Mastitis sampling project
APHA is undertaking a ewe mastitis bacteriology project during the 2023/2024 lambing season.
The aim of the project is to improve surveillance of the different bacteria causing mastitis in ewes and to provide antimicrobial resistance data. In addition, samples will also be used to provide surveillance for other organisms that may play a role in ewe mastitis. Anyone experiencing issues with mastitis this year should get in touch for us to arrange these subsidised samples. Each farm can submit up to three samples. Samples need to be taken in a sterile manner to ensure we get the best results, so do get in touch for us to run through the best way to do this. The project will run until May 2024.
Nematodirus battus, keep an eye on the forecast this spring…
Nematodirus is a worm that can cause sudden death and significant growth reductions in lambs. It is different to other worms because the larvae survive within the egg on the pasture, allowing infection to pass from one lamb crop to the next year’s lamb crop. This means pasture that had ewes and lambs on in the Spring last year is high risk for Nematodirus this year. Mass egg hatching is triggered by a sudden increase in temperature. If the hatch coincides with the time when lambs are starting to eat grass, lambs may suddenly start dying. Worm egg counts will not be increased because the larval worm can cause significant damage before it develops into an egg-producing adult. This means we need another way of identifying when to take action. SCOPS run a forecast which predicts when the risk of Nematodirus is increased. It is advisable to keep a close eye on the forecast for your region to decide when the risk is high. At this point you may opt to move lambs to a lower risk pasture or use a wormer if moving is not possible. White (1-BZ) drenches are normally highly effective for treating Nematodirus so should be used as the first treatment of spring.
Find the forecast here: https://www.scops.org.uk/forecasts/nematodirus-forecast/
Further Bluetongue Update
A case of the notifiable disease, Bluetongue was confirmed in a cow near Canterbury, Kent, on 11 November, following routine testing. As of 4th Feb, there have now been 83 Bluetongue cases on 44 premises in Kent and Norfolk. Most cases have been in cattle but some have been found in sheep. Until recently all animals have been humanely culled however midge activity is currently very low making the risk of onward transmission much less likely. The latest cases have therefore not been culled but placed under movement restrictions instead.
Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, which affects all ruminants (e.g. sheep, cattle, goats and deer) and camelids (e.g. llama and alpaca). The current strain circulating is BTV-3 which is different to the previous strain we had in the UK. Due to this being a new strain, the vaccine we had previously will not offer cross-protection against this new BTV-3 strain. Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health, but it remains a notifiable disease and any suspicion must be reported to APHA on 0300 020 0301.
Symptoms of BTV-3 can vary across ruminants, with sheep generally exhibiting more overt symptoms than cattle. These include in sheep; drooling, mouth lesions, high fever, lameness, oedema (swollen heads) and sudden death. Cattle are not usually as severely affected but may show similar clinical signs as well as teat, eye, coronary band and nose lesions.
The advice for farmers is to beware if buying animals in from Europe, take action to report any signs, and remain vigilant.
For more information, please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue or call the surgery.
Emergency preparation for pet owners in Northamptonshire
Blackouts, flooding, car breakdowns, getting snowed in… now is the perfect time for pet owners to start preparing for winter emergencies.
Once the snow and ice hits Northamptonshire, it is essential that you ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pets. Take a look at the advice compiled below from Towcester Veterinary Centre’s team and share with other pet owners in Northamptonshire.
Share our advice using the social icons above!
Call us on 01327 350239 if you would like more advice on this timely topic.
5 pet essentials for emergency prep
1. Assemble an emergency kit for your pet
Our Towcester vet team recommend you prepare a pet emergency kit with enough food, water, medications and first aid supplies to last them at least three days. Pack extra blankets, towels and have a pet carrier to hand along with your pet’s vaccination records and medical history. If your pet usually wears a jumper or coat on cold walks, pack a spare set of those too as well as a collar and lead.
You should keep this emergency kit accessible at home and take it on long (and motorway) car journeys.
