Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Further warnings after fatty deposits wash up on beaches
Some of the substance that washed up at Port Erin.
Some of the substance that washed up at Port Erin.

Reports of substance on beaches on the Isle of Man and Hampshire

There have been further warnings to dog walkers to keep their pets away from a lard like substance washing up on beaches.

Two dogs died after the fatty deposits, believed to be palm oil, washed up on beaches in Cornwall and south Wales in October and November last year.

There were further reports of dogs becoming seriously ill after eating a similar substance that washed up in Port Erin on the Isle of Man late last month.

Now it has been found on other beaches on the island including Port St Mary, Fleshwick bay, Fenella beach, Ballaugh, the Lhe,  Perwick Bay, and most recently from Scarlett.

The substance has also been reported on beaches in Hampshire.

Tests on the Isle of Man confirmed the deposits are either animal or vegetable fat.

Chris Burton, senior watch officer at the Marine Operations Centre at Douglas, told how his own dog was "Touch and go" after eating the material on Port Erin beach late last month.

Maryja Judkowska, a veterinary surgeon at The Strand Veterinary Practice in Port Erin, treated two dogs after the material washed up in Port Erin.
 
"I would advise vigilance. If an owner is concerned about their dog I would recommend that they contact their vet promptly for assessment/treatment.
Aside from the violent vomiting, if this compound is fat based it may cause pancreatitis, which is painful and can be serious," she said.

Image by Chris Burton

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.