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Poisoning case sparks salt lamp warning
The cat ingested toxic levels of salt simply through licking a Himalayan salt lamp.
Cat ingested toxic levels of salt by licking the lamp 

Vets in New Zealand have shared a warning on the dangers of Himalayan salt lamps in the home after a cat nearly died from salt poisoning.

The cat, Ruby, was presented to First Vets in Whanganui, with various neurological signs, including difficulty walking, impaired senses and inability to eat or drink.

Blood samples revealed extremely high levels of sodium and chloride. After ruling out other conditions, vets asked Ruby’s owners if there was any way she could have ingested a large amount of salt. It was then that they realised she had taken an interest in a salt lamp in the lounge.

She had ingested toxic levels of salt simply through licking the lamp. However, it was the first time the practice had seen this occur in a cat.

Vets began supportive therapy to gradually bring the patient’s sodium and chloride levels down to normal, with the help of intravenous fluids and potassium supplementation.

The practice posted an update on its Facebook page yesterday: ‘We are pleased to report that Ruby’s neurological signs resolved and her blood sodium and chloride levels returned to normal today.’

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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.