Month: August 2019

Beware of fake flea collars

Posted on by Rachel Allen
seresto pic

Clients are urged to take care when purchasing Seresto flea collars from sources other than your vets or a reputable merchants. The concern is that, not only will the collars be ineffective but, that they may be harmful to you pet. There are many clues to identifying a genuine Seresto product including: the tin will always have embossed lid and never have a sticker on the top; the tin will have details around the edge and a complete plastic seal; there will be a clear batch number which matches that written on the collar itself; there will always be an expiry date and UK manufacturer address on the label on the bottom of the tin, to name a few. A true Seresto collar has no odour and a white powder as standard. For more details on how to spot and report a fake collar please take a look at this video.

Avian Pox Alert

Posted on by Rachel Allen
Avian pox

A concerned client recently brought in a dead blue tit with multiple growths, one of many she had found this month. Avian pox virus is highly infectious disease which causes these tumours, especially in tits, dunnocks and pigeons. If you see affected birds in your garden the RSPB recommends that perches and feeders are regularly disinfected and bird baths are cleaned out daily. If large numbers of birds congregate in your garden it may be better to stop feeding them to reduce the risk of healthy birds coming into contact with infected birds. For more information on this and other wild bird diseases please go to www.rspb.org.uk

Road works

Posted on by Rachel Allen
road works

We apologise to all of our clients for the disruption that the road works are causing outside the practice. Unfortunately the road works are not only causing delays travelling up the Roman Road but also affecting clients driving into and out of the car park. Please be reassured that the practice is open for business as usual and the road workers will move aside to ensure access through the entrance is as accessible as possible. With the disruptions in mind we recommend you allow an extra 5-10min for any journey you need to make to the practice.

Beware of grass seeds

Posted on by Rachel Allen
grass seeds

We advise owners to check your pets for grass seeds. Dogs, in particular, may present with sudden onset head shaking and pain after running through grass, the cluster of seeds shown was recently removed from one ear of a spaniel. Seeds also commonly penetrate between toes causing swelling, pain and sometimes a discharge, dogs may be lame and/or constantly lick the affected area. Seeds can however penetrate the skin anywhere. Inhalation of  grass seeds may cause a pet to develop sneezing and a discharge if lodged in the nose, or a cough if inhaled into the lungs. Grass seeds need to be removed to prevent ongoing/further tissue damage.

Search for new blood donors

Posted on by Rachel Allen
Dog blood donor cartoon

At Holmer Vet Surgery we keep a list of blood donor dogs who have been assessed and blood typed, with owners who are willing to be called in an emergency to bring their dog in to give blood. Fresh blood is collected when we have a patient with a clinical need. Sadly many of our current donor dogs have come to an age where they are no longer suitable to donate. We thank these dogs, and owners, for the amazing contribution they have made in helping us save lives over the years. We now are looking to recruit a new generation of donors. Please visit our client advice webpage to find out more about what is required to be a canine blood donor. If you think you, and your dog, can help please contact the surgery to make a free, no obligation, appointment for an assessment and blood typing.

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