DRUG AND FOOD ALERTS, HAZARDS AND TRAVEL, VET HOSPITALS
CHOCOLATE - WARNINGCocoa Shells Garden Mulch.
If you have a dog do not use this type of mulch as your dog could die if it should eat it. A reminder about the dangers of Chocolate to
our canine companions.
Keep out of reach of dogs. Between 250 and 500mg/kg of theobromine can prove fatal. Milk chocolate
contains 50mg/oz; dark chocolate 150 mg/oz and
bitter baking chocolate 400 mg/oz
CHOCOLATE
CHOCOLATE – Please remember that chocolate (including the cocoa shell garden mulch) can be lethal to your dogs.Between 250 and 500mg/kg of theobromine
can prove fatal.Milk chocolate contains 50mg; dark chocolate 150 mg/oz and bitter baking chocolate 400 mg/oz; dark chocolate 150 mg/oz.
GRAPES
GRAPES– Breeder from Canada has reported the death of a dog and one critically ill from grape toxicity.Says that few Vets are aware of this.No evidence of scientific proof
on this as yet but this is a cautionary tale that perhaps should not go unheeded!31/1/03Report in Our Dogs this week of a healthy 5 yr old Hungarian Vizsla apparently dying
as a result of stealing and eating a bag of raisins.She did this in the morning then immediately vomited them up .She was OK during the day but was cold to the touch in evening . Was sick overnight and very lethargic and poorly.Blood test was done at the Vets which established that the Vizsla had gone into renal failure.A few days later peritoneal
dialysis was tried at a Vet School but her condition deteriorated whilst on operating table and it was decided not to bring her round from anaesthetic.The ASPCA (animal poison control centre) website in America apparently has article on grape toxicity. Some dogs seem to eat grapes with no dire effect. Could it be that some dogs carry a
gene similar to the mdr-1 gene that these chemicals affect. (see below also)
PROCESSUIN CATERPILLAR/MOTH
Caterpillars of the oak procession moth are attempting to gain a foothold in London, the Telegraph reports. As we
recently reported , the Belgian army is battling a horde of the Thaumetopoea processionea caterpillars in the country's
eastern province of Limburg.
The species has spread in recent years from its origins in central and southern Europe due to climate change, and last
year appeared on several oak trees in West London, including in Kew's Royal Botanic Gardens. It's suspected they
entered the country on imported trees. The procession moth caterpillar, so called for its habit of advancing in column,
deploys toxic hairs which can cause "severe skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and even anaphylactic shock". It can
also completely defoliate trees, so Kew has moved quickly to contain the threat.
A spokesman explained: "About 30-35 oak trees had been affected and we have been exterminating the caterpillars
as fast as they emerge but I am afraid this is not a problem that is going to disappear quickly. Our oaks have resisted
many other diseases and we hope they are strong enough to resist this."
In Belgium, the army is tackling the irritating insects by burning the little blighters with "super-size blowtorches". UK
operatives' method on dispatching them to the hereafter is not noted, but they have wisely donned protective clothing
for their caterpillar-busting work.
The oak procession moth is, once established, extremely difficult to eradicate. Christine Tilbury, of the Forestry
Commission's agency, Forest Research, admitted: "We are obviously concerned about it. The caterpillars stimulate a
severe allergenic reaction in susceptible people. Where it has occurred on the Continent it has caused a severe skin
rash and respiratory tract irritation. We would advise anyone in contact with it to get immediate medical advice."
Tilbury concluded by conceding that measures to contain or eliminate the oak procession moth might prove fruitless.
She offered: "It could fly in or come in as eggs on plants. I do not know how you keep it out." ®
XYLITOL
see this link before reading on:- http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_news082106 A chocolate lab only 4 1/2 years old, was rushed to the emergency vet after consuming a few dozen pieces of Icebreakers ice cube chewing gum.
The Animal Poison Control Center reported that only SEVEN pieces of that gum is toxic. She had eaten the gum and wrappers no more than
20-30 minutes before we found her lying in a coma-like state of shock in the backyard, foaming at the mouth and barely responsive. On the way
to the emergency room, she began to go into severe seizures - it was a horrible and
traumatic experience for all of us. Once she was admitted,
they tried pumping and flushing out her stomach which didn't work, since the gum was sticking to her stomach. They removed some more of it, but
her liver failed. They gave her several I.V.s and plasma, and thankfully, we have an amazing team of vets on duty that did everything they could
and more to get the gum out of
Shenley's stomach i n hope that her liver will repair itself . She is still hooked up to I.V. and has a tube in her that
goes directly to her heart but
I am happy and much relieved to say that after a very, very long night - one that we all honestly expected her not
to make it through - she seems to
be doing better, and that she will survive.
