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"Influx" of atypical myopathy cases
horse
Research has linked toxins in the seeds of sycamore trees to atypical myopathy.
Vets advise restricted access to sycamore

Newmarket vets have seen "an influx" of horses with equine atypical myopathy (AM) and are warning owners to restrict access to sycamore trees, which have been linked to the potentially lethal condition.

Over the past week, Rossdales Equine Hospital says it has seen several cases of the muscle disease, all of which were sycamore related.

Past research suggests AM is likely to be caused by ingestion of sycamore tree seeds, which contain the toxin hypoglycin-A. The condition is thought to be particularly common after periods of wet and windy weather.

Rossdales' internal medicine specialist, Professor Celia Marr, said recent weather conditions are likely to have been "an additional trigger factor."

She added: "We would recommend removing access to sycamore and providing supplementary feed during bad weather - both are appropriate measures."

AM causes the destruction of muscle tissue, including the heart. Dark coloured urine is "a characteristic sign," said Professor Marr. The presenting sign in about 10 to 20 per cent of patients is sudden stiffness or difficulty swallowing.

Other signs include muscle tremors, breathing problems, sudden weakness and low body temperature.

Swift treatment and careful management is essential in AM cases.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.