Lilies are toxic to cats

As far as plants go, lilies are among the most beautiful, but this week at Broad Lane Vets we nearly saw them lead to tragedy. They smell lovely and seem to last forever, making them a fantastic addition to any floral arrangement. Many people adore them, and most animals aren’t bothered by them, but for cats, lilies are positively deadly. And it doesn’t take much. A single bite of leaf or lick of pollen can be all it takes to send cats into irreversible kidney failure. This was the case this week with 2 kittens that ‘broke into’ a closed room and took a lick of the lily pollen. Fortunately their owner was ‘lily aware’, and headed straight to the surgery with 2 kittens coated in pollen around their mouths and noses.  

Why are lilies so toxic to cats?

• We don’t know exactly which chemical within the lily is so dangerous, but we do know that ingesting the smallest amount of leaf, stem, flower or even pollen can be deadly.
• Other animals, including dogs and rabbits, can eat lilies with just a bit of mild stomach upset and do not seem to suffer from toxicity.

What are the symptoms of lily poisoning?

• At first, lily poisoning can mimic other cases of eating something that they shouldn’t have, so it can be difficult to know what has happened unless you saw them eat it. Signs include vomiting and lethargy, lack of appetite and shaking.
• These initial symptoms can actually disappear for a few hours to a few days, after the plant has passed through the digestive tract but before the real damage becomes obvious.
• Within a few days, however, the symptoms become those of kidney failure. This includes increased thirst and urination, dehydration, and worsening lethargy, vomiting and loss of appetite. Eventually, this increased urination turns into a decrease in urination, and finally no urination at all, which indicates that the kidneys are no longer functioning.

What can be done about it?

• If you think your cat has eaten any amount of any part of a lily, it is critical that you bring them to the vets right away, even before clinical signs appear. Remember you can get advice and see a vet 24 hours a day by calling us on 02476 464789.
• If you bring them in within a few hours of ingestion, we are will likely to induce vomiting and possibly give a substance called activated charcoal, which will help lessen the effects of the toxins.
• Then, or if too much time has already gone by, we may put your cat on a drip and give IV fluids for as long as necessary. These fluids will help support the kidneys as they try to process the poison and flush out any toxins that do make it into the blood stream.
• There is no special blood test to diagnose lily toxicity, so many cases go undiagnosed. We will however likely run a general blood and urine test to check how badly the kidneys may have been damaged. These tests will probably need to be repeated several times during their stay in hospital.

What happens next?

• If you are able to get your cat to us within a few hours of ingestion, the chances are much greater that they will make it through the incident with the appropriate medical care. It is vitally important that your cat see us as soon as possible to begin treatment.
• If no treatment is given, or the kidneys have been damaged to the point where urination is starting to decrease, then sadly the chance of survival is very low.

How can lily poisoning be prevented?

• The best way to prevent lily poisoning in your own home is to prevent lilies from entering your home in the first place. This is easier said than done when well-meaning friends and family bring you a lovely bouquet.

• Remember, however, that it’s not just lilies in your house that can be deadly, always check your own garden for these and other toxic plants.

• Spread the word – by telling other people about the dangers of lilies, you are helping to increase awareness of the problem. The ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) has launched a campaign to help educate the public about lily toxicity. Their website has informative posters and tags to be put around floral arrangements that contain lilies at the florist. The more people know about lily toxicity, the safer all of our cats will be.

Hedgehogs in February

When will the hedgehogs come out of hibernation?  This is like asking how long is a piece of string.  When a hedgehog comes out of hibernation is not based just on the weather; other factors like the size of the hedgehog, whether it is its first hibernation, whether it is a male or female, can all have a bearing.  Mild weather probably helps some of the smaller hedgehogs to survive the winter because there is a little more food around for them and they are kept going until the food is more abundant in the springtime.  Severe weather sadly kills off the underweight hedgehogs that do not have a regular food supply.

So it is possible there will be hedgehogs around when you are reading this.  If you see them around, or signs of them, do give them a dish of water – they will not have drunk for some months - and a dish of meat based dog or cat food.  Try to be extra vigilant and ensure your pond has an escape ramp/scrambling net that these extra thirsty hedgehogs can use should they accidentally fall in.  Keep that pond topped up too so they are less likely to topple in when drinking.