XYLITOL
It is a "naturally occuring" sweetener that is found in some fruits,vegetables, mushrooms, and often obtained through birch trees' bark. Humans
also make it apparently and it is "good" for human teeth. It was the number one ingredient in the gum that Shenley consumed.
Xylitol is EXTREMELY lethal to dogs in fairly small amounts. It causes liver failure which is why Shen was so sick. Many dogs have died from
consuming xylitol. It is found in grapes (and raisins) see above and we found it on the packages of Orbit gum as well. Check your toothpastes too!
Please help to spread the word to other dog lovers & owners so they can be aware of this scary poison! It is our responsibility to make sure our
beloved friends don't get into it seeing as how most will eat just about anything:) I would check your gum, candy, toothpaste, etc. (esp. those that
say sugar free or low calorie) and throw it out altogether if you have dogs around. Believe me, it is not worth it!!! We are so thankful our Shen
survived this - it truly is a miracle as all the articles we've read on the subject have dogs who have not. And I think this stuff is not great for us
humans, either. We absorb 50% of it into our systems (while dogs absorb 100%) so if it only takes 7 pieces to make a medium-sized dog very sick,
just think what a few sodas, muffins and few pieces of gum with that stuff must do to our bodies. I'd rather have real sugar in smaller amounts than
chemical stuff...anyway, that's just me - but to keep it in mind for your dogs is much more important!!"
STAGNANT PONDS/POOLSAlgae forms on surface which are toxic to swimming dogs.Can cause symptoms mimicking symptoms similar to theingestion of slug pellets.
Caterpillars of the oak procession moth are attempting to gain a foothold in London, the Telegraph reports.
As we recently reported , the Belgian army is battling a horde of the Thaumetopoea processionea caterpillars in the country's eastern
province of Limburg.
The species has spread in recent years from its origins in central and southern Europe due to climate change, and last year appeared on several oak
trees in West London, including in Kew's Royal Botanic Gardens. It's suspected they entered the country on imported trees.
The procession moth caterpillar, so called for its habit of advancing in column, deploys toxic hairs which can cause "severe skin irritation, breathing difficulties,
and even anaphylactic shock". It can also completely defoliate trees, so Kew has moved quickly to contain the threat.
A spokesman explained: "About 30-35 oak trees had been affected and we have been exterminating the caterpillars as fast as they emerge but I am afraid
this is not a problem that is going to disappear quickly. Our oaks have resisted many other diseases and we hope they are strong enough to resist this."
In Belgium, the army is tackling the irritating insects by burning the little blighters with "super-size blowtorches". UK operatives' method on dispatching them to
the hereafter is not noted, but they have wisely donned protective clothing for their caterpillar-busting work.
The oak procession moth is, once established, extremely difficult to eradicate. Christine Tilbury, of the Forestry Commission's agency, Forest Research,
admitted: "We are obviously concerned about it. The caterpillars stimulate a severe allergenic reaction in susceptible people. Where it has occurred on
the Continent it has caused a severe skin rash and respiratory tract irritation. We would advise anyone in contact with it to get immediate medical advice."
Tilbury concluded by conceding that measures to contain or eliminate the oak procession moth might prove fruitless. She offered: "It could fly in or come in
as eggs on plants. I do not know how you keep it out." ®
ANTI-FREEZE
ANTI-FREEZE- Even tiny doses can be fatal to dogs and cats.4 teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10lb. Dog.It is sweet tasting . Clean up spills immediately and regularly check for leaks. Keep a record of product used in case your pet finds it and you can tell your Vet what was consumed. Store anti-freeze in clearly marked containers in areas that are off-limits to your pets
and dispose of any old anti-freeze in a sealed container.Never allow your animal access to the area when you are drainingradiator fluid from your car.Consider asking your garage to use a
propylene glycol based anti-freeze which is less toxic than conventional ethylene glycolanti-freeze.Keep a close eye on your pet in icy weather in case of random spillages elsewhere.
ACEPROMAZINE
ACP (acepromazine)The following has been forwarded by an ADA member (9/05) and it may well be worth asking questions about it:- ACP (acepromazine) can have the complete opposite effect, instead of calming the dog it can send it completely "ape". If a dog has tendencies to seizures it will trigger them.
