Important News This Month

Rat Bait Poisoning

In the last 3 weeks we have seen 3 dogs with rat bait poisoning, one of which did not survive.
The symptoms of poisoning are the result of bleeding which normally occurs 2 to 3 days after the consumption of bait. The first clinical signs are usually respiratory, such as coughing (possibly coughing up blood), rapid breathing or exercise intolerance.
Other symptoms are joint swelling, bleeding from the nose or mouth or rectum, bloody diarrhoea, pale gums, lethargy, depression and collapse.
A blood sample can show a prolonged clotting time. The antidote, Vitamin K1 will need to be administered for up to 6 weeks. Early treatment is very important.

 

Canine Distemper Virus

Recently, a sick stray dog was brought into this clinic from the St Johns area. The dog showed the classic symptoms for Canine Distemper. Canine Distemper Virus affects a dog’s brain causing it to show nervous signs and have epileptic seizures.
The dog’s symptoms worsened over the following 24 hours and it had to be put to sleep.
This is the first case of Caine Distemper we have seen in this practice for 34 years.
Please make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.