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Welcome to the Argyll Blog, where I and other members of the team will be jotting down our thoughts on veterinary and pet-related issues from time to time. Please e-mail me at
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if you have feedback on any subject, or if you have any suggestions for topics you would like to see discussed. Please note that unless the owner has been specifically asked for permission to discuss their pet in this blog, names and some other details will have been changed to protect client confidentiality. Jo Dyer MRCVS
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Beware dog flea products on cats.... |
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Written by Jo
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Tuesday, 22 September 2009 12:04 |
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 Bubble and Squeak were admitted to the surgery on Sunday because they were having seizures. Their owner had applied a permethrin-based flea treatment bought from the pet shop and intended for use in dogs. She realised her mistake immediately and did the very best thing possible, which was to wash it off with lots of soapy water. However, some damage was already done, and Bubble and Squeak soon began to show signs of permethrin poisoning.
With 48 hours of intensive care, they have pulled through, though as you can see they still look a bit groggy! Because of their owner's quick thinking, they were not as severely affected as some we have seen, who have needed a full general anaesthetic for up to 72 hours to combact the neurological symptoms which would otherwise kill them.
These products are still being sold in pet shops with apparently no advice on how toxic they are to cats, and we and Bubble and Squeak's owner want more people to know about this because it is a mistake made regularly and can kill. At our surgeries we do sell a permethrin-based product, Advantix, as it is the only product which will repel ticks on dogs as well as kill them. However, we have luminous stickers on every box and we are very reluctant to sell it to anyone who has cats in the household. If we do, we make sure they are aware how toxic it would be, even without direct application to the cat - for instance if the cat has contact with the dog before the product is dried.
There is no need for permethrin-based products except in very specific circumstances. Please be very aware of what you are applying to your pets and always ask for veterinary advice. |
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Written by Jo
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Monday, 14 September 2009 10:10 |
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 This is Benjamin who we saw on Saturday. He is looking very fed up because he has had to have treatment for flystrike. Flystrike occurs when flies lay their eggs around the rabbit's bottom, and when they hatch, the maggots start to eat the flesh. Unfortunately, flystrike is quite common in rabbits in the summer months when the flies are about, and can be a risk well into the autumn as well. Please read our 'Flystrike in rabbits' factsheet to find out how you can reduce the risk to your pet bunny.
Click here to link directly to the factsheet. |
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Written by Jo
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Friday, 28 August 2009 10:33 |
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I found this picture on our camera...it is one of Jack, taken a few months ago. Jack has since shot to fame as 'The youngest surfing puppy in the world'... click the 'read more' to see his TV clip, also featuring one of our vets, Rachel!
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Read more...
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Pregnancy and whelping in the bitch |
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Written by Jo
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Wednesday, 05 August 2009 12:43 |
 I've just uploaded a new factsheet, which is one of the ones we are asked for most frequently - a guide to pregnancy and whelping in the bitch, with information on weaning and worming puppies. It also gives me a good excuse to upload another picture of Pepper's pups, who are now 6 weeks old and very cheeky! |
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Written by Jo
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Wednesday, 09 September 2009 12:46 |
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 The fleas seem to have had a population explosion recently - I'm sure it is the worst year we have had for decades! Every other person coming through the door is complaining that they can't seem to get rid of them and their flea treatment is not working. The 2 products we use and recommend, Advocate and Frontline, are very effective because they persist for at least a month, whereas other products which are confusingly marketed as 'spot-ons' just have a knockdown effect ie they kill the fleas present at the time but others can jump straight back on and will not be affected.
The reason people think that their treatment isn't working is because of the flea lifecycle. The one or 2 on the pet are just the tip of the iceberg - because they lay hundreds of eggs in the house and bedding which constantly hatch, develop through larval stages and then reinfest the pet. These will be killed by the Frontline or Advocate but it will look as if they are not, since new ones jump on all the time and may take up to 24 hours to die. Eventually this would clear the house but the best and quickest way to do it is to spray the pet's environment with Indorex or a similar environmental treatment. Further advice is available from any of the surgeries.
The hot weather in May and June, followed by high humidity in July and August, seem to have been ideal conditions for flea reproduction. Mind you, it's not all bad, as conditions seem to have been ideal for fruit growth as well and I've made so much jam I've run out of pots! |
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Written by Jo
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Friday, 28 August 2009 08:57 |
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 I saw a lovely puppy the other day for his first vaccinations. Let's call him Ben. Bright and active, I could see he looked the picture of health as his proud 10-year old owner carried him through the door. I gave him a full clinical examination and confirmed he was as healthy as he looked, then discussed with the owner's Mum, all the information you need as a new puppy owner. Worms, fleas, microchipping, socialisation, insurance.....the list seems endless but if sorted out in the first few weeks of the puppy's arrival in the home, pup will be on course for a healthy life and a happy relationship with his owners.
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Read more...
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Written by Jo
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Tuesday, 04 August 2009 08:23 |
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 I've just got around to loading a picture of our Race4Life team (in a state of collapse after crossing the line!) Once again it was a great event which is truly motivating and inspirational. I am so proud of our team, 13 of us took part again this year and this is the fourth year we have done it. All of us, along with the other 2500 women taking in part in Barnstaple on July 7th, have a reason to run for Cancer Research, and it is great to be raising money for such a good cause whilst at the same time doing something for our own health.
I know so many women who have taken up regular running or walking as a direct result of taking part in Race4Life, thus potentially improving their chances of avoiding cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The vast majority of us will never win any races or be any 'good' at it, but it is a sociable thing to do with a friend or with the Women's Running Network who 'run at the speed of chat'!
I just wish there was an equivalent event for men - seems rather sexist at the moment! |
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