Even if a Border Collie has never had a seizure but is genetically disposed, it will start them "seizing".
It lowers blood pressure considerably which can have disastrous results. When my dogs have surgery (spaying/neutering etc) I make the vet sign a paper to say will NOT use ACP
either by injection, tablet or any other way of using the stuff. They have no premed whatsoever. At the Manchester show a few years ago an exhibitor gave her BC only half a pill
and I had to help her to carry him to her vehicle. She drove straight to a vet and almost lost her dog. She hasn't been in the show ring since. She had given him half a pill (the vet
said to give him 3 tablets!!!!) because he was a bit nervous of being gone over by a judge. I've seen dogs take daytheys to recover.
Also, if a dog is prone to seizures, talk to the vet about avoiding the use of phenothiazine tranquilizers (such as acepromazine) and ketamine. Also, certain breeds are thought to have
problems with certain drugs, including Belgian Shepherds, Greyhounds and other Sighthounds, Brachycephalic dogs (such as Pugs), and Mastiffs, Boxers and Bull Terriers
(Acepromazine), so be sure the vet is aware of this before the dog has surgery. Note that Acepromazine and possibly morphine are among the drugs that Collies and related
breeds (Australian Shepherds (including miniatures), English Sheepdogs, McNabs, Old English Sheepdogs, Shetland Sheepdogs, Longhaired Whippets and Silken
Windhounds) may react to. Drugs that have been documented, or are strongly suspected to cause problems in dogs with the MDR-1 mutation: Ivermectin (antiparasitic agent) Loperamide (Imodium; over-the-counter anti diarrhoea agent) Doxorubicin,Vincristine and Vinblastine (all anticancer agents) Cyclosporin (immunosuppressive agent) Digoxin (heart drug) Acepromazine and Butorphanol (sedatives) The normal recommendation is: WHITE FEET - DON'T TREAT
and anyone with an Australian Shepherd or Old English Sheepdog willing to take part (dog mouth swabs) should contact
ADAor Simon.Tappin@bristol.ac.uk as soon as possible
IVERMECTIN
for demodectic mange
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_ivermectin.html Side effects generally do not occur with any anti-mange doses of
ivermectin except in Collies, Shetland sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, and Old English sheepdogs, though some
individual animals that are not members of these sensitive breeds may also be prone to side effects. These breeds should not
be fed farmed salmon which is treated with Ivermectin. Collies with Ivermectin sensitivity have been found to have a mutant
gene for what is called the "P-glycoprotein There is now a test for P-glycoprotein mutation so that Ivermectin sensitive dogs can be
identified. This is a DNA test using an oral swab. Test kits can be ordered directly from the Washington State University
Veterinary School via http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl
LOPERAMIDE
More commonly known as Imodium (used in humans for diarrhoea) has been mentioned as another culprit for the above breeds
of dog.
BLOAT / TORSION / GASTRIC DILATATION US research see http://www.vet.purdue.edu/epi/update2.htm NBinformation on bowl feeding height – now saying ground level.Those of you with deep chested dogs please check this site out.Bloat does appear to be on the
increase and it is an horrendous emergency when it happens so please be aware that it could happento your dog.Some of the known affected breeds are Setters,
Boxers, GSDs, Old English, Rottweilers,Chows, Dachshunds, Dobermanns,Standard Poodles,Weimaraners, Bolzoi, Akita,Newfoundlands, Mastiff, Bulldogs,
Great Danes, Clumber Spaniels, Malamutes, Grand Bleu de Gascoigne
PARVO VIRUS
2006 It has been reported that a parvovirus strain causing several deaths in the SE may be a different strain from the one the vaccine
protects against.
HARVEST MITES AND TICKS
2006 Serious allergy leading to paralysis and collapse in some breeds - thought being caused by new strain. Using Frontline on
back of dog is not sufficient. Feet need spraying also and possibly under chin. Prevalent 2006 and ticks 2007 (found near sheep
and sometimes found under Yew trees)
FURUNCULOSIS
12/1/04 FURUNCULOSIS– If immune regularities can be corrected it appears that the condition goes away.Users of Cyclosporine have been pleased with the
results despite cost of the drug.
CANINE
HERPES
VIRUS
6/03 CANINE HERPES VIRUS -New vaccine for Canine Herpes Virus.Meriel Drug information says that Canine Herpes Virus (CHV-1) is a virus that has been
largely ignored for many years. It is highly infectious and a recent study showed that more than 80% of dogs in England have been exposed to the virus at some time
in their lives.For most dogs CHV was not thought to cause significant problems so has been ignored by breeders and Vets.It is now clear that CHV can be a significant
cause of death in young puppies and also smaller litter size and weight.In the unborn puppy CHV attacks the placenta of the mother, starving the foetus of nutrients.