Some of the smaller or older hedgehogs will be very weak when they wake so if you see any wobbling or out in the day then they need to be rescued.  Put any needing rescuing in a high-sided box.  Cover a hot water bottle with a towel and place the hedgehog on this with the cloth you used to pick it up covering it.  It can have some meat based dog or cat food and a dish of water.  Don’t forget to keep changing the water in the bottle.  If you don’t have a hot water bottle use a plastic milk carton or drinks bottle and wrap a towel around the hedgehog and bottle to keep them together.  

To learn more about hedgehogs visit the British Hedgehog Preservation Society’s web site at www.britishhedgehog.org.uk – you will find suggestions for feeding, feeding stations and much more.  Do remember that hedgehogs are nocturnal and usually only come out in the day when they are in serious trouble.  If you find a hedgehog needing help or if you need more advice call the BHPS on 01584 890 801.

Arnie the zoo-cat dies
A ginger tom cat that helped out at Linton Zoo in Cambridgeshire by "babysitting" newborn animals has received global tributes after his death a few weeks ago.

Zoo Manager Kim Simmons explains Arnie’s special job of “babysitting “ abandoned newborn animals that were brought into the zoo’s house. "Arnie babysat all four of our adult lions when they were cubs and some of their offspring too", adding that he did the job "wonderfully".

On the day Arnie passed away, he had done his "usual morning rounds to see his zoo friends, purring all the way", says the zoo's Facebook page. “He returned home for a spot of breakfast and then snuggled up on his bed and went to sleep. There he passed away peacefully."

Staff are now busy responding to the tribute messages, and intend to put a book together about Arnie's life.

BLOOD DRIVE A SUCCESS

Did you know pets sometimes need blood transfusions, just like people do, in serious injury or illness? We rely on voluntary donations and work closely with the charity Pet Blood Bank UK, hosting regular Blood Drives on our premises. Thankyou to everyone who came along at short notice on Sunday to help replenish the charity's blood stocks! For more information  on how your pet can help, see http://www.broadlanevets.co.uk/PetBloodBankUK1517.html

A new trend? Giving your pet a human name

At the end of 2012 the Co-operative pet insurers released a list of the most popular pets’ names of 2012, and there seems to be an interesting trend: people are beginning to call their pets the same names as their children. The most popular dog names were Alfie, Molly, Poppy, Charlie and Max. The most popular cat names were Charlie, Molly, Poppy, Oscar and Alfie. The survey showed that pet owners are moving away from traditional pet names such as Rover and Whiskers, and are now choosing human names. The top two pet names also appear in the recent list of most popular children's names.
We have noticed this at Broad Lane Vets with people even using names that can’t be shortened into handy “calling” names, such as Christopher, Andrew and Margaret.
This new approach to pet names reflects a change in the way that we view our pets - they are now  seen as members of the ‘human family’. Many of us see ourselves as “pet parents” rather than “owners”, so it seems natural to use children’s names rather than animal versions.

Is there anything wrong with this trend? Should we just relax and enjoy the fact that we see our pets are little furry children?
Problems however sometimes begin when we ‘overhumanise’ our pets. Many of the most common behavioural problems in dogs are connected with the way that we interact with our pets. It’s just worth remembering somewhere at the back of your mind, that you’re not interacting with a fellow human being. So yes, go ahead and humanise your pet, but don’t let yourself be completely fooled. Charlie is adorable, but he sees the world through dogs’ eyes; and Oscar may look wise and thoughtful, but he’s still a cat

Top 10 Dog Names 2012
1 Alfie
2 Molly
3 Poppy
4 Charlie
5 Max
6 Bella
7 Daisy
8 Millie
9 Ruby
10 Oscar

Top 10 Cat Names 2012
1 Charlie
2 Molly
3 Poppy
4 Oscar
5 Alfie
6 Daisy
7 Millie
8 Tilly
9 Bella
10 Tigger

Keeping safe on wet and dark evenings...

Did you know with dark, wet and windy evenings road traffic accidents are the most common cause of serious injury to pet dogs. While it’s true that many accidents happen when dogs are out on their own, a surprising number happen to dogs that are accompanied by their owners.