2. Stock up on nutrition and plan shelter
Stock up on an ample supply of your pet’s regular food and pick up some bottled water to put to one side. Also, invest in plenty of blankets and ensure your pet has a sleeping area away from cold windows. Heating pads can ensure your pet has a snuggly area to sleep (providing you have the power to heat them).
3. Refill medications and pet first aid kits
Towcester Veterinary Centre recommends stocking up on bandages and antiseptic wipes. Tweezers can also help if you need to remove splinters. If your pet is on medication, try to ensure you have a sufficient supply as you go into the colder months.
4. Plan travel safety and pet identification
Microchips are a legal requirement for dogs as is wearing an ID tag with up-to-date contact information in public spaces. Remember to have a spare lead and collar in your emergency pack in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.
Cat microchipping – book now – is now a legal requirement in England. However, Towcester Veterinary Centre highly recommends cats everywhere should be fitted with a microchip and wear a collar and ID tag with up-to-date contact information too in case you get separated.
It is also wise to ensure you have a pet harness and seat belt fitting or pet carrier in the car in case you need to travel in an emergency.
5. Ensure you have light and communication
Keeping a torch to hand and a charged mobile phone with a list of emergency contacts, including our number – 01327 350239 – is a sensible idea. You may want to look at rechargeable power packs and a phone charging kit for your car. Candles and matches can be good to have for blackouts at home too, but keep them out of your pet’s reach, ensure the room has ample ventilation, and avoid candles with essential oils that are toxic to pets.
As well as the points above, the team at Towcester Veterinary Centre highly recommends including some toys and a familiar blanket to help keep your pet occupied and comfortable should there be a winter emergency. Make sure you share our advice with other pet owners so that all pets in Northamptonshire will be happy and safe – no matter what the weather decides to do!
Share our advice using the social icons above!
Winter paw care: protect dogs in from road salt
As winter coats the roads of Northamptonshire with ice, you will often see the flashing orange lights of salt spreaders out and about to make the roads safe. You will also likely see salt being spread on pavements and car parks for the same reason, however, some of it can be difficult to spot.
While this solution is effective for human safety, it poses a hidden danger to our four-legged friends. Road salt, or rock salt, may keep roads and pavements clear and preventing slipping, but its impact on dogs can be quite hazardous.
Contact Towcester Veterinary Centre on 01327 350239 if you have any concerns about your dog’s health.
What is road salt?
Road salt is typically composed of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride. It is used to lower the freezing point of water. When sprinkled on icy roads and paths, it prevents the formation of ice and helps make surfaces safer for vehicles and walkers.
The dangers of road salt for dogs
Paw irritation & dehydration
According to our vet the most immediate risk for dogs is the irritation road salt can cause to their paws. When dogs walk on salted surfaces, their paw pads can become cracked, dry, and painful. This can lead to discomfort, limping, and difficulty walking.
Road salt is a desiccant, which means it can absorb moisture from a dog’s paws and skin. Extended contact with road salt can lead to dehydration and skin issues.
Oral ingestion
Dogs are known for their inquisitive nature and may lick or chew their paws after walking on salted surfaces. In doing so, they can ingest road salt, which is toxic to dogs when consumed in significant quantities causing:
a) Digestive issues
Ingesting road salt can lead to gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and abdominal pain.
b) Salt toxicity
The most severe risk is salt toxicity, which can occur if a dog consumes a large amount of road salt. This can lead to symptoms such as excessive thirst, tremors, seizures, and, in severe cases, even death.
How to prevent road salt related issues
- Protective Paw Balm: Consider using a paw balm or wax to create a protective barrier on your dog’s paw pads before going outside.
- Booties: Dog booties provide excellent protection from road salt, keeping paws dry and safe.
- Avoid Salted Areas: Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog on salted surfaces. Choose areas with minimal salt use.
- Wipe Paws: After walks, wipe your dog’s paws with a damp cloth to remove salt and prevent ingestion.
