Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 21st December 2011
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
BVA Issues Festive Hazards Warning
Vets called upon to warn owners of Christmas dangers.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is asking vets to urge owners to make sure their pets are safe over the Christmas season. Common features of the season, such as certain foods, can be extremely dangerous and Christmas decorations are a common cause of injury or even death.

The BVA is advising that owners keep their pets away from foods which are toxic to them (such as chocolate), and that other potentially hazardous objects (such as electrical cables, Christmas decorations and batteries) should be treated with care.

It is also advised that a pet should be microchipped if the owner  is taking it travelling away from home so that reuniting the pet with the owner can be done easily in event of separation. Furthermore, the upheaval and excitement of Christmas can caused animals to get stressed and nervous, so arranging a quiet safe haven away from all the fuss is also recommended.

Carl Padgett, President of the British Veterinary Association, said:

“Christmas is a time for families and we’re reminding pet owners it’s also time to remember the health and welfare of their animals too. Our message to pet owners is don’t ruin your Christmas through carelessness. The loss or illness of a family pet is devastating but poisoning in the home can be easily avoided.”

1. Substances which can be poisonous to pets include:

Chocolate and liquorice (common Christmas gifts).
Raisins and sultanas (used in Christmas cake recipes).
Certain nuts (especially peanuts and Macadamia nuts).
Xylitol-sweetened foods.
Sweets.
Other foods such as onions, avocados and grapes.
Alcohol.
Plants including lilies (and daffodils).
Cleaning and DIY products e.g. white spirit and lubricating oils.
Car anti-freeze.
Human medicines.

2. Substances with low toxicity that could cause drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea include:

Blu-tack or other similar adhesives (used to put up decorations).
Charcoal and coal.
Cut-flower and houseplant food.
Expended polystyrene foam (used for large present packing eg stereos/TVs).
Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia (common Christmas plants/decorations).
Matches.
Wax candles and crayons.
Silica gel (found in packaging).

Vets and members of the public can request hard copies of the leaflet by emailing bva-awf@bva.co.uk

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.