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Special Offer  

 Its ORAL CARE MONTH at Cedar Grove 

Free Dental check plus
free pack of dental chews
and homecare literature
for all pets seen 

Anti-freeze – The Winter Killer

Over the icy cold winter months there has been an increase in the number of poisoned cats that are being admitted to our clinic here at Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic, situated at 132 Upper Knockbreda Road, due to anti-freeze poisoning. It is our mission to try to bring awareness to the public about this condition, so that preventative measures can be put in place to try and reduce these incidents from happening.
 
Laura Wallace, veterinary surgeon, explains the toxic ingredient in anti-freeze is known as Ethylene Glycol, it is the major component in deicing fluids for windshields and radiator/engine coolants. Cats are attracted to anti-freeze because of its sweet taste and will indeed drink the mixture if stumbled upon. As little as a teaspoon-full consumed by a cat will have disastrous consequences. The prognosis is very poor as it is extremely rare for a cat to survive once it has ingested this deadly cocktail. It is believed that the animal really only stands a chance of survival, if it is actually seen drinking the anti-freeze and if it is treated up to an hour after ingestion, but unfortunately when physical signs become apparent it may already be too late.

Hollye Bullick, veterinary nurse at Cedar Grove outlines the physical symptoms to include unsteadiness on feet, twitching, lack of co-ordination, excessive drinking, vomiting, depression and collapse. It can take as little as a 2% concentration to poison a cat as they are very sensitive to ethylene glycol. This component seriously damages the kidneys and severely affects the central nervous system, so much so that in a matter of days it is fatal and the majority of cases result in death.

The symptoms however can be confused with such diseases as pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, diabetes and other forms of kidney disease. However, a diagnosis can be quickly confirmed by examining the cats urine under a microscope because ethylene glycol produces easily recognised crystals in the urine.

If we try and follow these steps below we can try and prevent anti-freeze poisoning of our pets in the future:

• Clean up any anti-freeze spills immediately and dispose of any anti-freeze-contaminated rags or paper in a sealed container.

• Regularly check your vehicle for anti-freeze leaks.

• Store anti-freeze in sealed, clearly marked containers, out of the reach of children and pets.

• Never allow pets access to the area when draining radiator fluid from a vehicle.

• Use products that don’t contain ethylene glycol.

• Try to discourage the drinking of water from puddles, as water run-off may contain anti-freeze from other vehicles.

• If ingestion of anti-freeze or engine coolant by a pet is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.

For further help and advice contact
Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic,132 Upper Knockbreda Road, Belfast, BT6 9QB on 028 90798457 or email cedargrove@btinternet.com

Client Information Talks

Cedar Grove regularly hold client information talks on puppy and dog training. For the next evening talk, please contact Jennifer at the practice 028 90798457.

Offer reductions for Cats and Dogs

Don’t forget 10% off yearly supply of cat and dog wormers

15% off yearly supply of cat and dog worming and flea control

2 months free pet insurance with Pet Plan Insurance.

 Client with Jake and Laura.

On Going Offer

In association with Dogs Trust and Cats Protection
you can have your Dog (male or female) neutered from as little as £15
and your Cat (male or female) from as little as £5.

(Applicants must be in receipt of means tested benefits and provide proof)