This can lead to abortion, stillbirth or re-absorption of the foetus (seen by breeders as infertility).In the newborn puppy if affected before birth and survives, it may be
underweight and have a weakened immune system, making it vulnerable to early puppy infections.If the puppy is infected soon after birth, CHV is known to be one of
the factors in “fading puppy syndrome”, in which the pup fails to suckle, loses weight and fades away despite intensive care.In the adult dog CHV can cause painful
lesions on the genitals.In the bitch, there may not be external signs but the bitch could be infertile or give birth to undersize and weak litters.In both males and females,
CHV is also known to be a cause of kennel cough.There is no cure for an animal that has CHV; infection is probably lifelong and can flare up repeatedly during periods
of stress.Antiviral drugs do not appear to be effective and are very expensive.
IMMUNISATION
IMMUNISATION Instead of immunising every year, consider having blood taken fortitre levels to establish whether there are antibodies.The cost of titre level testing
is about the same as a course of immunisations.Or have an antibody check before your puppy is immunised and then another after the immunisation course to establish
immunity.Most Leptospirosis immunisations (except below) are short-lived immunisations;the different strains that can affect dogs may not be the one in the
immunisation
.9/03 New LEPTOSPIROS IMMUNISATION – NobivacLept 2.Duraton.2year immunity claims to inhibit renal shedding which stops the spread of bacteria via the urine of infected animals. 2005 -IMMUNISATION SCHEDULER FOR DOGS, TAKING ACCOUNT OF NEW '3 YEAR' VACCINES
2003VACCINATION-Vaccine InformationService arepleased to announce the formation of an internationalVaccine Reaction Register (VRR).The VRR is an online service thatwill
allowANYONE
to report their vaccine reaction!The purpose is totry andcorrelate certain reactions to certain vaccines, identifyif there is apattern between illnesses that
people get and vaccines theyhavereceived,see if there is any geographical evidence suggesting higherrates ofreactions in one country/region over another, provide dataabout the
mostcommonly reported vaccine reactions and most importantlyprovide evidencethat might prevent more children/people from becomingvaccine-damaged!Please forward details
of this new facility to everyone youknow, thereis no other place in the UK or the world (as far as I know)that will allowpeople to register their problems or suspected reactions inthis way! The link ishttp://%20www.vaccine-info.com/vrrhttp:// http://www.vaccine-info.com/
VACCINATION
USA - APRIL/MAY NEWSLETTER SENIOR DOGS PROJECTreported in Labrador notes Our Dogs 27/6/03 All Veterinary Schools in N. America are changing vaccination
protocols. There is an ever-broadening trend of eliminating vaccinations for adult dogs, except for rabies, where required by State law. 'Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity which is good for life (ie canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper).
If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralise the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The "titre"
is not boosted" nor are more memory cells induced…..'
VACCINE
12/03 New DOG VACCINE FROM FORT DODGEDAPPi+LC provides immunity against parvovirus, hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, and also coronavirusInno
v 8 claims immunity against Distemper, Parvovirus and Adenovirus 1 & 2, Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza, Coronavirus and Parvovirus type 2b and has proven 3 year
duration of immunity.
ADVERSE
DRUG
REACTIONS
ADVERSE DRUG RE-ACTIONS – If you think that your dog has had an adverse re-action to a medicinal product either prescribed by the Vet or bought over the counter, in the
case of the former, ask your Vet. whether he/she will be reporting it to the drug company; if the latter contact the marketing company in writing detailing what you felt might
be adverse re-actions. (Have you ever tried querying the possibility of one to a drug company.Persistence makes for procrastination.They write to the Vet they saybut as
they get no reply the matter rests until your next ‘phone call.The Vet says no letter received etc.)Considering the amount of drugs prescribed there seems to be minimal
reporting of adverse re-actions.This could be regarded as excellent in the terms of efficacy and the harmless nature of the products or it could be that statistics are flawed
by a lack of reports.The UK SuspectedAdverse Reaction Surveillance Scheme (SARSS) reports each year mainly from Vets.An example of re-action statistics in the
anti-inflammatory therapeutic group in 1993 was 43; 1996 was 37; 1997 was 35; 1998 was 40; 1999 was 40; 2000 was 52; 2001 was 47.
