We previously reported that a ban on outdoor use of metaldehyde slug pellets was to come into force next year, however, it has been announced that this has been overturned following a High Court challenge by a manufacturer. The ban followed advice from the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides and [...]
With the warm wet weather this summer, we have kept our colleague at the Fungus Conservation Trust (FCT) very busy with identification of images and samples. If you have sent images and/or samples of mushrooms which have been identified we would be grateful for follow up of the case. This [...]
We have changed our recomendations for gastroprotectants, particularly for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) overdose, in line with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) consensus statement. With respect to gastroprotectants for the management of gastroduodenal ulceration and erosion the concensus is that proton pump inhibitors are superior to H2-receptor antagonists, [...]
We have been monitoring cases of Starburst Fruit Mixies and Starburst Strawberry Cubes and recently published a small case series in Veterinary Record. These products contain a high concentration of xylitol and are a mix between a sweet and a gum. It appears that this type of product commonly causes severe [...]
Thank you to all the vets who have recommended their clients call Animal PoisonLine, our owners' helpline. It continues to be a huge success and our data shows that we are able to reassure approximately 75% of owners that they can stay at home after calling us – reducing stress [...]
A number of water bodies around the country have been closed this summer due to the presence of high levels of blue green algae. Under certain environmental conditions blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can quickly form extensive blooms which can be blown over the surface and concentrate close to shore making them [...]
In very warm weather there is a risk of water intoxication, particularly in dogs. This often occurs in dogs that play in and around water sources for a prolonged period such as ponds and paddling pools, become thirsty and drink an excessive amount of water. This results in dilutional hyponatraemia [...]
Activated charcoal is commonly used as an absorbant in the management of poisoning. It is a finely powdered material with a huge surface area, which is capable of binding a variety of drugs and chemicals. Charcoal is given orally and passes through the gut, binding with the ingested substance and thereby reducing or [...]
Avocado leaves, bark, fruit and seeds are toxic to some animals. The active principle is believed to be persin but its mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. Poisoning has been reported in birds (chickens, cockatiels, budgies, canaries, ostriches), horses, goats, sheep, mice and rabbits. A recent report described [...]
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in human medicine. Dogs are particularly sensitive to naproxen which is a propionic acid NSAID (like ibuprofen). Dogs may ingest by accident or misguided owners may give it to their pet for apparent pain. In dogs the main risks or naproxen exposure [...]