The UK’s biggest dog charity, Dogs Trust, has put together some useful tips to help keep you and your dog as safe as possible during those evening walks in the winter. Although they may seem obvious a reminder is always good…   

Keep control of your dog and don’t let him off lead unless you are in a safe area which is well lit
Wear high visibility clothing such as jackets, vests or reflective strips on your clothes so you can be easily seen by motorists
A reflective collar and lead or a high visibility coat or flashing collar will also increase your dog’s visibility in the dark
Work out a winter dog walking route which, in urban areas, includes both wide pavements and bright street lighting
If there is no pavement, walk against the flow of the traffic and keep your dog on the side farthest from the road
Carry a torch which will help you be seen and also enable to you see to pick up your dog’s mess. Consider a head torch so your hands are free.
Walking in groups can be safer than on your own
If possible, take your dog in the car to a place where you can walk away from the roadside. Many parks and sports fields have lighting but always check that dogs are allowed first
Make sure your dog is well trained and responsive to commands. For helpful tips on training, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

Jeffrey’s New Year Resolution

Well, yes, a New Year’s resolution, I think I could manage that. Let me just clean my paws while I think.

It would be nice to be able to nose twitch to a friend, but I don’t have one…... nibble, nibble. I do get lonely on my own.  The humans do come to see me every day it isn’t the same as having some-one here all the time….nibble, nibble. We bunnies naturally get on together well, think how many friends I would have if I lived in a burrow!

One thing I know I should do is eat more hay - a bit like you eating healthily, as it is good for my teeth and tummy too….nibble, nibble. But when there is a full bowl of yummy pellets around all the time, it is very difficult to resist them…. nibble, nibble.

So, yes, that’s my resolution; I will try to eat more hay, but I would love a friend! nibble, nibble, nose twitch, big sigh!

Angel’s New Year’s resolution

A New Year’s resolution ? That sounds like hard work, can’t I just lie here and play with my new toy ?

 

I like sleeping, and I am very good at it… maybe I should resolve to do it more. I think I could just about manage another hour or so a day. I used to run around when I was younger but it is much easier now to lie still now. Mum says that is because I am a little ‘bigger’ than I used to be but I know that I am just perfect. Anyway there is always a full bowl of biscuits down, and what is a cat to do, ignore them? I don’t think so! Obviously I don’t always eat everything I am given, sometimes I just lick the gravy or jelly from the meat course but that is mainly to keep mum on her toes… and the menu varied, of course. I did hear mention if I stay this cuddly I could get problems like arthritis or diabetes, which don’t sound very nice, so maybe I should try to slim down a bit. Hmm, I shall sleep on it, zzzz.

Bracket’s New Year's Resolution!

Oh hi again Bracket here! A New Year’s resolution? That sounds like fun. Can I do one now? Can I, can I, please?! Right, OK, what should I try? How about slobbering less? Could do but that would be very difficult and I think Mum would miss it, she always shouts with delight when I give her a big kiss, especially first thing in the morning when she hasn’t seen me for ages! 

I love walks, what about going on more? With Mum obviously, that time I tried it on my own wasn’t so successful. A lady caught me and I ended up at the vets! Mum soon came to collect me - she said it was a good thing I had a chip - I like chips, especially the crunchy ones she doesn’t eat. Anyway, yes, walks, I love them but wish I could go off the lead more (that’s why it was so much fun when I went on my own!). Mum doesn’t let me much but I love to run. I know she gets a bit cross when I don’t come back straight away but it is so brilliant to run - it’s what we dogs are made for! I suppose I would go back if she made things more interesting, like playing games or having even more treats. Well I am very good at commands, but then again I don’t want her to know that – I just pretend my doggy brain needs to be reminded that way I get my beloved treats! So, more walks where I can run, yes, that would be it! Now, where’s Mum, I feel a good slobber coming on!

Sheepdogs begin their seasonal duties

Two Norfolk sheepdogs have swapped their title for "turkey dogs" to begin their seasonal job at rounding up free-range turkeys.

9-year-old Flo and 6-year-old Meg round up the birds from the fields of the family-run farm.

Owner Steve Childerhouse said his dogs make the festive job much easier. “The collies have that instinct to round things up,” he said. “It is just in their nature, and they would never hurt anything.

Teddy and Bear's Big Day!

