There's no more room at the animal inn this Christmas
There's no more room at the inn – Wood Green Animal Shelter in Godmanchester is full to bursting after the credit crunch has left many owners unable to afford veterinary bills.
Head of animal welfare policy Linda Cantle says the number of abandoned pets has never been higher, with about 500 filling its shelter to capacity because of the credit crisis.
She said: "The credit crunch is starting to hit us quite badly. A lot of animals are coming in because their owners say they can afford to feed and care for them but not the veterinary treatment, that's the biggest reason.
"This year we've seen more cats than ever before. We've got almost 300 dogs waiting to come in and also about 200 cats. We've even got sheep waiting.
"Obviously we care for animals but the only thing we can't give them is constant one-to-one attention which is what so many crave, that's the upsetting thing."
The London Road shelter currently has a wide range of animals, from sheep and chickens, to hamsters and horses, and all three of its shelters, in Godmanchester, London and Heydon, are full.
In total all three shelters combined have 750 animals in its care and there are more than 640 animals on its waiting lists. It also has a commitment to taking in strays regardless of its own circumstances.
Linda, 29, added: "There is literally no room at the inn at the moment."
The run-up to Christmas is always a busy time for the shelters as people become busy and stressed with festive preparations, but this year is an extreme, according to Linda.
The shelter has been very successful in re-homing pets, with between 5,500 resettled on average a year. But it is struggling to re-home older cats and dogs – perfect companions because of their love of attention – numbers of which are increasing all the time. About 50 per cent of its cats are over 10-years-old.
Linda said: "Because of the credit crunch, taking on older animals is much more of a consideration now than it used to be. People weren't so concerned about money before. Now I think people are concerned that if they take on an older animal there will be more veterinary bills.
"We've got lots more animals with medical conditions than ever before with animals dumped at vets, and strays with broken legs and heart problems are also a problem. We're having a lot more abandoned than ever before."
This is impacting on the shelter's own vet bills. Add to that the increases in gas and electricity and the cost of running all three shelters in the past two years has gone up by £4,000 leaving the animal charity with a £20,000 bill – and rising.
The best advice Linda can give to potential new pet owners is invest in insurance.
>> To find out more visit the website www.woodgreen.org.uk or call 0844 248 8181. Each animal is matched to the lifestyle and environment of any new home. The shelter is open to the public every day between 10am and 4pm, except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Posted by jenvetadmin on Saturday, December 27 @ 10:53:05 GMT (14 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
Manchester start 22/12/08 End – 23/01/09
jenvetnurse writes " Our client based in the Manchester area is seeking a locum VN for an ongoing period from the 5th of January 2009.
Duties to include – Monitoring anaesthetics, Blood samples and lab work, Assisting with operations, Dispensing drugs, X-rays and radiography, Nurse Clinics and consults etc.
You will be required to work alongside a very supportive and friendly team of 3 Vets and four Nurses. Shift patterns will vary although you will not be required to work out of hours and weekends may vary to a Saturday shift.
Accommodation is available with this position at no extra cost. Please call Vic Bekker at Rigvets on 01392 332 858 or email me at victor.bekker@rigvets.co.uk for further details on many, many more positions available.
"
Posted by jenvetadmin on Wednesday, December 17 @ 19:31:00 GMT (28 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
PET TRAVEL SCHEMES -
With an increasing number of vets now regularly dealing with pets that have travelled abroad and returned infected with diseases such as Leishmaniosis and Babesiosis, the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation has relaunched its advisory leaflet 'Taking your pets abroad - your guide to diseases encountered abroad'.
"Travelling with your pet needs careful planning well in advance" explained Carl Padgett, a veterinary surgeon and Chairman of the BVA AWF Trustees. "For example, to comply with rabies regulations owners need to get their pet vaccinated and then blood sampled to check that adequate immunity has developed. Six full months must then pass before the pet would be allowed to come back to the UK following a trip abroad."
"We would therefore encourage pet owners to make good use of this time to research the possible health problems associated with their holiday destination, both for them and their pet, and to ensure that pets and people alike are then protected against the various diseases they could encounter.
