Month: June 2021

Rabbit Awareness Week 28th June – 4th July 2021

Posted on by Rachel Allen
bonded rabbits2

This year marks the 15th anniversary of rabbit awareness week (RAW). As always the aim of RAW is to educate rabbit owners, and prospective owners, to help them understand the welfare needs of pet rabbits. The information shared through RAW aids rabbit owners so as to enable them to provide their pets with the best possible care. This year is no exception. Information will be available daily and will cover topics including preparing to own a rabbit; understanding the 5 basic welfare needs of rabbit (diet, health, behaviour, environment and companionship); neutering; grooming; bonding; health issues; the senior rabbit and rescuing rabbits. The program over the week can be followed on Instagram or Facebook heading to @rabbitawarenessweek. Further information is also available on the Burgess pet care website

Fatal blood disorder in cats, possible link to cat food.

Posted on by Rachel Allen

Since April 2021 over 130 cases of a rare blood disorder called pancytopenia has been reported in cats. Cats suffering pancytopenia have low red and white blood cells, they may present with a variety of symptoms including lethargy, pale colour, bleeding, fever or recurrent infections. Sadly deterioration can be rapid and fatal. There are many possible causes for the disease but the recent surge of cases appears to be linked to certain hypoallergenic cat foods. The food standards agency (FSA) have released a statement which can be view on the gov.uk website the implicated diets have been recalled, click here to see the list of products. If your cat is fed one of the listed diets it is advised to stop it and find an alternative, please do not hesitate to call for dietary advice from one of our vets. If you are concerned your cat may be displaying symptoms please seek veterinary attention immediately.

New Red Mite Treatment for Chickens

Posted on by Rachel Allen
chicken

Poultry red mite is a blood sucking ectoparasite of chickens. The mite lives in the cracks and crevices of the chicken house during the day and feeds on the birds during the night. It is uncommon to identify the mite on the affected bird/s, the mite may be detected by shining a torch in the chicken house at night or seen when the coop is cleaned. Red mites are most active during the warm summer months (May to October) so now is the season to be on the alert. The mite can also survive overwinter for 8 months without feeding. Hens affected by red mite can be quiet, listless, pale due to anaemia, increased grooming and feather pecking may be recognised and egg production will be reduced. Heavy infestations with red mite can be fatal.

Red mite  is transmitted chicken to chicken but other hosts including wild birds and rodents can introduce the parasite into the flock. Until now management of red mite infestation has primarily focused on treatment of the house with strong disinfectants and antiparasitic sprays and powders. Antiparasitic powders and spot on therapies, many used off license, have been used to help treat affected birds with variable, often suboptimal, effect. The pharmaceutical company MSD have developed a new product against poultry red mite called Exolt  an oral solution given in drinking water twice 7 days apart. Exolt has no egg withdrawal. We now stock Exolt at our practice. If you are concerned that your chickens are suffering from red mite or have any other poultry concerns please do not hesitate to call.

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