Well, what a day we had last week! Generally our days are taken up with eating, sleeping, playing, scratching wallpaper, playing some more, scratching furniture, eating and sleeping some more, taking washing off the clothes horse, and any other mischief we can get our paws on. But last Tuesday, it was a big day for us. Turns out we were old enough to be castrated. We weren’t really sure what to expect, but we needn’t have worried at all.

The biggest problem for us was that we weren’t allowed any breakfast that morning. No matter how loud we cried, and scratched Kerry’s legs, she didn’t give in. Apparently if we had eaten breakfast, there would have been a risk of us vomiting under the anaesthetic, which can be very dangerous. When we got to the surgery, we were put in a kennel together, so we could cuddle up together, and we had a nice warm comfy bed, and a blanket to hide under if we wanted to – although we spent most of the time at the front of the kennel seeing what was going on. That way we got more attention from the nurses! The nurses were all very kind, and did give us plenty of fuss and cuddles.

About 11am, one at a time, we were taken out of our kennels and given an injection of anaesthetic. One of us was very brave – Bear – but one of us did cry a little bit – Teddy – (but that got me an extra cuddle!). The next thing we knew, we were waking up in our warm comfy kennel. We didn’t feel any pain at all – Kerry said that was because of the pain relief we had been given. Kerry also told us that while we were under anaesthetic, we had a microchip implanted. This means that if we ever went missing, or got injured when we’re out and about, we could always be traced back to Kerry. The way it works is that if we were found and taken to any vets, or the RSPCA, or Cat’s Protection, they would scan us, find the chip number, and then be able to get in touch with Kerry through the national microchip database. Sounds like a very good idea to us!

When we got home, we were still a bit sleepy – but that didn’t stop us wanting food! Kerry only gave us a small amount to start with – which we weren’t impressed about, but she said she wanted to make sure we weren’t going to be sick. As we weren’t sick, later that evening, she gave us a bit more. The other thing we have been told, is that now we have been castrated, our metabolic rate will slow down – which basically means we need less food. That doesn’t sound like good news to us, but it’s better in the long run, as if we get fat, we will be at much more risk of many health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Well that was our big day – off to find something else to chew or scratch now!

Cats could not be more different to dogs. Good luck to any of you who try to put an outfit on your moggy! – That said, one of our nurses Carys regularly dresses Tristan – see him on our blog in his Halloween dress up. Cats are however an important member of the family, and should have something under the tree! Don’t buy them one big expensive toy though, get them several cheaper ones instead. Cats will play with anything new that appears but once they have done this for a couple of days, they are likely to ignore it. Keep a box of toys and change them round regularly. This will ensure they always have something to keep them interested.

Great buys for cats include activity toys like fishing rods or anything on a string, igloo beds (cats love to hide but make sure you put them somewhere high up) and water fountains.And don’t forget them during advent we have some great feline advent calendars available at all 3 of our surgeries.

Dogs and Christmas gift ideas

In the second part of our Christmas gifts for your pet series we are thinking about our canine friends. Dogs are such intelligent, social and active creatures who are in possession of their own extremely efficient furry coats. This means that they do not need an extensive wardrobe of clothes!

The range of outfits you can buy for them is incredible, and yes they might look cute dressed up as a Christmas tree, or in a t-shirt that says ‘Terrier(ist)’ but who is it really for ? Not your dog. Of course, some dogs do feel the cold but a simple padded jacket is fine, or perhaps once they are out, they could run around... they’ll soon be warm then! Doggy accessories that are worth purchasing are decent collars and leads, halti harnesses (for those who pull) and a few sturdy toys (we love the kong range). These will keep them occupied on walks,  or to play with in the home.

Ideal Christmas gifts for your bunny

As the dark evenings drawn in, and the carols have already been playing for weeks – Christmas we know is around the corner! With work, carol singing and family commitments we often end up leaving everything to the last minute, allowing little time to plan the ideal gifts. This then leads to us buying things that aren’t always that suitable. Now, we can’t tell you what not to buy for your Dad (although I’m guessing he doesn’t really want socks again) but we can advise you what not to buy for your pets! Over the next week watch out for our blogs. Today we start with your pet bunny.