Our leaflet outlines some of the more common diseases of pets that can be encountered outside the UK along with details of measures that can be taken to prevent them. It also explains the criteria that animals must meet under the UK's Pet Travel Scheme as well as a reminder of the importance of contacting your vet should your pet develop any illness on their return to the UK."
The 'Taking your pets abroad' leaflet is available to download from the BVA AWF website at http://www.bva-awf.org.uk. Veterinary practices can obtain batches of leaflets for the waiting room from the BVA AWF agents Ten Alps (while the leaflets are free there is a £3.50 charge for postage and packaging) while members of the public can request individual copies by contacting BVA AWF direct.
The new leaflet is the latest in a series of BVA AWF leaflets designed to assist pet owners - previous leaflets include Pets and Poisons - Keeping Your Animals Safe, What Makes My Pet Happy and Caring for Your Ferret. You can see and download the leaflets at http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/resources/leaflets/.
The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation is the veterinary profession's charity committed to improving the welfare of animals through veterinary science, education and debate. The Foundation is funded entirely by voluntary contributions. To make a donation please visit http://www.bva-awf.org.uk.
British Veterinary Association
7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ
http://www.bva.co.uk
Posted by jenvetadmin on Friday, December 12 @ 18:28:38 GMT (41 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
6 month locum vet job.
jenvetnurse writes "My client are seeking a locum vet with mixed experience to begin with them early January 2009 for a minimum of 6 months.
The role is 75% small 20% equine 5% farm animal. Routine procedures, consults & visits. Car and Accommodation are provided. No sole charge, No OOH.
Please call Adam Turner on 01392 332858 or email adam.turner@rigvets.co.uk
"
Posted by jenvetadmin on Friday, December 12 @ 18:00:40 GMT (41 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
WIN A COPY OF THIS GREAT NEW BOOK
TO ENTER THE COMP SIMPLY REPLY TO THE POST IN THE FORUMS ENTITLED 'CREDIT CRUNCH COMPETITION' GOOD LUCK.
This title is directed primarily towards health care professionals outside of the United States.
It is a practical and comprehensive guide for veterinary nurses to all aspects of wound management in veterinary practice.
This ground-breaking new text covers both traditional and controversial methods of treatment with up-to-date information and clear explanations of techniques. An essential purchase for all those who wish to improve their practice and more thoroughly understand all phases of wound healing.
Posted by jenvetadmin on Monday, December 08 @ 14:09:26 GMT (48 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
care of cats this time of year...
A survey of veterinary practices conducted by the UK’s leading cat welfare charity indicates fireworks pose almost as big a danger to cats during Christmas and New Year as they do on Fireworks Night.
Cats Protection’s Effects of Fireworks on Cats survey, conducted during October this year and involving 800 veterinary practices, shows that more than half of vets (56 per cent) say there is another specific time of the year, other than 5th November, when they see cats injured or affected by fireworks, with 85 per cent of this sample naming Christmas and New Year.
The survey also reveals that the top three problems seen in cats that have been affected by fireworks are behaviour-related, rather than physical injuries. The most common cases were cats spraying or soiling indoors (67 per cent of respondents), cats suffering from withdrawal or apathy (63 per cent) and cats scratching or clawing at furnishings (56 per cent of respondents).
Vanessa Howie, Cats Protection’s Field Veterinary Officer said: “Clearly Christmas and New Year is another dangerous time for cats as far as fireworks are concerned, probably due to the large amount of parties taking place. Keeping your cat indoors whenever firework displays are taking place is definitely advisable, but cats can still be badly affected by the loud bangs and flashing lights going on outside. However, if owners follow a few simple precautions they can still ensure their cat has a happy Christmas and New Year.”
CLICK READ MORE FOR GREAT TIPS FROM CP TO PASS ONTO YOUR CLIENTS.
Posted by jenvetadmin on Thursday, December 04 @ 19:22:43 GMT (48 reads)
(Read More... | 4208 bytes more | Score: 0)
HOT OFF THE PRESS - TODAYS JOBS...
Kent Start – 15/12/08 End - On going
Our client based in the Kent area is seeking a highly experienced VN for their referral practice focusing solely on Ophthalmology.
You will be working a sole charge position with a single vet, working a 9 – 5 position with NO ON CALL OR OUT OF HOURS!!!!!
