Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and many other Prunus species, including peaches, cherries, apricots, plums and nectarines contain cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds are hydrolysed by an enzyme to produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN, hydrocyanic or prussic acid). In intact plant material the cyanogenic glycosides are separated from the enzyme, and it is only when [...]
Our CPD courses are aimed at keeping vets and vet nurses up-to-date in small animal toxicology. Each course equates to 6 hours of CPD and covers key areas such as decontamination and common or tricky poisonings in cats and dogs. **NEW**Our 2020 CPD dates** Thursday 6th February 2020 - London Thursday 19th March 2020 [...]
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 [...]
