January Pet of the Month- Maisie

Many people are unaware of the dangers that chocolate can pose when eaten by dogs. Unfortunately Maisie, an 8 year old Collie Cross, found out the hard way. She managed to find 2 bars of 70% cocoa, dark chocolate at home and tucked into all 250 grams of it!
Later in the day her owners, the Murphy family, happened to see a television programme warning of the dangers and phoned us for advice. She was rushed straight into the Lyndhurst surgery where she was treated for her rapidly developing symptoms—agitation, fast pulse, vomiting and seizure activity. During the course of the night it was “all hands on deck” as her condition continued to deteriorate. The next 24 hours were crucial but after a long period of intensive care she showed signs of improvement and was lucky to be discharged after 3 days with just some mild liver damage which should recover within the coming months. We wish Maisie a speedy recovery.
FACTS–
1. Chocolate (especially dark chocolate), contains a substance called theobromine which dogs cannot process.
2. Early symptoms of theobromine poisoning include vomiting, restlessness/hyperactivity, salivation, wobbliness and sore abdomen.
3. If you are suspicious that your dog has ingested chocolate, please call us immediately for advice, we may need to give your dog an injection to induce vomiting to prevent absorption of the toxins.