The group would be happy to look at B&B accommodation for any VN’s that would like to travel down to the group. Please do note that we would require a fairly long commitment as the group are ideally seeking a VN that would come down to fit in a become part of the team.
Hertfordshire Start – 05/01/09 End – On going.
My client based in the Hertfordshire area is seeking a qualified and listed VN for an on going position from the 5th of January in their small animal practice.
You would be required to fulfil the below duties – Monitoring anaesthetics, Blood samples and lab work, X-rays and radiography, Schedule three drug handling and dispensing drugs, Assisting with operations, Inpatient care and reception cover where required.
Shift patterns may vary as per the rota although you will not be required to participate in any out of hours work or weekend on call. The position has accomodation available for the locum for the full period of their stay with the possibility of pets staying too!
SW London Start – 15/12/08 End – On going.BR>
Our client based in the SW London area are seeking a experienced or qualified Vn for an on going period in their small animal practice.
You will be required to perform the following – Monitoring anaesthetics, Blood samples and minor lab work, X-rays and radiography, Nurse clinics and consults, assisting with operations, Dispensing drugs, and reception cover where required.
You will be workling alongside a 2 Vet 2 Nurse practice, working a 8-4, 9-5, 10-6 shift with no out of hours or on call weekends. No accomodation available with this position although there are good public transport links.
TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THESE POSITIONS OR JUST TO HAVE AN INFORMAL CHAT PLEASE CONTACT:
Vic Bekker
RIG Vet Recruitment
DDI: 01392 332 858
Fax: 01392 332 859
Mailto: victor.bekker@rigvets.co.uk
Web: www.rigvets.co.uk
Posted by jenvetadmin on Tuesday, December 02 @ 18:53:39 GMT (57 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
PRIZE WINNING COMPETITION
HOW HAS THE CREDIT CRUNCH AFFECTED YOU IN PRACTICE?
HAVE YOU NOTICED MORE ANIMALS ARE NOW INSURED?
ARE MORE CLIENTS FACING DIFFICULT DECISIONS AS THEY ARE UNABLE TO PAY FOR TREATMENT NEEDED?
IS YOUR PRACTICE OFFERING SALE/DISCOUNT/INCENTIVES ETC ?
BUY ONE CAT CASTRATE - GET ONE FREE!
BOOK 2 AMPUTATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE ----
PLENTY OF FUN TO BE HAD WITH THIS ONE KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS COMING..
TO ENTER SIMPLY REPLY WITH YOUR CREDIT CRUNCH HUMOUR BY ENTERING THE FORUMS AND REPLY TO THE COMPETITION POST. GOOD LUCK…
BEST ONE WINS A COPY OF THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED WOUND MANAGEMENT BOOK. WRITTEN BY LOUISE O'DWYER.
Posted by jenvetadmin on Tuesday, December 02 @ 13:58:07 GMT (57 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
Locum vn looking for work? Look no further....
jenvetnurse writes "My client based in the Manchester area is seeking a locum for a long term maternity cover role.
We are ideally seeking a vn that would be happy to start as soon as possible and work through until April time.
Duties may include – Blood samples and Lab work, Assisting with operations, Inpatient care, Monitoring anaesthetics, Nurse Clinics and consult6s etc.
You will be required to fit in with the team and work as per the rota. No nights on call and a possible Sat’ shift if required.
Please call Vic Bekker for further details on this and many more roles available through Rigvets or email me at victor.bekker@rigvets.co.uk for further details.
"
Posted by jenvetadmin on Thursday, November 27 @ 19:28:38 GMT (61 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
vn looking for work?
Practice seeks a locum Vn for their small animal practice in the SW London area.
You will be required to work a 10-6 shift with no out of hours or on call.
Accommodation is not available although good transport links within walking distance.
Duties may include – Schedule three drugs handling, monitoring anaesthetics, Blood samples, assisting with operations, dispensing drugs, Nurse clinics and consult and reception cover as required.
You will be working alongside a supportive team in a friendly, family run practice.
Please feel free to call Vic Bekker for further details on this and many more positions available, on 01392332858 or email me at victor.bekker@rigvets.co.uk.
