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Vets issue toxic blue-green algae warning
The BVA has issued its annual warning to pet owners over risks of deadly blue-green algae.

BVA is reminding dog owners to be alert and aware.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued its seasonal warning to pet owners over toxic blue-green algae.

Pet owners are encouraged to take extra precautions when walking dogs around freshwater bodies, as blue-green algae growth poses a fatal risk to the animals.

The BVA is advising owners:

  • look out for any warning signs put up by the responsible national environmental agency or local authority near water bodies
  • keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don't let pets swim in it or drink from it
  • if your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards
  • seek emergency veterinary treatment if you're concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae
  • report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin' Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area.


Justine Shotton, BVA president, explained to dog owners: “Many dogs love nothing more than a paddle in a lake to cool off in this weather, but we’d urge pet owners to keep them on a lead during walks near water bodies confirmed to have algal blooms this summer. 

“The majority of blooms are toxic and it is impossible to tell the difference visually, so it is better to be safe than sorry.”

As the BVA highlights, there have been recent reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds and rivers across the UK, with around 50 confirmed locations identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) on its Bloomin' Algae app.

Dr Shotton reminded pet owners of the symptoms, reiterating the importance of being aware of them. She said: “These commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. 

“They can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, depending on the type of toxin ingested, and can cause liver damage and ultimately be rapidly fatal if left untreated.

“There is currently no known antidote for the toxins, so dog owners should seek prompt veterinary treatment to tackle their effects and ensure a good chance of recovery for their pet.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.