INTERDIGITAL
CYSTS
12/04 INTERDIGITAL CYSTS - it has been suggested that a Chinese ?herb called "Armadillo Poison" used for treating damp heat has proved to work quickly on interdigital cysts.
LITTER – In 2002, 70,000 animals were treated by Vets for injuries caused by litter!A dog's tongue was cut off by a piece of broken glass and a baby hedgehog was strangled by a
polythene bag.Watch the ground forbroken glass whilst out walking your dog – it's everywhere!
4/04 EURO PASSPORT REPLACING PETS 3/7/04.Britain will keep its 6 month UK quarantine following a rabies vaccination blood test, Dogs, cats and ferrets will be able to
travel throughout Europe including the UK without the need for a blood test. The directive EC 998/2003 became law in 7/03 and comes into effect with all EU countries 7/04.
The new Pet Passport will contain the pet owner's identity, the pet's identification details, eg microchip/tattoo number, details of up to date rabies vaccination and details
of other vaccinations the pet has had. National rules will still apply for 5 years so animals returning to UK will still need details of current tick and tapeworm treatment. http://www.defra.gov.uk/(Pets Travel Scheme)http://www.petsgoeurope.com
TRAVELLING ABROAD-Pets' Passport treatment requirementfor ticks and tapeworms is for entry into UK.If you are going away for any length of time you may wish to
treat your dogs before you go as this will cover for ehrlichiosis and babesiosis (check manufacturer's info leaflet before doing so for time lapse between doses as it may prevent
you from using on return to UK).Along the Mediterranean coast throughtout the Iberian Peninsula, sand flies transmit LEISHMANIASIS.Dogs die from this disease which
develops later,Female sand flies bite from dusk until dawn so to prevent leismaniasis ensure your dog is indoors in sand fly area during this time.InS. Europe, especially
regions such as Po River Valley on N. Italy, mosquitoes transmit heartworm.Give Stronghold 2 weeks before you travel to heartworm endemic regions but check manufacturer's
data before giving subsequent doses.Scalibur collar – Intervet - (2 sizes) (deltamethrin) should now be available from Vets for protection against Leishmaniasis.Needs to
be worn 2 weeks before departure.
(Personal suggestion - if you have a Collie, Aus Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog check with your Vet about usage of these drugs, insectacides)
PET TRAVEL
PETS Travel to HOLLANDStena Line on the High Speed Sea Service Discovery (Harwich –Hook of Holland) can now take pets as the route is now part of the PETS
travel scheme.The crossing is 3 hours 40 minutes and is the fastest direct route to Hollandhttp://www.stenaline.co.uk/
PET TRAVEL
5/03PETS US flights – VIRGIN AIRLINES Virgin has been granted a licence to operate approved routes from the USA to the UK under the Government's Pets Travel Scheme.They will operate the approved route from Los Angeles to London Heathrow Monday to Friday from 19th May, 2003 for a three month trial period.If successful, they will extend
their participation to all their routes in US and Canada.
BEACHES
BEACHES WHERE DOGS ARE WELCOME 2003Manorbier Bay, Pembrokeshire; Pendine Sands nr. St. Clears, Carmarthenshire – watch out for unexploded grenades;
Fistral Beach, Newquay; Saunton Beach, nr. Braunton, N. Devon; Slapton Sands, nr. Dartmouth watch out for tar under stones; Bournemouth East – the stretch between Southborne
and Hengistbury Head; Holkham Beach, Norfolk – don't let your dog worry wading birds or naturists; Point of Ayr, Flintshire, Maryport, Cumbria; Dornach Beach, nr. Tain,
Highland Check details and rules on http://www.britainexpress.com/ or The Marine Conservation Society http://www.goodbeachguide.co.uk/ and Caradon District Council's
Animal Welfare Dept. tel 01579 341360 publishes a free Cornwall Beach Guide for Dog Owners featuring 142 beaches
HOLIDAYS
WANT A HOLIDAY WITH YOUR DOG?Why notbook in at Dalswinton Country House,St. Mawgan-in-Pydar, Cornwall. Tel 01637 860385?Owners Sal & StewartHope and Smoky
the dog (Battersea) has territorial rights!Get him to dance by raising your feet up and down and jumping with a toy in front of him!Emaildalswinton@bigwig.net.Bed and breakfast
(evening meal if required can be booked and chosen in a.m.Beautiful tranquil surroundings.Friendly relaxed intermingling atmosphere.Swimming pool (not for dogs as they damage
pool liner); 7 acres of fields for walking dogs.Public footpath to Mawgan Porth beach (2 stiles en route not suitable for large dogs or weak people!)NO CHILDREN.My dogs didn't
want to come home! Special winter breaks 3 nights for price of 2.