Posted by jenvetadmin on Saturday, November 22 @ 07:40:25 GMT (82 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
Register of Veterinary Practice Premises
From the 1st April 2009 Practice Premises from which veterinary surgeons supply veterinary medicinal products must be registered with the RCVS in accordance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.
The register will enable the supply of veterinary medicines to be subjected to inspection and verification by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). The register will be published on the RCVS website and there will be a statutory fee levied for each practice premises registered. However, not all practices will have to pay the statutory fee; for those practices already accredited under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) the fee will be taken from their existing PSS fee.
In the near future, application forms will be posted to all practices currently listed in the Directory of Veterinary Practices and accredited under the PSS. These forms must be checked, signed and returned to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The RCVS has produced a range of guidance, including a series of frequently asked questions which can be found on their website www.rcvs.org.uk
Posted by jenvetadmin on Thursday, November 20 @ 20:01:06 GMT (73 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
RCVS LATEST NEWS.
The RCVS Trust has launched its 2009 Grants Round this week, featuring a comprehensive and expanded range of research and animal welfare programmes.
Offering five programmes this year, including Blue Sky research, Travel Scholarships and Small Grants, the Trust is expecting to release over £250,000 next March.
Gerri McHugh, Director of the Trust, said: “The Trust is delighted to continue its strategic investment in innovative and high-calibre research and animal welfare projects in the UK and overseas, and looks forward to stepping up its activity in this area year on year.”
Full details of the individual programmes can be found on the Trust’s website or from the Trust Office +44 (0)20 7202 0741
Posted by jenvetadmin on Tuesday, November 11 @ 19:53:14 GMT (86 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) succeeded in testing over 12,000 samples for avian flu in just a 15 day period. This and other achievements are detailed in the VLA's Annual Review for 2007/08, published today.
The VLA is an Executive Agency of Defra, providing research and consultancy on livestock diseases and surveillance of new and emerging diseases for the Government and animal health industry.
Other achievements during the year include VLA's emergency response to three disease outbreaks, avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and bluetongue. Over 30,000 samples for avian influenza were tested during the year, with over 12,000 of these in a 15 day period after an outbreak in November 2007 in Suffolk.
During the Bluetongue vector free period from January to March, VLA tested approximately 90,000 samples in the high containment laboratory facilities on site. Peter Borriello, VLA's new Chief Executive, said:
"Having only been appointed as VLA's Chief Executive since 1 October 2008, I cannot claim credit for any of the work covered in the Review.
"However, I am honoured to have joined an organisation with such a rich history and am particularly pleased to report that during the last year, an independent audit of VLA's science acknowledged the Agency as a recognised centre of excellence. "During the year the Agency also continued to deliver evidence and advice to help Government, the industry and animal, as well as public, health. With global trade encroaching infections and emerging zoonoses there has never been a more important time for an Agency such as ours."
The Review also includes special feature articles on FLU-LAB-NET, a web-based global interactive community for avian influenza and a new initiative, the Fellowship Scheme, introduced to develop specific skills within VLA.
A copy of the VLA Annual review can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/vla/reports/rep_annrev.htm, or by contacting 01932 357314 or enquiries@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk
Posted by jenvetadmin on Tuesday, November 11 @ 19:38:44 GMT (103 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
Dogs stealing christmas chocolate
This time of year we get many dogs in practice who have stolen cholate.
Just a reminder of the facts surrounding chocolate poisioning;
The more chocolate liquor, the more theobromine is present.
This makes baking chocolate the worst, followed by semisweet and dark chocolate, followed by milk chocolate, followed by chocolate flavored cakes or cookies.
Theobromine causes:
Vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures,
Racing heart rhythm progressing to abnormal rhythms,
Death in severe cases.
Toxic doses of theobromine are 9 mg per pound of dog for mild signs, up to 18 mg per pound of dog for severe signs.
Milk chocolate contains 44 mg / ounce of theobromine while semisweet chocolate contains 150 mg/ ounce, and baking chocolate contains 390 mg / ounce.
It takes nearly 4 days for the effects of chocolate to work its way out of a dog’s system. If the chocolate was only just eaten it may be possible to induce vomiting; otherwise, hospitalization and support are needed until the chocolate has worked its way out of the system.
