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Pet owners urged to be vigilant of vapes
The operating team were shocked to discover a vape pod in Dolly's stomach.

Vets remove nicotine cartridge from dog’s stomach.

Pet owners are being urged to stay vigilant for e-cigarettes after a dog had to undergo major surgery to remove a nicotine-filled vape pod from its stomach.

It is thought that 13-year-old Dolly swallowed the vape cartridge whilst out on a walk, but it was not until a few days later that her owner noticed that she wasn’t quite feeling herself.

The Bichon Frise underwent a full inspection at Pennard Vets in Kent, and it soon became clear that something was lodged in her stomach. Veterinary surgeon Dr Sarla Balse organised X-rays, revealing a foreign object, and promptly booked her in for a gastronomy.

Dr Balse, explained: “Clearly operating on an elderly dog has its risks, but it was the only option available to us. Dolly was placed on an intravenous drip, given a general anaesthetic and prepared for surgery. I made an incision into her abdomen, and then an incision into her stomach to remove the object. Afterwards she was given antibiotics and pain relief and was monitored in our Sevenoaks hospital.

“When we realised the object was a vape pod, the whole operating team were shocked. Although there have been reports of pets ingesting vapes and related products, this was the first one we have seen at Pennard Vets and the reality is that it could have been inside her for a couple of weeks.”

Thankfully the operation was a success and Dolly is said to be back to her bouncy and bubbly self. 

Dolly’s owner Beverley, who owns another Bichon Frise called Koslie, said: “Dolly is a beautiful dog who is always full of energy and loves being fussed and groomed, so when she suddenly became clingy and whiny, we knew something wasn’t right.

“Pet owners and vapers really need to be aware how attractive nicotine pods can be to dogs. We’re a lot more cautious when walking with both Dolly and Koslie after this and it’s vitally important that pet owners stay vigilant where vapes and e-cigarettes are concerned.”

Dr Balse adds: “With their keen noses, it’s no surprise that pets, wildlife and especially dogs can be interested in vaping products which often have sweet and food related scents added to them. If the nicotine and liquid inside the pod had leaked, or if the pod had become lodged in another part of Dolly’s body, it could have killed her.”

Image (C) Pennard Vets.

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

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News Shorts
More bird housing measures introduced in England

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) is to enforce mandatory housing measures in five more regions, as it tackles the spread of avian influenza in kept and wild birds across England.

From 16 February the measures will apply to Cheshire, Herefordshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and Worcestershire. The regions join eight other locations which are already following the measures.

Bird keepers in these areas must house their birds, as well as following strict biosecurity measures. Any locations within a Protection Zone outside these areas must also keep birds housed.

An Avian Influenza Protection Zone, mandating enhanced biosecurity measures, remains in place across Great Britain. On 10 February, APHA also banned the gatherings of poultry, galliforme and anseriforme birds in England, Scotland and Wales

All disease control zones can be checked on APHA's interactive map. Further guidance on additional housing measures can be found here.