                                                          

There are loads of great activity toys out there for rabbits so please don’t fall back on the usual Christmas treat option! Obesity is one of the biggest health problems in pet bunnies and causes all sorts of issues from dirty bottoms to arthritis. Too many treats can also mean they don’t eat enough hay which can cause problems with their teeth. Rabbits need hay, along with a non-selective food, to help wear down their teeth. Ideal gifts for rabbits include willow chew toys, and the biggest cage and run you can afford! Alternatively if you have a house rabbit you could treat yourself and ‘rabbit-proof’ all the wires, which should ensure there are no unexpected interruptions during the Christmas TV scheduling! Our nurses are happy to offer free weight, nutrition and dental advice consultations for your pet bunnies. Just give them a call at the surgery on 02476 464789, or visit the Rabbit page on our website: www.broadlanevets.co.uk/RabbitsandSmallPets1504.html

It's the most wonderful time of the year

We see it almost every day, and constantly warn clients about it, yet somehow even we don’t expect it – yes, last week one of our own cats came home with fleas. ‘How could this happen to me?’ was the cry - Well, the answer was very simple. Like many people, they forgot to apply their cat’s flea preventative for the past few months.

The weather is getting colder and our pets are not going out as much. With everything else going on this time of year the monthly treatments for fleas just slips our minds. It sure is a wakeup call, however, to find the tell-tale rusty brown dirt on your pet’s favourite bed.

And let’s face it, fleas are downright creepy. They eat blood and leave their faeces all over your pet, not to mention the fact that they can live in your carpets and even jump up and bite you. But at the same time, they’re pretty amazing little creatures.

                                                 

Here’s a few facts you may not know:

… there are more than 2000 species of fleas around the world? 63 of these are found in the UK, and 10 of these can be found in our own homes. The most common species seen however, is called Ctenocephalides felis, which although it is commonly called the cat flea can also be found on dogs.

… fleas are responsible for spreading the Bubonic Plague in people, and myxomatosis in rabbits.

… fleas can jump up to 150 times their own length, and consume 15 times their own body weight in blood daily.

… a female flea can lay about 50 eggs a day, and once these new fleas mature, they can each bite up to 400 times a day. Add all that up and you’ve got one miserable cat.

If you need advice on fleas make a free appointment with one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses who will give you all the help you need.

CUTE ANIMALS MAY IMPROVE CONCENTRATION

A study has found that looking at pictures of cute animals can improve concentration.
It is believed that positive emotion is triggered by cute images, and anything that gives a person happiness, pleasure or joy results in motivation.
Researchers from Hiroshima University in Japan used three groups of students for the study; one group looked at pictures of puppies and kittens, the second looked at adult animals and the third looked at tasty food.
The study found that those students with pictures of puppies and kittens had an increase in performance by an average of 10 per cent.
However, adult animal pictures only improved performance by an average of five per cent, and food pictures had no effect on performance.
The research suggests that the cute pictures can motivate people to perform tasks with greater time and care.

Arthritis in Pets

A big "thankyou" to everyone who attended our "Arthritis in Pets" event last week and made it a great success - we filled the room and were really overwhelmed by the positive response!

Thankyou especially to "Buddy" the dog for entertaining guests as they arrived (pictured) and to Dawn for helping set-up and clear-up. Also thankyou to Elaine Villiers from Corley Pool for her talk on Hydrotherapy, Kath Welland from Oaklands for her presentation on Veterinary Physiotherapy, Richard Webb from Broad Lane Vets for his discussion of Acupuncture, and Kerry and Elly from Broad Lane Vets for their explanations about diagnosis and conventional treatment options.

Look forward to seeing you all at the next event...

...and promise we'll get a microphone and some air-con next time!

Remember remember the 5th November

Did you know that 80% of pets suffer some degree of noise / firework phobia, and ... November is nearly here again. Firework season can be such a scary time for our pets. In this week’s blog we have put together a few hints that will hopefully reduce the stress levels in your household.


Before the firework season starts, provide your dog with a ‘doggy play area, where they can feel safe’. This should be a quiet area, so choose one of the quietest rooms in your home. Train your dog to associate the play area with positive experiences, e.g. by playing games with it. Use a variety of toys and swap them regularly, putting them away when not in use so that your dog doesn’t become bored with them.