Comment in the forums and tell us about the chocolate posionings you have seen in practice.
Posted by jenvetadmin on Wednesday, December 17 @ 23:05:54 GMT (19 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
NEW CHALLENGE FOR A NEW YEAR?
Would you like to help set up and run a new practice?
Our client based in the North West is looking for an experienced vet to help set up a their new practice. They are already well established and respected for pedigree puppy sales and have new pedigree puppies arriving every week but are looking to develop the business further and with their current vet due for retirement are looking for a replacement.
The role will involve doing health checks, vaccinations, worming and provide advice to clients who are purchasing new puppies and also all routine first opinion work in the new practice seeing cats, dogs and all small furries.
This is rare and excellent opportunity for an experienced vet with good business acumen who is looking for a new challenge.
If you would like some more information, please call Adam on 01392 332858 or email your CV to adam.turner@rigvets.co.uk
Posted by jenvetadmin on Wednesday, December 17 @ 19:00:50 GMT (33 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
PORTABLE TB TEST UNDER DEVELOPMENT
A portable test being developed by biodetection expert Stratophase could soon enable farmers and vets to accurately detect highly contagious diseases such as bovine TB and foot and mouth in the field, reducing false alarms and containment time and enabling remedial action to be taken more quickly.
A total of 2,030 cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) were confirmed in Great Britain between February and September 2001.* Millions of cows were slaughtered during the eradication programme and large swathes of the British countryside fenced off and declared out of bounds to the public for fear of further spread of the infection.
Stratophase is working with other British experts to develop a new detector system using immunoassay diagnosis - a biochemical test that detects or quantifies the amount of pathogen present by using an immunological reaction.
The sensor system will collect pathogens from the air and put them into a liquid stream. The liquid will then be analysed 'in the field' using Stratophase's optical sensor technology. The optical chips are coated with antibodies designed to attract specific antigens, such as those for TB or foot and mouth. If the targeted agent is present, it sticks to the surface and the chip undergoes a detectable change in optical spectrum, confirming the presence of the disease.
The Portable Direct Immunoassay Diagnosis Device for Animals and Humans (PDIDDAH) will be significantly more sensitive and accurate than the field deployable antibody based lateral flow tests (similar to those used for home pregnancy tests) presently available. Laboratory based techniques such as DNA replication and tagging (often used in forensic science applications) is currently the most commonly used test but, although this is highly sensitive, processing (sample transport, analysis and results) can take several days or even weeks.
Dr Devaki Bhatta, project leader from Stratophase, said, "One of the most important developments that will be realised in this system is the ability to collect and identify airborne pathogens. This will remove the need for swabs and blood samples.
"This project is to develop a foot and mouth detection unit, but using different antibodies the system could be used to identify TB and a range of other serious illnesses that affect livestock."
The collaborative development project, which is being co-funded by the UK government-sponsored Technology Strategy Board, will bring together teams from Stratophase, the University of Cambridge, Bristol Industrial and Research Associates Limited and Chelsea Technologies Group.
Initially developed for counter-bioterrorism applications, the Stratophase SpectroSens technology has also proved to be well suited to pharmaceutical manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, industrial process control and drug discovery applications.
* Data from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Posted by jenvetadmin on Friday, December 12 @ 18:25:30 GMT (41 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
Cats Protection launches neutering awards for vets in Northern Ireland
One lucky veterinary practice in Northern Ireland could be crowned as Cats Protection’s neutering practice of the year for 2009, thanks to a new awards set up by the charity.
Cats Protection has set up its Neutering Practice of the Year Awards, Northern Ireland - to reward veterinary practices in the region who neuter the most cats and kittens, under the charity’s Assisted Neutering Scheme, between 1 May 2008 and 1 May 2009.
Practices in Northern Ireland that are already taking part in the scheme are automatically entered into the awards. The winning practice will receive a trophy and framed certificate at a ceremony held during next year’s BSAVA Northern Ireland Congress (5-7 June 2009) and two runner-up practices will also receive certificates.
Under the Assisted Neutering Scheme, Cats Protection issues ‘money off’ vouchers to vets who neuter cats and kittens. Owners on limited incomes or means-tested benefits pay £5 to neuter their cat, and, after the vet has filled in and returned the relevant voucher, Cats Protection will pay the difference.
