We are often asked about the safety of sweeteners such as malitol, sorbitol, sucralose and saccharin present as excipients in some medicines. These sweeteners are not hazardous to pets and are also well tolerated in overdose, although some can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. The only sweetener of concern is xylitol. [...]

    One of the abstracts presented at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress in 2018 involved ivermectin poisoning in 19 chelonians. They developed inappetence, weakness, pronounced lethargy and paralysis. Eighteen of them survived with supportive care. Lizards and snakes tolerate ivermectin in therapeutic doses but it is contraindicated in [...]

The peak in enquiries about slug baits occurs in May and June. There are 3 main ingredients in slug baits: metaldehyde, ferric phosphate and methiocarb. Metaldehyde causes rapid onset tremors, muscle fasciculation and prolonged seziures. There is no antidote and treatment is supportive with the focus on controlling seizures and preventing [...]

There are a wide range of sources of lead. Before the 1960s paint used in homes, on furniture and on toys contained high levels of lead, hence old paint can be a problem, particularly if it is deteriorating or is being stripped off either using sanders or with heat.  Other [...]

Vets in and around London should be aware of the dangers posed by the hairs of the oak processionary moth caterpillar. Ingestion may cause signs such as hypersalivation, oedema and blistering. There is also a risk of systemic toxicity, such as hyperthermia, respiratory distress and cyanosis. There may be necrosis of [...]

Aramis, a 10 month old beagle, was left suffering with neurological signs soon after he was spotted swallowing a packet of an unknown legal high found on a beach in Scotland. The puppy had to be rushed to the vets (Picture: Cascade) Within an hour post ingestion, Aramis was taken to Robson Veterinary [...]

Ethylene glycol poisoning is very serious in cats; unless treatment is started within a few hours the prognosis is considered very grave. Indeed, even a very small amount (around a teaspoon of concentrated antifreeze) can cause kidney failure and death. Many cats present too late for effective treatment and either [...]

Although alcohol is available year round, it is often drunk in larger quantities over the festive season. Dogs will drink most forms of alcohol (e.g. beer, wine, spirits), but do seem to have a fondness for a particular brand of Irish whiskey and cream based liqueur ; indeed almost 20% [...]