and high body temperaturess. The effects may not be seen however for several hours.

Recommendations this Summer:

  • Ensure safe and secure storage of all products; keep in their original containers, securely fasten after each use and kept out of sight, reach and smell of pets.
  • Read directions for use carefully and follow accordingly to limit any exposure to your pet.
  • Clean up spillages immediately, do not allow your pets to walk through such spills and prevent your pet from drinking water contaminated with pesticide/fertiliser products.
  • >Seek veterinary advice if you think your animal has had access of ingested to any concerning substances or known toxic compounds. Please phone us on 01606 8808910

Viral haemorrhagic disease in rabbits (VHD)

Posted on by

Viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD) can cause sudden death in rabbits. However, clinical signs of the disease can include a high temperature, depression and more characteristically, bleeding from the nose or mouth. Annual vaccination for this disease is highly recommended.

In previous years, we have vaccinated for one strain of the disease, VHD1. This vaccine also includes protection for Myxomatosis, a virus which can also be fatal. The combined vaccination should be given once every year.

A new VHD strain, VHD2  has now been identified within our UK wild rabbit population. This puts our pet rabbits at increased risk. After lots of hard work from the The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) a vaccine is now available for this additional strain. You can visit the RWAF website for further information.

At Hollybank veterinary centre, we are recommending vaccination for VHD2. Our advice and vaccine protocol is as follows:

  • The new vaccine must be given in addition to the current vaccine so that your rabbit is vaccinated against VHD1, VHD2 and mxyomatosis.
  • The combined VHD1 and myxomatosis vaccine is given once every year
  • The VHD2 vaccine is given once every 6 months
  • There must be a minimum of two weeks in between the two vaccinations
  • Please also note that the VHD2 vaccine is ordered in on an individual basis via special order. When booking your rabbit’s vaccination please make sure our Hollybank team are aware which vaccine you require so that we can make the necessary arrangements and appointment time for you.

To book in for your rabbit’s vaccinations with us please phone 01606 880890.