- Indoor Rinsing: Rinse your dog’s paws with warm water when returning home to remove salt residue.
- Pet-Friendly Salt: If you need to use salt on your property, choose pet-friendly, non-toxic alternatives.
- Supervision: Always supervise your dog when they’re outside, especially around areas treated with road salt.
In conclusion, road salt is essential for human safety during winter but it poses several risks to dogs in Northamptonshire. By taking proactive measures to protect your dog’s paws and avoid salted areas, you can ensure their safety and wellbeing during the winter months. Remember that the team at Towcester Veterinary Centre recommend that a little extra care can go a long way in keeping your furry companion healthy and happy.
XL Bully Dogs
At the end of 2023 XL Bully type dogs were added to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. This does not mean that all existing XL Bully type dogs will need to be euthanised, but it does mean that there is now strict legislation involved.
Does my dog count as an XL Bully?
Unfortunately, XL Bullys have developed as a hybrid of several other breeds and so it is tricky to decide what is and what isn’t an XL Bully type. The government are making the decision based on a series of measurements and features. The list is not definitive, and many Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, Mastiffs and their crosses may meet the criteria. If your dog meets the majority of the criteria they are likely to be covered by the ban unless are an ‘easily recognised Kennel Club breed’.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog
If in doubt, current legal advice is currently to assume your dog is covered by the legislation and then appeal later when the appeals process is launched. If you chance it you could end up with your dog being seized and held in kennels for 6 months plus without being able to visit and the decision not to register them could be held against you in your court case.
What do I need to do?
You will not be able to sell, abandon, give away or breed an XL Bully type dog after 31st December 2023
All XL Bully types will need to have a certificate of exemption by 1st February 2024 (applied for from the government). The cost is £92.40
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog
XL Bully types must be microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public (including in the car)
They must be kept in an escape proof area
Dog must have liability insurance (included in most existing insurance plans or The Dogs Trust offer a policy)
XL Bully types must be neutered. If they will turn 1 before 31st January 2024 this will need to be performed by 30th June 2024. Younger dogs will have until the end of 2024
XL Bully types can not be left with someone else for more than 30 days
How can we help?
Veterinary Surgeons or Registered Veterinary Nurses do not have the authority to say whether your dog is or is not an XL Bully Type.
We can however:
- Help you understand the terminology and where to measure your dog
- Check your dog’s microchip number and that details are up-to-date
- Point you in the direction of good muzzle training (being offered for free by some trainers currently)
- Neuter your dog
- Complete proof of neutering paperwork
- Continue to provide veterinary care to your dog. XL Bully Types will always be welcome at Towcester Vets
- Direct you to further resources if you require them
We understand that this is a hugely stressful time for owners of XL Bully types or similar breed dogs.
Please contact us if we can support you at all.
Antifreeze: the killer sugary taste loved by cats
Antifreeze is something that most pet owners living in Northamptonshire will have around their house once it comes to winter. However, even the smallest amount can be highly dangerous for your cat. The primary danger comes from ethylene glycol which is toxic to cats.
This substance is highly dangerous for dogs too and can have the same affect.
If you even suspect your pet could have ingested antifreeze then contact Towcester Veterinary Centre immediately on 01327 350239.
Why cats like to lick antifreeze
The reason antifreeze is so appealing to cats (and dogs) is the sugary taste. They tend to try and lick it off the driveway and once ingested, ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed into their bloodstream. Once your cat’s liver metabolises the toxin, the by-products produced, which include oxalate crystals and acids, cause severe damage to the kidneys and other organs. Acute kidney failure in cats due to antifreeze poisoning, can be fatal and painful – prompt treatment is best to provide your pet with the best chance of recovery.
Call our team immediately on 01327 350239.