Some dogs and cats also appreciate being able to hide when frightened, so providing a ‘pet den’to help them to cope. For example, this could be a wardrobe or a cupboard, packed with old duvets and blankets to make it more comfortable and to help sound-proof the area. It is important that your pet has access to its ‘den’ at all times, even when you’re not at home.

In the run up to fireworks night walk your dog when it is still light outside. This reduces the possibility of fireworks being let off and your dog becoming worried.

Make sure all windows, doors and cat flaps are securely closed during fireworks night. This will reduce the chances of your pets escaping. Have your pet microchipped in case they do escape – Broad Lane Vets is offering microchips at only £10 throughout October 2012.

Provide extra litter trays for cats. Litter trays will be used more as your cat is confined to the house.

Provide distractions, in the form of new toys and chews, during periods when fireworks are occurring. Draw curtains and put the TV on to mask the noise of fireworks being let off. Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.

If your pet shows any signs of fear, try to ignore their behaviour. Please do not punish your pet! This will only make your pet more distressed, and worse in the long run.

Try not to leave your pets alone when fireworks are going off. Do not try to tempt your cat out of their hiding place. Your pet may hurt themselves during this time.

In the long term, your dog needs to learn to be less afraid of loud noises. With proper treatment this is possible so that the next firework season will be less stressful for you and your dog. We recommend Sounds Scary! - An easy to follow CD therapy pack for dogs which includes CDs, an information booklet and an easy to follow guide. The amount of training needed will vary from dog to dog so owners should start training with the Sounds Scary! CD well in advance of the firework season. Planning ahead can help your dog cope with the firework season. Talk to us now about pheromone diffusers. These disperse calming chemicals into the room and may be a good option for your dog. In some cases we need to prescribe medication. If either of these options is used, we will talk to you about using the in conjunction with behavioural therapy.

And finally don’t forget small animals…

If your pets live outside, partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one area is well sound-proofed. Make sure that your pet is still able to look out. Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow in.

Do come and talk to us there is lots you can do to help your pet.

The colder weather is on its way

Just like us, the winter months can challenge your pets health and wellbeing. While some will bound through the chillier months in full health, we need to be mindful that changes in temperatures and shorter days can have a real impact on the health and happiness of your family pet.

Just as we will wrap up before going out, take precautions against cold temperatures with your pets. Obviously some pets will grow thicker coats to cope with the cold, older pets and some breeds are not quite as lucky so buy them a winter coat to survive the colder temperatures. If you suspect that your pet has caught a chill, quickly wrap them in a warm towel or blanket and rub them down vigorously.

Pets that usually live outdoors, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, should be brought indoors if the temperature falls to single figures or below. Extra bedding and a towel or blanket placed over the top of the hutch will help keep your small furry snug and warm.

Darker mornings and evenings, coupled with colder temperatures, makes it tempting to stay inside but it is still important that your pet gets plenty of fresh air and exercise. Here are a few of our ideas for winter workouts:
◦ Dogs – play games such as tug of war and Frisbee because the more aerobic the activity, the warmer your dog will be; go for walks in a local wood as the trees will shelter you from wind and rain; enrol your dog in indoor agility classes
◦ Cats – use pieces of string, ping pong balls and wind up toys to encourage object play; invest in a scratching post or indoor climbing frame; use large cardboard boxes to play hide-and-seek
◦ Rabbits (and small rodents) – ensure they have a pen available that is big enough for them to run and jump; build a sandpit that they can dig in; play with a ball and let them push it with their noses

Staying warm in the winter takes more energy and so pets spending a lot of time outside, will be burning more calories in order to generate body heat. It may be necessary to increase their calorie intake to account for the cold but please speak to a member of our practice team for more advice on the correct amount to feed your pet, as over-feeding can be just as dangerous as under feeding. And while you monitor their food, it’s also important to check that your pet has access to fresh clean water and that water bottles and dishes haven’t frozen overnight for pets living outside.

Upside-down Sheep

This sheep is apparently living a normal life, despite the fact that it was born with an upside-down head. The animal, named Terry, can be seen happily grazing a field in North Yorkshire.

It is thought that the sheep was born with a twisted spine. The farmer reports he lives happily and has been checked by a vet to ensure he is in no pain. He can eat, sleep and do everything other sheep can.