Author: Rachel Allen

Alabama Rot cases reported locally, dog owners be vigilant.

Posted on by Rachel Allen
dogs in woods 1

We have become aware of reports of Alabama Rot cases in a dog walked in the Croft Castle, Lucton area and another at Eastnor Castle, Ledbury (both areas with confirmed cases reported in previous years). Since the first Alabama Rot case was recorded in the UK in 2012 there have been 279 confirmed cases. Alabama rot in the UK is mostly seen during the period of November to May. Whilst the disease is not common, and not all dogs who have been exercised in affected areas develop symptoms, sadly for those dogs contracting Alabama rot it is usually fatal.

Studies and research into the cause of Alabama Rot are ongoing but unfortunately it is still unknown. Affected dogs have generally been walked in woodland areas, they can be of any age or breed, although working dogs seem to be at higher risk. Dogs with Alabama Rot typically develop skin ulcers or sores most commonly on the legs  and paws, but they can be anywhere on the dogs body; dogs develop a high temperature and become lethargic; many dogs progress to develop life threatening kidney injury within a few days, from which very few have been known to recover. Whilst the cause of Alabama Rot is not known general advice is to avoid walking your dog in known affected and muddy areas, and if you do to wash off your dog as soon as possible. If you notice any unexplained sores on your dog or they seem suddenly unwell please seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Further information can be found on our Autumn 2019 Newsletter or by visiting the specialist website at Anderson Moore Veterinary specialists, considered to be the experts in the field of Alabama Rot.

Diarrhoea in pets, beware the potential risk to human health

Posted on by Rachel Allen
This photomicrograph reveals giardia lamblia trophozoites that c

Diarrhoea in dogs and cats is not uncommon, in most cases symptoms are short lived and self limiting (clearing up with little or no treatment). However, when diarrhoea persists/becomes chronic investigation and treatment trials are warranted. Recently we have seen a number of cases of chronic diarrhoea in young animals with infections, which could potentially cause symptoms in humans, have been diagnosed. Diseases which can be spread between animals and humans are called zoonosis.

Zoonotic diseases which can cause diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal signs include giardia (image shows the parasite under the microscope), campylobacter, E.coli and salmonella. While each clinical case will require tailored therapy, the importance of hygiene to help control and help prevent spread of disease cannot be overstated. Washing/bathing the coat of affected pets which have soiled themselves, quickly clearing up messes when they are made and disinfecting the area, where possible, will help reduce spread of disease. Basic hand hygiene and not letting your pet lick you being important in helping prevent dog to human transfer. Following good hygiene practices not only helps prevent spread of disease between animals and humans but can also help speed the recovery of the affected pet. We hope to bring you a more detailed newsletter article on diarrhoea in companion animals later this year.

Christmas Opening Times

Posted on by Rachel Allen

Friday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 09:00-17:00

Saturday 25th December (Christmas Day)  Emergencies only 

Sunday 26th December (Boxing Day) Emergencies only

Monday 27th December (Bank Holiday) 09:00-13:00*

Tuesday 28th December (Bank Holiday) 09:00-13:00*

Wednesday 29th December 09:00-18:30

Thursday 30th December 09:00-18:30

Friday 31st December 09:00-18:30

Saturday 1st December (New Years Day) Emergencies only

Sunday 2nd December Emergencies only

Monday 3rd December (Bank Holiday) 09:00-13:00*

* Bank Holiday surgery appointments for sick and injured animals only.

Helping hedgehogs over winter.

Posted on by Rachel Allen
hedgehog-2

In the UK hedgehogs hibernate over winter as the environmental temperature drops and their food supply diminishes. Hibernation can start any time from October to January (depending on environmental conditions) and usually lasts until March/April. To safely hibernate hedgehogs need to have built up enough body reserves to keep them alive over winter. In recent years a lot of hoglets have been born later in the year and are not big enough to survive hibernation, a hedgehog needs to be an absolute minimum of 450g ideally greater then 600g to go safely into hibernation.

For adult hogs going into hibernation they build nests (hibernacula) with thick insulation, usually of leaves in a quiet corner of the garden such as amongst tree roots, hedgerows, compost heaps, woodpiles etc., purpose made hedgehog houses are also available offering a simple way to provide alternative winter accommodation. If you know you have hedgehogs in your garden and are keen to help them providing them with food (ideally hedgehog food, but cat or dog food can also be used) and water in shallow dishes can help them build their fat reserves. Once the food is no longer being taken just leave out water until the warmer weather returns, mid March onwards, ready for the hog/s when they come out of hibernation hungry and weakened. A hibernating hedgehog should not be disturbed as rousing them will cause them to use up more of their energy, if you accidently come across a hibernating hog it is best to quickly cover it back up and leave it alone. We at Holmer Veterinary surgery are keen to help support the sadly declining hedgehog population, if you see a small hoglet or an adult out in the day, especially in the winter months, or if you see a weak, wobbly, sick or injured hedgehog please do not hesitate to call us, we routinely examine, treat and then refer sick and injured hedgehogs to experienced volunteers for rehabilitation.

Update on pet travel to Europe

Posted on by Rachel Allen
ahc pic

In the past 11 months, since Brexit, we have successfully issued multiple AHCs (Animal Health Certificates) for owners travelling with their pet dogs, cats and/or ferrets to Europe. New official guidance for issuing AHCs has recently been issued. The main requirements of the pet being microchipped and rabies vaccinated, at least 21 days before an AHC can be issued, has remained the same. The certificate must still be issued within 10 days of the pet travelling and is valid for up to 4 months for onward travel through Europe and return to the UK. An AHC is valid for single journey into, around and back from Europe. When a pet/s is/are not accompanied by the owner but are travelling within 5 days of them, new guidance states that the declaration, confirming that the movement is not commercial, must be signed by the individual travelling/transporting the pet. The owner can only sign the declaration if they are travelling with their pet. In addition to the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta and Finland, Norway has been added to the list of countries requiring vet administered and certified worming treatment 1-5 days (not less than 24hrs) before travel , this can be performed on the day of issuing the AHC or performed a few days later.

Feedback from clients who have already travelled with their pet on an AHC has identified issues returning to the UK via air. Only certain airports will receive pets on a limited number of flights, in addition the pet/s must travel as cargo which is a costly procedure. Owners returning to the UK via Eurotunnel or ferry appear to have done so smoothly. It is imperative that owners looking to travel to the EU with their pet do their research before travelling. Please do not hesitate to contact the surgery for advice on travelling with your pet to Europe.

site by Beeches Web Design