Advice

Saltwater Poisoning in Dogs: What Owners Need to Know

Eastbourne boasts over three miles of expansive shingle beaches, revealing stretches of sand - and even rockpooling opportunities in some areas - at low tide. Saltwater poisoning can occur when dogs drink too much seawater while swimming or playing at the beach. The high salt content disrupts the body`s electrolyte balance, pulling water out of cells and leading to dehydration and potentially serious complications.

Saltwater poisoning is preventable with simple precautions. If you're ever unsure, give us a call - we're here to help keep beach days safe and fun for your dog.

Brucella canis: An Emerging Zoonosis

Brucella canis is recognised as a newly emerging zoonosis, which means that it possesses the ability to infect humans. However, among European Vets who have previously encountered this disease, there is a prevailing view that Brucella canis is currently under-recognised within the United Kingdom.

It is recommended that all dogs imported from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, or other regions where Brucella canis is endemic should be tested for the disease. In addition, testing should be considered for any dogs presenting with the following clinical signs:

Infertility or unsuccessful mating attempts
Abortion, particularly during late term
Weak or fading puppies
Discospondylitis or persistent/chronic back pain
Lameness or muscle weakness
Lymphadenopathy
Chronic malaise, unexplained weight loss, or pyrexia of unknown origin

It is crucial to note that, in cases where dogs test positive for Brucella canis, long- term antibiotic therapy may help to reduce the infection but is unlikely to completely eliminate it. Dogs with confirmed infection should be considered as lifelong carriers of Brucella canis.

For more detailed information and the latest updates, please visit the BSAVA Brucella canis Hub page: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/pages/brucella-canis.

Brucella canis can sound worrying, but with the right information and support, most owners manage the situation confidently. If you're planning to import a dog, have recently adopted from abroad, or are concerned about your pet's health, our team is happy to advise.

Feel free to contact us for guidance or to arrange a consultation.

Pet Travel Advice

Planning a trip abroad with your pet can be exciting, but it does require some preparation to make sure everything goes smoothly.

You'll need to check the entry requirements for your destination well in advance. These may include:

Microchipping
Rabies vaccination
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or other official documents
Tapeworm treatment (required for some countries)
Additional countryspecific rules

Requirements vary depending on where you're travelling, so it's important to check the latest guidance before booking your trip. Some destinations require several steps to be completed in a specific order, so we recommend starting the process early.

Our team can guide you through the travel process, help you understand the requirements for your destination, and ensure your pet is ready for the journey.

If you're planning a trip, feel free to contact us - we're here to help make travelling with your pet as smooth and stressfree as possible.

Wellness Screening for Mature Cats & Dogs

As pets get older, their needs change - often in subtle ways that can be easy to miss at home. Wellness screening helps us detect agerelated conditions early, when they are easier to manage and treatment can make the biggest difference to your pet's comfort and quality of life.

Our mature pet health checks are designed to give you peace of mind and help your pet stay happy, healthy, and active for as long as possible. If your cat or dog is entering their senior years, now is the perfect time to schedule a wellness check. Our team is here to support you and your pet every step of the way.

Gut Stasis in Rabbits: What Owners Should Know

Gut stasis (also called GI stasis) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where a rabbit's digestive system slows down or stops moving. Rabbits rely on constant eating and gut movement to stay healthy, so even a short pause can quickly become an emergency.

Signs to Watch For

Reduced or no appetite
Little or no droppings
Small, dry, or misshapen droppings
Lethargy or hiding
A hunched posture
Grinding teeth (a sign of pain)
Bloating or a firm abdomen

A rabbit that hasn't eaten or passed droppings for more than a few hours should be seen by a vet immediately.

Common Causes

Low-fibre diet
Stress or sudden changes in environment
Dehydration
Dental disease
Pain from other conditions (e.g., urinary issues, arthritis)

What to Do

Gut stasis is a medical emergency. If you notice symptoms, contact your vet straight away. Early treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery.

Prevention Tips

Provide unlimited high-quality hay
Keep diet high in fibre and low in sugary treats
Ensure constant access to fresh water
Maintain regular dental checks
Reduce stress and support regular exercise

Gut stasis is common but highly preventable with the right care. If you're ever unsure, our team is here to help keep your rabbit healthy and comfortable.

Feline Cystitis: What Cat Owners Should Know

Feline cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, and it's one of the most common urinary issues seen in cats. Many cases are idiopathic, meaning no clear medical cause can be found, and stress is believed to play a major role.

Common Signs

Straining or crying when urinating
Frequent trips to the litter tray, often producing only small amounts
Urinating outside the litter tray (often mistaken for “bad behaviour”)
Bloodtinged or cloudy urine
Excessive grooming around the belly or genitals
Behaviour changes such as hiding, irritability, or restlessness

Male cats who cannot pass urine require emergency treatment immediately, as a blocked bladder is lifethreatening.

What Causes It?

Stress or anxiety (the most common trigger)
Concentrated urine or low water intake
Bladder crystals, stones, or infections (less common)

What to Do

If you notice any urinary changes, contact us promptly. If it happens during our out of hours, please call Vets Now Eastbourne on 01323 325168.

Treatment may include pain relief, antiinflammatories, dietary changes, and stressreduction strategies.

Prevention Tips

Provide fresh water and encourage drinking
Offer a calm, predictable home environment
Keep litter trays clean and easily accessible
Use stressreducing tools such as hiding places or pheromone diffusers

Feline cystitis is uncomfortable but manageable - and with the right care, most cats recover well and experience fewer flareups.