Midforest Veterinary Practice response to the recent BBC Panorama focusing on Medivet Veterinary Group. Click HERE

Justyn is back! Justyn Loveridge will be rejoining the staff at our Totton surgery in August-he said he had to come back as he missed us all too much! In addition to returning to his new “old” job, he has embarked on two more life changes. He and Aurelia got married in May and have just bought a house in Totton, so hopefully his life will calm down a bit now!

Ongoing Learning………. Andy Elliott at Congress It is mandatory for all practicing vets to do an average of 35 hours per year Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This usually involves taking some time out from busy practice life to attend courses. A popular CPD opportunity is attendance at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress in Birmingham every April. A choice of 20 different subject streams over 4 days is available. There is also the largest small animal veterinary commercial exhibition in Europe . This remains the best place to go annually to learn about the latest industry advances. This year it was Andy’s turn to go to Congress. Andy attended a mixture of courses including Feline Medicine, Ophthalmology (eyes), Dermatology (skin) and Geriatrics (Caring for the aging animal). As well as a great opportunity for learning, it is also a great time to catch up with old colleagues and veterinary friends from around the country. Andy has been involved with the BSAVA for many years and is still actively involved with managing the Southern Region whose main remit is the provision of high quality education for vets. All the vets at Midforest are keen to keep up to date to ensure we offer the latest available treatmenoptions foryour pet

We say a sad farewell to Nicky Adlem, who has been receptionist at the Lyndhurst surgery for four years. Her friendly face and helpful manner will be missed, but we wish her luck in her new career in horticulture.

We would also like to welcome two new members of staff to the Lyndhurst surgery. Caroline Pollard who has been a client for many years at our practice, now crosses the counter to join our team as receptionist and Sarah Nicholas is joining us as Lyndhurst's new veterinary nurse.

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus Vasorum)

Midforest Veterinary Practice is warning dog owners to stay vigilant for signs of a potentially fatal disease which is affecting dogs across the country. Lungworm infection, caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum, is a condition which can be fatal if not recognised early and treated correctly.
Dogs become infected through eating slugs and snails which can carry the larvae of the parasite. Once seen as a problem in isolated areas, this parasite appears to be spreading. The veterinary community has worked hard over the past year to make owners aware of the danger. While more people seem to have heard of the condition and recognise that it can be fatal, there is still a lack of understanding as to how dogs catch the disease and what symptoms to look out for.
This particular lungworm is able to live in most species of slug and snail. While some dogs will eat these common garden visitors on purpose, the hidden danger arises from small slugs and snails which can be accidentally swallowed when dogs are drinking from outdoor water bowls, playing with toys left out in the garden, or rummaging through the undergrowth. Certain slug species appear to be more effectively surviving through the winter, meaning they become more abundant in certain areas, while our recent wet summers favour breeding conditions for slugs and snails. Experts believe these factors could be aiding the spread of the disease. Movement of foxes, which can also become infected with the parasite, may also play a role in spreading the disease to new areas.
Dogs which have picked up a lungworm infection can show a number of different symptoms. This lungworm often gives rise to breathing difficulties, ranging from a lack of energy to coughing. Dogs may also show general signs of being unwell including weight loss, reduced appetite and vomiting. Persistent bleeding, even from minor cuts is also a sign to watch out for. However, the symptoms can be varied so if owners are concerned about their dog’s health, they should contact their local veterinary practice for advice.
Thankfully treatment is available although conventional use of worming tablets is not effective. Vets can prescribe a specific spot-on treatment to deal with the infection. Owners are urged to look out for the signs of the disease and report them to their veterinary surgeon immediately as taking action early will improve the chance of recovery.

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BE KIND TO WILDLIFE

During spring or summer you might find young birds or animals which you feel have been abandoned but in most cases their mother is close by so “rescuing” them will do more harm than good! Any unnecessary human interference will greatly lessen a young wild animal’s chance of survival.

BIRDS—Young birds outside the nest are fledglings just learning to fly, but one or both parents may be nearby while feeding and will be looking out for them. Please don’t try to return the bird to its nest, move it a short way away if it appears in immediate danger, leave the site well alone and check in an hour or so if worried. If you feel the bird is genuinely orphaned, or the bird is obviously sick then put it in a dark warm box and take to a vet or the RSPCA for treatment and rehabilitation.

DEER—If you come across a young fawn it is probably waiting for its mother who may be off finding food so please leave it alone as young deer are very resilient and often die of stress.

FOXES—Fox cubs may also be seen alone near their earth but parents will be nearby. Fox cubs are also resilient and human intervention will do more harm than good. However, if you think a cub is sick or distressed leave some dog food and water and check again in 24 hours. If you have to take it to a vet, handle as little as possible and make a note of where you found it.

HEDGEHOGS—Baby hedgehogs out in daytime may be unwell or in trouble and so may need help. If so put it in a dark warm box and take to a vet or the RSPCA.

If you really want to help please don’t touch-it seems cruel but is often much
kinder to leave wildlife well alone but do go back later to check.

RSPCA contact numbers
General information 0300 1234 555(office hours)
To report an injured animal 0300 1234 999