1staidbuddy

Some recent CPD seminars

Well done to students who passed their Canine First Aid course today, you were a fantastic group and I thoroughly enjoyed teaching you.

Also thank you for pitching in with the tidying up, your all stars 🌟

Thank you for some lovely feed back!! 💙

Email us to make a booking.
[email protected]

Blue-green algae are most commonly found in non-flowing fresh water such as lakes or ponds during the warm weather but can also occur at other times of the year. They can float on the surface of the water or be bottom dwelling.

Exposures in animals usually occur when they drink from water bodies where the algae have bloomed. Dogs are often affected when they swim in infested water bodies or groom themselves afterwards.

Although not all species are toxic, many blue-green algae produce toxins that can have effects on different body systems. Clinical signs therefore vary depending on the toxin(s) involved, but can include gastrointestinal signs, liver failure and neurological signs.

If you know or suspect that your pet has come into contact with blue-green algae, we recommend that you seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 3055 055.

🌟Worried about your dog and rapeseed?🌟

At this time of year, we start to notice lots of posts circulating social media regarding rapeseed; these posts are shared extensively and can understandably worry many dog owners. The posts usually state that rapeseed is highly poisonous to dogs, and can cause signs including haemolytic anaemia, blindness, damaged nervous system, digestive disorders and breathing problems.

These posts are misinformation.

The signs mentioned are typically only seen in grazing animals, and most dogs actually remain asymptomatic after exposure to rapeseed. Dogs can develop gastrointestinal upset if they have ingested some of the plant, and there have been reports of skin reactions which resemble burns, but this is extremely rare and does not happen to every dog which comes into contact with it.

The old myths about rapeseed being dangerous are doing the rounds again I see!!

It is not the rapeseed causing dangerous toxic signs. However letting your dog run through rapeseed fields is not advisable not just because of the fertiliser/herbicide that could of been sprayed on it (that would cause toxic signs) but because it’s a farmers produce.

www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk
Unique courses taught by a vet ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/oh9vZKKZcE2jRXYn/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Its spring and that means gardening! As well as calls relating to plant ingestion, here at Animal PoisonLine/VPIS we have seen an increase in enquiries about exposure to fertilisers and patio cleaner, slug baits and weedkillers. We would urge everyone to keep garden chemicals away from pets and follow all safety advice on the labels.

🪴Fertilisers - will usually cause vomiting and diarrhoea, but no serious effects unless eaten in large quantity

🪴Slug bait - metaldehyde slug pellets are very dangerous even in small quantity and immediate advice should be sought for any ingestion. Ferrous based baits may cause gastrointestinal upset but the risk of iron toxicity is low unless large amounts are ingested relative to bodyweight.

🪴Patio cleaners - these generally contain quaternary ammonium compounds. They are very irritant and may cause damage to the skin and the mouth. Cats are particularly sensitive to these products and can develop serious oral injuries , pyrexia and inappetance. They often require veterinary care and recovery can take several days. Walking through wet product can be enough to cause a problem .

🪴Weedkiller - toxicity will vary depending on the active ingredient in the product, dilution and level of exposure. Glyphosate (an organophosphate) and dicamba/phenoxyacetic acid chemicals are often present in products available widely for use in the garden. Follow instructions carefully, keep all packaging and seek advice after exposure. In all cases ingestion of the neat product is more likely to cause significant toxicity than walking through treated grass. Signs include gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation and neurological signs (in severe cases)

https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/water-intoxication-in-dogs/?

What is water intoxication in dogs and how can I prevent it? Water intoxication in dogs is a rare condition that can occur as a result of a dog swallowing too much water.

Great course on Saturday.

Lovely feedback, thanks guys

A FREE resource on the internet is the chocolate toxicity calculator. There are many to use here is a link to one available https://dog-chocolate-calculator.vets-now.com/

Don’t guess, don’t just think oh they’ll be alright, use a resource such as this to make sure your pet will be ok ❤️

www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk
All courses and webinars written by a vet

I’ve just paid for this bundle of webinars, with Sophie Bell and I think they are a must for dog walkers and groomers who want to expand their knowledge and gain valid CPD for their portfolio.

Lyme Disease UK UK charity supporting Lyme disease patients and raising awareness of how to prevent tick bites.

Spring is coming!

It is the idea time to familiarise yourself with plants that can cause serious illness or worse.

The CRGV season continues and we can confirm, based on kidney analysis, another two cases for December 2023, and 10 cases for January 2024.

Locations of confirmed cases include Surrey, Berkshire, Staffordshire, Buckinghamshire and Herefordshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and a case from London. The UK has now seen 318 confirmed cases, with 10 confirmed in 2024 so far.

We are also thrilled to report we have recently discharged a CRGV survivor, the lovely Matilda (pictured here). Sadly, two of her family members were lost to CRGV. Whilst overjoyed to get her home, our wonderful nursing team will miss her after their amazing and intensive support!

We remain aware of other potential cases in the UK – with the numbers above considered a minimum; however, certain criteria require fulfilment to allow us to confirm a case (and add it to our map) based on a review of a patient’s history and tissue analysis. We continue to support vets with this assessment and encourage concerned colleagues to get in touch.

This disease is still rare, so we’re advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.

