Fox poisoning case warning for pet owners
Poisoned fox found in Eastbourne
A FOX found with bleeding gums has led to pet owners in Eastbourne being given a stark warning.
The veterinary team at local charity East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) is battling to save the life of the fox which was rescued suffering with what they believe could be the effects of rat poison.
Experts from the Highcroft Veterinary Group have confirmed the most likely cause of the fox’s symptoms is warfarin, which is commonly put down to kill off rats.
And this discovery has prompted the WRAS to urge local pet owners to keep an extra eye on their cats and dogs and look out for any symptoms which might indicate they had eaten poisoned food.
The fox was found behind a garden shed in the Woodgate Road area and animal owners living nearby have been told to be extra vigilant.
Trevor Weeks, who heads up the WRAS, said, “At first we thought the fox may have been a road casualty, but on closer inspection back at WRAS’s casualty care centre alarm bells starting ringing that the fox could be a poisoning case.
“Due to the fox’s deterioration we decided to get the fox into Highcroft Vets in Hailsham for one of their vets to confirm our fears, which they did.
“The fox was placed on intravenous fluids and given Vitamin K1 injections to help beat the poisoning.
“We are issuing this warning to the public. It is highly likely this fox has picked up poison within the residential area surrounding Woodgate Road.
“Either this is secondary poisoning where the fox has picked up a rat or mouse which has been poisoned and eaten it or poison has been placed irresponsibly or illegally in a place where other animals can gain access to it putting wildlife and pets at risk.
“We are urging pet owners in the area to keep an eye out for the following symptoms and to see urgent veterinary advice if they think their pet may be effected.”
Dog and car rat poison symptoms include bloody urine, fatigue, bleeding from the nose, bright green stools, muscle tremors, breathing problems, hair loss and an inability to stand up.
If you think your animal may be suffering you should contact your vet immediately.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Friday 24 May 2013
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