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80 per cent of vets saw cases of chocolate poisoning during Easter 2019
"As we are all spending more time indoors, it is worth remembering to not leave treats lying around." Daniella Dos Santos, BVA.

BVA urges pet owners to be mindful of hazards during Easter break.

The BVA has issued a warning to pet owners ahead of the Easter weekend; reminding them to keep chocolate out of reach of pets in order to avoid cases chocolate poisoning.

The Association's recent Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that 80 per cent of veterinary professionals working in companion animal practice saw at least one case of chocolate poisoning in the lead up to Easter 2019. More than half (54 per cent) of respondents had seen three or more cases in this period.

Veterinary practices typically see an increase in cases of chocolate poisoning around Christmas and Easter. But, with COVID-19 restrictions leading to more people spending time at home together, the BVA says that there is an increased risk with sweets and chocolate being more easily accessible to animals.

The Association also reminded pet owners to be mindful of the dangers of raisins and sultanas, found in hot cross buns and simnel cakes.

BVA senior vice president, Daniella Dos Santos said: “Many of us will be looking forward to indulging over the long Easter weekend, but keep any sweet treats out of reach of curious pets.

“As we are all currently spending more time indoors, it is worth remembering to not leave treats lying around. Cats and other pets may be less inclined to sniff out and eat chocolate than dogs, but they can also suffer with chocolate poisoning.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.