Further information and a map of confirmed cases can be found on our dedicated Alabama Rot website >>> www.alabama-rot.co.uk

Great feedback from January’s course

Thank you

Looking forward to meeting the students.

Oscar has had a little accident after eating a cable from the pond!!

What would you do………

Answer below ⬇️ ⬇️⬇️

‼️Contact me if you would like to book a place on the next course.

[email protected]

Make sure as a dog owner that you can spot the signs of parasites.

Each year, we receive a large number of enquiries related to animals who have helped themselves to packages delivered through the letterbox. A major risk in such cases is the ingestion of medications and/or supplements.

A common example, especially in these winter months, is Vitamin D. These products - especially prescribed preparations - pose great risk to pets, who are very sensitive to some compounds of vitamin D. Certain varieties (found mainly in psoriasis creams) only require very small quantities to be ingested to cause significant toxicity in dogs.

If there is a dog in the house (or a very mischievous cat!), we would advise using a cage on the letterbox to prevent pets from accessing postal deliveries📮

With winter here, it is important to be aware of ethylene glycol toxicity. The most common source of ethylene glycol toxicity is antifreeze❄️

Ethylene glycol can affect all animals, but unfortunately outdoor cats are more susceptible due to their roaming behaviours.
By the time clinical signs are evident, it is often too late for antidotal therapy to be started.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested ethylene glycol, veterinary treatment must be sought as soon as possible.

☎️Veterinary professionals can call VPIS for detailed treatment advice on 0207 3055 055☎️

⭐A-Z of pet poisoning - Z⭐

Zinc is a very common metal present in certain coins (see image), some household metal objects, medications and supplements but is also an essential element involved in many processes within our and our pet’s bodies.

Acute ingestions of zinc supplements or creams typically only causes mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea which occasionally may require veterinary supportive care.

More serious zinc toxicity comes from foreign body ingestion from objects such as coins, nuts/bolts and various household items that have a zinc coating.

Signs of zinc toxicity can take hours or days initially presenting as vomiting and diarrhoea which may contain blood, pets can be off their food, have abnormally smelly breath and be lethargic. More serious toxicities can cause gastrointestinal, cardiac, kidney, liver, pancreatic and haematological damage.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 305 5055

⭐On the final week of our A-Z pet poisoning campaign, we have the letter Z⭐

Zopiclone is a hypnosedative used for short-term treatment of insomnia in humans, it has hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxant actions.

Common effects following ingestion of this medication include drowsiness, loss of co-ordination, inability to stand and vomiting. In higher doses, it can interestingly cause hyperactivity, agitation, increased heart rate, aggression, and high temperatures. Hypotension, coma and respiratory depression have been reported in human cases but not in animals.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 305 5055

⭐A-Z of pet poisoning - Y⭐

The Yucca genus consists of evergreen plants wielding tough sword like leaves which occasional have whitish flowers, they are native to arid/hot environments but are also a common plant indoors and outdoors in the UK. Yuccas have been used as a source of fibre, in soaps, in herbal medicines and are used as a cosmetic and food ingredient.

Ingestion of this plant in pets can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, increased urination, increased drinking, hypersalivation, sore abdomen and depression. It can also occasionally cause local irritation to the mouth, tongue and oesophagus causing inflammation and ulceration.

The strong and sharp shape of the leaves can also potentially cause damage to the skin and internal tissues or potentially become an obstruction risk.

Ingestion of yucca herbal extracts is well tolerated but may cause gastrointestinal upset in overdoses.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 305 5055

A common use of the leftovers carcass is putting it out for the birds and wildlife.

First of all its not good for them but lets look at what can happen if your dog gets hold of it.

CHOKING

Bone fragments are a choking hazard, potentially blocking the dog's oesophagus and restricting their breathing. Especially when a dog tries to eat quickly.
If your dog is choking, gagging, retching, drinking a lot of water, licking their lips, pacing anxiously or is unable to sit or lie down comfortably, call your Vet straight away 🚑

GASTROINTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

These fragments can get stuck and cause dangerous gastrointestinal blockages requiring surgery 🚑

PERFORATIONS AND TEARS

Turkey bones break easily into shards that can puncture the stomach and intestines leading to peritonitis and can be life threatening.🚑

PANCREATITIS

High fat foods like the turkey skin etc can cause inflammation of the Pancreas causing Pancreatitis.
Most cases need immediate medical attention. Acute pancreatitis symptoms can include distended, painful abdomen, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea , dehydration, and yellow greasy or foamy stool.
It can be life threatening 🚑

SALMONELLA

The carcass can also create dangers as it may harbor salmonella, an organism that lives in the turkey’s intestinal tract.
If the carcass sits out at room temperature for too long, the bacteria will multiply, and pets can become violently ill from eating it. This can happen feeding the giblets too if not fresh 🦠

CONSTIPATION OR DIARRHOEA

Eating too much bone can cause digestive issues including constipation or the opposite, diarrhoea which may need Veterinary intervention.
If your dog produces black faeces, call your Vet as this can be a symptom of internal bleeding

BONE BROTH

You could use the carcass and make a great healthy bone broth for your dog 🐶

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-to-turn-your-turkey-carcass-into-bone-broth/

Please keep your pets safe this Christmas.

Always read the patient information leaflet if your vet issues a prescription medicine.

This will help identify any issues such as side effects or adverse reactions.