If a cat is stray or feral, then Cats Protection will pay for the entire cost of the operation, again upon receipt of the voucher. The top three veterinary practices will be decided on the basis of vouchers that have been processed by the charity during the above dates.
Janice Watt, Cats Protection’s Northern Ireland Campaigns Manager, said: “Cats Protection is committed to neutering as the practical way to reduce the numbers of unwanted cats and kittens, and the awards are a great way to recognise, and say thank you, to vets in Northern Ireland who are taking part in the Assisted Neutering Scheme. If your practice isn’t taking part in the scheme and would like to, then please get in touch, because you could be a winner next June!”
For media enquiries please call Cats Protection’s Media Office on 01825 741 911 or email media.office@cats.org.uk
Posted by jenvetadmin on Monday, December 08 @ 15:35:24 GMT (44 reads)
(Read More... | 4641 bytes more | Score: 0)
CHRISTMAS DOG'S DINNER
jenvetnurse writes "Meaty Christmas Pud. This recipe makes one big pudding that will keep a Labrador-sized hound full up for a couple of days:
Ingredients
Grate or food-process the parsnips and carrot very finely. Mix in the vegetables and mince in a large bowl. Break in the egg and mix thoroughly with a fork.
With wet hands, press the mixture into a pudding basin or Pyrex dish Cover with foil and steam in a large saucepan with a little water in the bottom for about an hour (make sure you keep the water topped up to avoid boiling it dry). Serve in small portions once cooled, and watch your grateful pooch wolf it down in one.
"
Posted by jenvetadmin on Thursday, December 04 @ 19:39:38 GMT (56 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
have you done all of your Christmas shopping yet?
We offer 10 % discount to Vetpro members on all pet paintings purchased from our Vetpro artist.
Order now and receive them in time for Christmas.
Visit www.pet-paintings .co.uk for complete details and ensure you mention Vetpro to receive your discount.
Custom Water Colour Pet Portraits Paintings are based on your own pet photographs of your Cats, Dogs, Horses, Birds or any other Pet and make excellent Gifts that will capture your Pet's unique personality. They will last a lifetime.
Pet Portraits are painted on professional watercolour paper using only the finest artist quality pigments and sable brushes.
You can have a Portrait of your Pet commissioned for as little as £35 including postage and packing.
click read more to view happy customers testimonials..
Posted by jenvetadmin on Tuesday, December 02 @ 18:59:43 GMT (58 reads)
(Read More... | 2795 bytes more | Score: 0)
LOCUM VET SEEKING PART-TIME WORK?
Locum Vet needed for the month of January at a Small Animal practice in the Yorkshire region.
2 days per week. Ideal for someone looking for part time work after the Christmas break.
Please call Adam on 01392 332858 or email adam.turner@rigvets.co.uk
Posted by jenvetadmin on Tuesday, December 02 @ 18:40:31 GMT (52 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
Autumn Perils
jenvetnurse writes "When most of us think of autumn, we think of cold crisp days, chilly nights and strikingly colourful falling leaves-but hidden amongst the beauty lurks a hidden danger to dogs.
The innocent looking horse chestnut or conker is not quite as innocent as it may seem, not to be confused with Castanea Sativa ( the sweet chestnut ) which is edible and delicious roasted at Christmas time, Aesculus hippocastanum ( the horse chestnut ) is in fact toxic.
Conkers contain potentially toxic active chemicals which include alkaloids, aesculin and saponins.
Alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical compounds which contain nitrogen and are toxic to other organisms. They produce pharmacological effects and are present in cocaine, nicotine, morphine, quinine and theobromine (found in chocolate) and are characterised by their bitter taste.
Saponin in conkers is known as Aescin and is derived from the soapwortplant and was historically used as soap. Aescin is bitter to taste which helps to reduce the palatability and very toxic. Aescin is also present in White Hawthorn, Sweet Bursaria and Ash bark.
Interestingly Aesculin and Aescin are both used in homeopathic treatments to soothe and aid healing of varicose veins, blood clots and haemorrhoids!
These three toxins combine together in the humble conker, which unfortunately seem to be irresistible to dogs.
