One of our previous cases has been published. The cat presented with pyrexia and tachycardia and then returned 48 hours later with inability to defecate or urinate and with tail paralysis. There was swelling and bruising at the tail base but no radiographic evidence of a tail pull injury. The owner [...]
VPIS is the UK’s only animal poison centre and our team of vets and toxicologists provide 24 hour telephone advice on the management of suspected or confirmed poisonings in any animal. We provide all the information needed to proceed with the case in the appropriate way, informing vets of the [...]
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 [...]
A recent report highlights the risks of using soda crystals (washing soda, sodium carbonate) as an emetic in dogs. The mechanism of action of washing soda is not fully understood but it is thought to act as a direct alkaline irritant to the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The dogs [...]
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is used in human medicine for the mangement of dermal neoplasms and actinic keratoses. It is typically available in a 5% cream and only a small dose causes severe poisoning in cats and dogs. 5-FU poisoning is characterised by gastrointestinal signs, neurotoxicity and bone marrow depression. A recent letter [...]
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 [...]
Animal PoisonLine is run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) and is the only 24-hour specialised emergency telephone service in the UK dedicated to helping pet owners who are worried their pet may have been exposed to something harmful or poisonous. Based on the information the owner provides [...]
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 [...]