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in cats
All of the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can occur within 24 – 72 hours of ingestion. Symptoms to look for include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Signs of kidney failure including increased thirst and urination
If your cat is admitted to Towcester Veterinary Centre with suspected antifreeze poisoning, treatments can include induced vomiting, administering activated charcoal and providing intravenous fluids to support kidney function.
Protect your cat
To protect your cats (and dogs), be diligent about keeping antifreeze containers securely closed and stored out of reach. Clean up any spills immediately, and consider using antifreeze products that contain propylene glycol, which is less toxic but still not entirely safe if ingested in large quantities. Contact Towcester Veterinary Centre immediately if you are concerned about your pet or if you know they have been exposed to antifreeze.
Towcester Vets explain why Veganuary is a bad idea for cats & dogs
Veganuary is a month-long campaign that sweeps across the UK every January. It encourages people to choose plant-based food options for the month and those who take part in the challenge often do so for ethical or health reasons. However, our pets have a certain set of nutritional requirements that will not be met with a solely vegan diet.
To celebrate the International Day of Veterinary Medicine, our Vets have put together the following advice so that clients know what diet is safe for their pet, and what they should avoid this January.
Talk to our vets about pet nutrition
How to choose the right diet for your pet
Veterinarians are trained to provide guidance on proper nutrition and care for pets based on their species-specific needs. While humans can choose dietary preferences, it’s crucial to prioritise the well-being and health of our pets by providing them with diets that align with their natural biological requirements.
The protein in your pet’s diet provides them with amino acids, and these are essentially the building blocks of your pet’s body. Our experienced team at Towcester Vets can advise you on pet nutrition and the protein sources and levels you need to look out for. Each type of pet will need a slightly different diet based on their size, exercise levels, age and health condition. So, consulting with Towcester Vets is the best way to ensure your pet is receiving the protein, and in turn the amino acids, that they need.
Your dog’s nutritional needs
We want dog owners in Northampton to know that your pet can derive nutrition from a mixture of plant and animal food sources. Dogs are actually omnivorous creatures and will thrive with a healthy balance of amino acids and vitamins from both animal and plant-based foods.
However, getting this balance correct can be tricky. Inadequate nutrition will lead to health conditions that can affect your dog’s heart health, skin, coat and weaken their immune system, making them vulnerable. Animal proteins are generally a higher quality ‘complete’ protein – meaning that they contain the correct ratios of amino acids and are also immediately available to your dog once consumed. Plant protein sources can be difficult to get right as they contain other chemicals, such as tannin, which binds the protein and makes it less readily available to your dog.
Due to this, our team recommends that dogs do not take part in the Veganuary celebrations with their owners. However your vet will help you to find the correct balance for your dog between the animal and plant sourced protein they need daily.
Your cat’s nutritional needs
Cats are obligate carnivores. This means that their body is designed to thrive on a diet consisting of solely animal-based protein – the exact opposite of the Veganuary challenge. Cats need specific nutrients that are found in animal tissue and if your cat does not consume these nutrients in enough quantity, they are at risk of a number of severe health conditions.
Cats actually need 11 essential amino acids in their diet. Their body will then use these amino acids to create the other 11 non-essential amino acids their body requires at the time. These essential amino acids are: lysine, arginine, phenylalanine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, taurine, valine, tryptophan and threonine. They are responsible for the overall health of your cat. A deficiency in any of them could result in vision impairment, heart disease, muscle growth, hormone imbalance, overall malnutrition and many more health problems.
Due to this, Towcester Vets highly recommends that you do not force your cat to take part in Veganuary as you will be putting their health at risk.
To learn more about your pet’s nutritional needs, book an appointment with our experienced vets or contact the practice for more information.
Update on Bluetongue cases in UK
Update on Bluetongue cases in UK
A case of the notifiable disease, Bluetongue was confirmed in a cow near Canterbury, Kent, on 11 November, following routine testing. A Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) was implemented within 10km of the case. Following active surveillance, in total 30 cases have been identified on 17 premises with 12 different keepers (as of 21st December). The Kent TCZ has been extended and an additional TCZ has been set up in Norfolk after cases were identified there at the beginning of December. Most cases have been in cattle but a small number of cases have been identified in sheep. All animals have been humanely culled to reduce the risk of onward transmission. Despite the number of cases, there is currently no evidence that Bluetongue virus is circulating in the midge population in the UK.
Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, which affects all ruminants (e.g. sheep, cattle, goats and deer) and camelids (e.g. llama and alpaca). The current strain circulating is BTV-3 which is different to the previous strain we had in the UK.
Due to this being a new strain, the vaccine we had previously will not offer cross-protection against this new BTV-3 strain. It is therefore very important that we follow the advice to take action and prioritise good biosecurity measures. Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health, but it remains a notifiable disease and any suspicion must be reported to APHA on 0300 020 0301.
Symptoms of BTV-3 can vary across ruminants, with sheep generally exhibiting more overt symptoms than cattle, but both can show clinical signs.
These include in sheep; drooling, mouth lesions, high fever, lameness and oedema (swollen heads) and sudden death. Cattle are not usually as severely affected but may show similar clinical signs as well as teat, eye, coronary band and nose lesions.
The advice for farmers is to beware when buying animals in, take action to report any signs, and always, remain vigilant:
- Buyer beware, only source animals from Europe responsibly.
- Take action, prioritise biosecurity and report any suspicious clinical signs.
- Vigilance is key, monitor livestock closely.
For more information, please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue or call the surgery.
Valuable advice for cat adoption in 2024 from Towcester Vets
Adopting a cat from a rescue centre can be a wholesome way to introduce a new feline friend to your family. To help this process run smoothly, the team at Towcester Vets have put together advice on what you should be asking rescue centres during the adoption process.
Please remember, adopting a cat is a big responsibility that should not be taken on lightly. Towcester Vets urges owners to do plenty of research on cat care before making any big decisions.
The team are happy to answer any questions you may have about caring for a cat, just contact our team on 01327 350239.
What should I ask the rescue centre when adopting a cat?
Before heading to a rescue/rehoming centre, it’s important you sit down and gather some ideas as to what type of cat would be most suitable for your family. Research different breeds and their typical characteristics, as well as if there are any that are predisposed to certain medical conditions. Towcester Vets also recommends discussing your needs with the rescue centre staff. They know each of the cats in their care and want to ensure that they go to the correct home. Opening the discussion will help both you and the centre to match the perfect cat to your family.
1. Background information
Ask what is known about the cat’s history and how they ended up at the rescue centre. This will give you valuable insight into their past experiences and whether they could have any behavioural or medical issues. It could also identify whether the cat is used to other cats, pets, or children.
2. Assessments for health and wellbeing
One of the benefits of rehoming a cat from a rescue centre is the fact they will have a full assessment done prior to any adoption process. This assessment will cover things like their behaviour and any potential or underlying health conditions that may need treating. This information will help you and your family make an informed decision when choosing your new cat.
3. Medical conditions and preventative care
Towcester Vets wants to urge new cat owners to research the benefits of vaccinations and neutering. Most rescue centres will have policies in place to protect the animals, which typically include having them neutered and vaccinated prior to rehoming. However, by understanding why this happens, it shows that you understand the practical side of pet ownership.
4. Training
Make sure you ask the rescue centre about your chosen cat’s training. Whether they are house trained and are happy being groomed and petted will make a big difference to the start of your journey together.
5. Special considerations for your chosen cat
Does your chosen feline require a certain type of living environment? Do they seem frightened of loud noises? Are they purely a house cat or do they need to roam?
Understanding what the cat needs before you go through the adoption process will help you to understand if your feline friend is the right fit for your home and family.
When it comes to rehoming cats, our knowledgeable team of cat vets are happy to advise you about how to care for your cat once you get them home, as well as what veterinary care they will need at this stage of their life. Don’t forget to register your new cat with Towcester Vets – we can’t wait to meet them!
