In the news ...

From time to time we have items of news that may be of interest to you. The items maybe related to our practice, our pets or of local interest to our community. Please let us know what you think by clicking and posting any comments here.

Slugs and Snails ...

Soggy weather conditions continue to provide an ideal environment for a huge increase in the UK populations of slugs and snails. Snails and slugs (especially the really small ones) can carry lungworm a parasite that can be a serious problem to dogs that accidentally or habitually eat these slippery customers. Dogs can also acquire the parasite by drinking from puddles, bird baths or bowls left outside, palying with toys and chews left outside and over which slugs and snails may have climbed. We believe the worm can be spread in snail slime. Frogs also carry the parasite.

Dog Lungworm is spreading across the UK and can be fatal. We have had suspected cases at West Bar Veterinary Hospital and other vets in the area have seen it too. Symptoms of the disease are varied but coughing is only seen in about 1/3rd of cases. The parasite seems to stop the blood from clotting and affected dogs can bleed profusely from the smallest of wounds. This bleeding can be fatal. Other signs include reluctance to exercise, depression, weight loss, fits, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and paralysis

The lungworm parasite is not effectively treated by standard wormers but can be easily prevented and treated by your vet. For more information contact us or your vet or click here for more details.

July 2009 - Vaccination Month Success

Many of our clients took advantage of the National Vaccination Month to update their pet's vaccinations and it was a great success. We think it is so important to protect our pets against killer diseases. Find out more about these diseases by clicking here.

Recently in both Banbury and the Woodford Halse area we have had confirmed cases of CANINE PARVOVIRUS.