Clinical signs develop within 6 hours of ingestion and if eaten in small amounts generally causes self- limiting gastrointestinal upset which resolves before the owner even seeks veterinary assistance.
Fatalities are rare as large quantities would need to be ingested and the alkaloids and saponin present in them causes them to taste very bitter which should deter even the most determined Labrador!
Small amounts cause muscle spasms and vomiting whilst larger amounts cause increased severity of symptoms producing muscle rigidity, ataxia, twitching, restlessness, depression, severe vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, paralysis, unconsciousness and then death.
Treatment involves hospitalization for sedation with Diazepam to help the muscles to relax and supportive intravenous fluids resulting generally in a quick recovery.
Within 2 hours of ingestion gastric lavage can be beneficial, but if the stomach is empty on examination then purgatives and careful rehydration are preferable.
In rare cases conker ingestion can also cause GI tract obstruction especially in smaller dogs.
So, at this time of year if you are presented with a call involving sudden onset unexplained violent vomiting, it is worth bearing in mind asking the question- has your dog been conkering lately?!
MANY THANKS TO Charlotte for this article.
"
Posted by jenvetadmin on Thursday, November 27 @ 20:04:29 GMT (72 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
christmas present for your cat?
A vet from Guernsey has launched a cat flap with a unique selling feature – it synchronises with a cat’s existing microchip number to selectively control access through the cat flap.
This intelligent cat flap is called the Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap from Pet Porte Ltd. It was the first time that microchips were used in conjunction with cat flaps and the product has already been winning awards.
Without the need for a magnet, disc, or any kind of collar at all, the Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap is able to recognise individual cats to allow or restrict access. The Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap is a patented design with a strong magnetic latch and locking system that shuts quickly and securely. Cats without a pre-programmed microchip will not be able to gain access through the Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap.
click read more for more info.
Posted by jenvetadmin on Saturday, November 22 @ 07:45:57 GMT (68 reads)
(Read More... | 3913 bytes more | Score: 0)
Show jumping champion cloned
He won two world cups, ended fourth at the Atlanta Olympics and landed 120 podia in a decade. There was only one thing top showjumper E.T. couldn't do — father foals. But now a French laboratory is creating a clone of the 17-year-old gelding with a view to putting it to stud. E.T-Stallion will be a genetically identical copy of E.T. and, when he grows up, he will be able to cover mares.
Austrian rider Hugo Simon, who rides E.T., announced last week that he agreed to have his horse cloned. "I wanted to save its genes," he told the press at the Vienna Horse Jumping Festival. "The experiment was only carried out for breeding reasons. When young E.T. shall see the light of day in summer 2006, it will be a dream come true for me."
Posted by jenvetadmin on Saturday, November 22 @ 07:34:17 GMT (67 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
Christmas Is Just Around The Corner
We offer 10 % discount to Vetpro members on all pet paintings purchased from our Vetpro artist.
Order now and receive them in time for Christmas.
Visit www.pet-paintings .co.uk for complete details and ensure you mention Vetpro to receive your discount.
Posted by jenvetadmin on Thursday, November 20 @ 19:36:39 GMT (75 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
Dogs Trust Arctic Dog Sledding Challenge 2009
Dogs Trust has teamed up with renowned Challenge Trip organisers Voyage Concepts to create two ultimate trips of a lifetime! Not only will you be helping Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog charity, but you also have an opportunity to experience a unique adventure sledding through some of the most exceptional arctic terrain in the world!
For further information on either...
email: leonie@voyageconcepts.co.uk or
call 020 8399 6327!
Posted by jenvetadmin on Tuesday, November 11 @ 19:46:51 GMT (86 reads)
(Read More... | Score: 0)
Survey and general info.
Latest survey - if you have a survey idea - email us now.
RIG Vet Recruitment is the trading name of RIG Veterinary Recruit Limited. Registered in England and Wales number 5452945. Registered Office: The White Cottage, 19 West Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7BS
To contact the Vetpro Team please email webmaster@vetpro.co.uk
RIG Vet Recruitment is the trading name of RIG Veterinary Recruit Limited. Registered in England and Wales number 5452945. Registered Office: The White Cottage, 19 West Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7BS
Home
Veterinary News :
Veterinary Services:
