Richard has been recognised as an Advanced Practitioner

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The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons have recently published the first list of Advanced Practitioners.

An Advanced Practitioner is a Veterinary Surgeon who has completed further qualifications accredited to Postgraduate Certificate level (equivalent to a Masters Level 7), and who has continued professional development in their field over and above the requirements to stay up to date.

Advanced Practitioners have particular knowledge and experience in an area of veterinary practice. Richard completed his Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia in 2007 and has been recognised an Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Anaesthesia.

 

Hollybank’s Brave Pet of the Month…Bess!

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Bess is a very happy and playful Springer Spaniel who presented with an extremely swollen and sore paw. Bess became lame on her right front leg one morning and within 24 hours couldn’t put her foot down at all.

On exam her right front paw was extremely swollen and the swelling extended to above her carpus (wrist joint).  The outermost digit had fluid coming from an area of thin and damaged skin which looked infected and as a result the surrounding soft tissue was severely inflamed. We call this cellulitis. On palpation of the foot it was painful but, as we could not feel her digits underneath the swelling, we could not rule out an underlying fracture or foreign body in her foot.

Bess required intensive antibiotic therapy and pain relief so we admitted her into the hospital for these to be given directly into her vein. We also started Bess on fluids as she had a very high temperature; the fluids would act to cool Bess down but also dilute any toxins associated with the infected paw. Within the first few days the skin overlying Bess’s infected paw began to slough which is a term used to describe the falling away of dead and non viable skin from a wound. This skin would never have recovered and needed to be removed however this left a large tissue deficit in Bess’s foot.

Bess’s natural healing mechanisms allowed the deficit to be slowly filled with new cells and tissue but this took time and our role was to provide the optimum healing environment for this to take place.

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The hair around Bess’s wound was clipped short and the area was cleaned thoroughly.  Bess then had daily dressings in order to provide the optimum wound environment. Bess also needed to wear her buster collar at all times. Unfortunately she was very good at removing her collar and kept the nurses on their toes! Bess was in with us for a total of two weeks and her wound healed really well. Due to her good progress, Bess continued her healing at home with strict rest, a collar, oral antibiotics and pain relief.

Easter Emergencies

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As the flowers and trees start to bloom and spring makes its way to us, we need to be aware of the toxic substances starting to appear both outside and inside the house. Lots of tasty treats at Easter that we enjoy can also be toxic to our pets. If you suspect that your pet may have eaten something toxic do not hesitate to call us at the practice on 01606 880890 as early treatment can make all the difference. Some of our Spring and Easter risks include:

 Chocolate contains Theobromine which can affect the central nervous system, causing twitching and a high heart rate as well as other signs such as vomiting and diarrhoea, salivation and a risk of kidney failure.

Raisins, grapes, currants or sultanas can be found in savoury food items such as hot cross buns, scones or fruit cake and can be fatal. Gastrointestinal signs, salivation, blood in the stools or vomit, lack of appetite and lethargy can occur. If left untreated, they can cause kidney failure. There is no link between the amount consumed and any clinical effects.

Daffodils contain toxic alkaloid substances which are poisonous if ingested by dogs. Typical signs include gastrointestinal upsets (vomiting and diarrhoea), abdominal tenderness, a lack of appetite (anorexia), salivation, lethargy and a high temperature (hyperthermia). Other more serious signs can be seen if not treated, such as, twitching (ataxia), collapse and dehydration.

Lilies. All species of the Lilium or Hemerocallis are highly toxic and potentially fatal for cats, these species include the Asiastic Lily, Tiger Lily and Day Lily. All parts of the plants cause death of kidney cells and fatality is high if treatment isn’t initiated with the first 18 – 24 hours after ingestion. Common signs include vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy and increased drinking and urination. If left untreated kidney failure can occur.

Slug pellets. Many molluscicides contain a toxic substance called Metaldehyde and if ingested by either cats or dogs can cause serious central nervous system problems. Signs include muscle spasms or tremors, convulsions, a high temperature, panting and respiratory distress.