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 [...]
With the end of summer comes the season of autumn fruits including cherry laurel, conkers, rowan and acorns (above). Pets, particularly dogs often eat fallen fruit and ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal signs. Some fruits such as acorns and conkers also pose a risk of gastrointestinal obstruction. [...]
We have recently received a number of enquiries relating to the safety of propylene glycol as an excipient in human medications that are intended for use in cats or dogs. Propylene glycol (E1520) is a humectant, preservative and solvent that is permitted in the UK as an additive in food [...]
National Marine Week is the Wildlife Trusts’ nationwide celebration of all things marine. Despite the name, it lasts 15 fun-filled days to allow for the variation in tide times around the country. Two common enquiries we receive relating to the sea involve seawater and jellyfish. Seawater has a salinity of [...]
International Cat Day on August 8th, provides us with 24 hours of recognition and appreciation for one of humanities oldest and most beloved pets. It is a day to raise awareness for cats and their care, and learn about ways to help and protect them. This year, custodianship of International Cat [...]
The RVC is regularly updating the information on the outbreak of pancytopenia in cats. There have been more than 520 cases reported with a fatality rate of more than 60%. FAQs for owners and vets are available on the RVC website. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a statement stating that mycotoxins have [...]
National Meadows Day is an annual celebration of wildflower meadows across the UK. The event takes place annually on or around the first Saturday of the month, which this year falls on the 3rd July 2021. Around this time of year we tend to get an increase in the number [...]
In a study published earlier this year, the University of Guelph investigated the effects of cannabis legislation on cannabis poisoning cases in dogs. The report found that in states with lower penalties for cannabis use, there was an increase in reports of dog poisoning events. Reporting of cannabis poisonings were [...]
There have recently been a number of reports of confirmed and suspected appearances of blue-green algae on lakes and ponds around the UK. During the pandemic the Environment Agency were unable to test any bodies of water as their laboratories were closed; however, they have restarted and are testing areas [...]
As discussed in last month's newsletter and on our social media pages, a Food Standards Agency Alert has been released regarding the recent concerning cases of pancytopenia in cats. There is concern for the safety of certain batches of 3 brands of cat food (Applaws, AVA, Sainsbury’s Hypoallegenic). There is [...]
