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Vets warn of seasonal pet hazards
Many cats suffered toxic ingestion last Christmas.
Chocolate most common cause of toxic ingestion, survey finds

More than 80 per cent of vets saw at least one case of toxic ingestion in pets during the 2016 festive period, according to new figures. The findings have prompted the BVA to issue a warning to pet owners to watch out for potential hazards to their pets this Christmas.

According to BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, chocolate poisoning remains the most prevalent cause of toxic ingestion at Christmas for dogs. A staggering 74 per cent of vets reported that they saw at least one case during last year’s celebrations.

Furthermore, the figures show that there has also been a spike in raisin or sultana poisoning over the last two years. Of the 473 vets that completed the survey, 54 per cent reported treating a case.

“Many pet owners are aware of the risks of chocolate or other festive foods being toxic for their pets but, as our survey shows, it’s easy to be caught out by a kind gift left under the tree or a treat left out on the table, which curious animals can find hard to resist,” said BVA president John Fishwick.

“Our advice is for givers to tell, and owners to ask, if there is anything edible in gifts and to keep such presents safely out of reach of your pet. If you suspect your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t, then don’t delay in contacting your local vet.”

The first of this year's Voice of the Veterinary Profession surveys was carried out in February. It asked companion animal vets if they saw any cases of toxic ingestion in companion animals over the festive period 2016.

The survey shows that many cats suffered toxic ingestion last Christmas, with a quarter of vets treating cats for antifreeze poisoning. Gift wrap, festive decorations and seasonal plants were other common reasons for pets finding themselves at the vets.

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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.