Monthly Archives: January 2015

Cats, Dogs

Rock salt – What every pet owner should know


Dogs 24 - Rock salt - What every pet owner should knowRock salt is very commonly used during winter all over the UK. The substance is a mixture of salt, grit and other components such as magnesium that works as an ice melter. It is often spread on our roads to keep them clear of ice and snow, and on sidewalks and footpaths to prevent slips and falls.

Despite being so common during the cold season many pet owners are not aware that rock salt can be very dangerous for pets (such as cats and dogs) if ingested. We still don’t know for sure how much needs to be eaten to cause damage but we do know that even a small amount of pure salt can lead to disease.

Most cases of affected animals happen after pets go outside for their walks and step over gritted snow or ice. Rock salt causes some level of irritation to their skin and pets will often lick the substance off their paws and fur. Ingesting rock salt can lead to a high blood sodium concentration which can cause lethargy, thirst, excessive salivation, vomiting and ultimately can lead to kidney damage, pancreatitis and seizures (fits).

If you notice any of these symptoms on your pet, contact your vet immediately. Waiting and watching is never a good idea if you suspect a pet has been poisoned as it can seriously decrease its chances of recovery.

The best way to keep pets safe is to wipe their feet and fur that may have been in contact with the gritted snow. If your pet displays any signs of discomfort after a possible contact with rock salt during one of his walks, wash the affected areas with pet-safe shampoo and warm water. Please don’t forget to dry your pet’s fur with a soft towel after washing.

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Horses

Atypical Myopathy in Horses – “Sycamore Poisoning”

Horse 21 - Atypical Myopathy in Horses

Spring is on the way and a rise in the number of atypical myopathy cases has sparked the conversation among vets and pet owners about sycamore poisoning.

Atypical myopathy is a potentially fatal disease that affects a horse’s muscles. The disease is caused by the ingestion of seeds and leaves of the European sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) andis seen in the UK and in Northern Europe.

This plant contains a toxin called hypoglycin A which interferes with the production of energy within a horse’s muscle cells, resulting in muscle damage. Although the toxin is present in both seeds and leaves, seeds seem to contain higher amounts of the dangerous toxin.

This disease is more common in the autumn as outbreaks occur when large numbers of seeds are falling. However, there have been small outbreaks during spring as well. Horses from all ages and sizes can be affected but young horses seem to be more susceptible to the effects of the toxin if they eat the seeds or the leaves of this plant.

Affected horses can become weak, lethargic and reluctant to move. Common signs also include pain, stiffness, muscle tremors, breathing difficulties and red or brown urine. They may be unable to lift their heads or even remain standing. Many horses die from this condition.

The chances of a positive outcome and of making a full recovery greatly increase if the horse is treated quickly. If you notice any of the previously mentioned signs on your horse, do not hesitate to contact the vet.

Horses that suffer from sycamore poisoning are usually kept on sparse pastures, near trees from the genus Acer. To prevent this from happening owners can be proactive and take a few precautions:

  • Check the fields carefully for Sycamore leaves and seeds and fence off areas where the seeds have fallen. If possible remove any seeds that might have scattered from nearby trees.
  • Turn out horses for short periods (ideally less than 6 hours) and manage the density of horses to make sure that there is enough for all of them.
  • Provide extra forage (hay or haylage) in the field to reduce the risk of horses eating the seeds.

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