HOT CARS
Heat control in dogs is different from humans . When stressed, dogs often refuse water and sweat minimally only through pads and ears.
Example - Temperature outside car parked in shade at 2pm = 28°c. At 2.10 pm temperature was 48°c. Experiment repeated with windows
open 10cm and raised tailgate. After 10 mins the temperature was 42°c. Next test with larger estate car parked in shade - the outside
temperature was 32 c. After 10 mins the internal temperature was 47°c. With windows opened 10 cm and tailgate open, after 10 minutes
the temperature was 46°c. The sun moved so car partially in sun and with windows closed the temperature reached 55°c. Opening windows
and tailgate did not bring temperature below 42°c - all within 10 minutes. Temperament of dog and associated stress levels must also be borne
in mind.
DEVICE FOR LEAVING CAR BOOT AJAR AND LOCKED SEE THIS SITEVentlockAlso read their sensible advice page
PET BEHAVIOURISTS
2004 Pet Behaviouristshttp://www.cfba.co.uk/is a new websiteon which people can check whether the Pet Behaviourist they want to consultis bona fide
BREEDERS' HELP-LINE
BREEDERS' HELPLINEIf you are a breeder or rescuer who recognises that you are no longer able to cope and you are having difficulties looking afteryour dogs and
dealing with their health and welfare, please contact the Breeders' Helpline BEFOREyour dogs suffer.To get the Helpline's support and guidance Tel 0845 30 30 180.Animal collecting is now apparently recognised as an obsessive compulsive disorder and people can need help to overcome it.
The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge are issuing a questionnaire to establish a true picture of the incidence
and apparent increase of auto-immune disease in the UK. The survey aims to investigate possible genetic susceptibility and potential
triggering factors in Addison's disease, Auto-Immune Hæmolytic Anæmia, Immune Mediated Thrombocytopænia, Hypothyroidism, Immune
Mediated Polyarthritis, Auto-Immune Skin Diseases and Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Anyone who has a dog which has been
diagnosed with any of these or who may believe their dog to be suffering from an as yet undiagnosed condition or has an auto-immune
condition not included in the list is asked to write for a questionnaire (s.a.e. appreciated) to CIMDA, 73 Osidge Lane, Southgate,
London N14 5JL. Tel. 0208 368 9148 or e-mail: jo@cimda.fsnet.co.uk
LYMPHOMA CANCER
PetScreen (a UK Bioscience company) has claimed it is close to a breakthrough in treatment of the biggest cancer killer in dogs. They are said
to have discovered an effective screening, detection and treatment programme for canine lymphoma. It will be launched in the UK in April 2007.
High risk breeds include Golden and Flat-Coated Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bull Mastiffs, certain Spaniels including English and Irish
Water Spaniels. At risk breeds include Boxers, Bernese Mountain dogs and Rottweilers. (OD 10/10/06)
CANINE EPILEPSY
A gene for a form of inherited canine epilepsy has been discovered. Research is progressing on a test for breeders to use to detect the gene
in their stock. http://www.canineepilepsy.co.uk/Research/gene.htm
VET HOSPITALS
See this link Vet hospitals Not all Vets are the same.
There are many things to consider when making this choice, personal recommendation,
convenience of access etc. However it is important to remember that not all veterinary practices are the same. Veterinary Hospitals represent
the highest standard of veterinary practice in the UK. One certain way of recognising a Veterinary Hospital is by seeing the BVHA membership
logo being displayed.
One of the most important aspects of a Veterinary Hospital is that they have members of staff on the premises 24 hours
a day. In most veterinary practices there is no-one on the premises after the end of evening surgery or over weekends. This means that there is
no-one on the premises to look after any patients that are kept in overnight. No-one to notice that an i/v drip line has become blocked, a patient
has started to vomit or is showing pain. The ability to provide 24 hour nursing care is a major cost for Veterinary Hospitals, their prices may
have to reflect this. However it is one of the strongest reasons to choose a BVHA member Veterinary Hospital to look after your animals. see also http://www.bvha.org.uk/ and http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=93187#hospital
BREEDERS IN TROUBLE
Any breeder feeling concerned about the current welfare of their dogs and need to talk. Call in confidence 0845 30 30 180 This is an independent organisation supported by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust (reg. no. 327802)