Reports of substance on beaches on the Isle of Man and Hampshire
There have been further warnings to dog walkers to keep their pets away from a lard like substance washing up on beaches.
Two dogs died after the fatty deposits, believed to be palm oil, washed up on beaches in Cornwall and south Wales in October and November last year.
There were further reports of dogs becoming seriously ill after eating a similar substance that washed up in Port Erin on the Isle of Man late last month.
Now it has been found on other beaches on the island including Port St Mary, Fleshwick bay, Fenella beach, Ballaugh, the Lhe, Perwick Bay, and most recently from Scarlett.
The substance has also been reported on beaches in Hampshire.
Tests on the Isle of Man confirmed the deposits are either animal or vegetable fat.
Chris Burton, senior watch officer at the Marine Operations Centre at Douglas, told how his own dog was "Touch and go" after eating the material on Port Erin beach late last month.
Maryja Judkowska, a veterinary surgeon at The Strand Veterinary Practice in Port Erin, treated two dogs after the material washed up in Port Erin.
"I would advise vigilance. If an owner is concerned about their dog I would recommend that they contact their vet promptly for assessment/treatment. Aside from the violent vomiting, if this compound is fat based it may cause pancreatitis, which is painful and can be serious," she said.
Image by Chris Burton
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
