Essentially Local July-August 2017

Animal services
Lost and found
RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks branch is always busy
trying to reunite lost and found pets with their families. If
you lose a pet, make sure you visit their website where you
will find lots of help on what actions to take.
Microchips are probably the most effective way to
reunite you with your pet. Now a legal requirement for
dogs, it can be crucial for reuniting any pet with its owners.
Remember though, you
must also update your
details if you move home.
Many pets never find their
owners simply because the
microchip information is no
longer correct.
The RSCPA always scan for a chip to find the owner as
soon as a lost animal is brought to their attention. If no
chip is found they advertise the animal on social media and
where possible provide it with shelter and care.
For more information on lost pets or the animals in their care: call the RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks on
01908 611179 • cathome@mkrspca.org.uk • www.rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk
Is your rabbit at risk of Flystrike this summer?
Summer is great news for our rabbits,
as they can get outside more often to
exercise and enjoy the grass. However,
during the summer months, rabbits
are at increased risk of suffering from
Flystrike (Myiasis). Flystrike occurs
when flies are attracted to damp,
smelly fur. This is usually caused by
faeces accumulation or urine scalding
around the rabbit’s backend. The
attracted flies lay their eggs on the
rabbit and when the maggots hatch
(which happens within hours) they
eat away at the rabbits flesh, causing
serious problems very quickly.
The good news is that Flystrike can
be prevented by taking a few simple
precautions:
1) Remove all wet and dirty bedding
daily.
2) Inspect your rabbit twice daily –
focusing especially on the backend
to make sure there is no urine or
faecal staining and that your rabbit
is clean and dry. If you see any urine
or faeces then wash and dry the
area. Seek help from your vet if your
rabbit is having problems keeping
himself clean.
3) Disinfect your cage weekly.
4) Apply a topical treatment regularly
throughout the summer months to
repel flies and prevent any eggs
that are laid on your rabbit from
hatching – please contact your
vet for more advice about these
treatments.
Vet Kate from Cherry Lane surgery
says, ‘’If you notice any maggots on
your rabbit please contact your vet
immediately, as this is an emergency.’’
Other signs of Flystrike you may
notice include irritation, loss of
appetite and lethargy.
We hope that you and your rabbits
are enjoying the sunshine and by
following the above advice you can
help prevent Flystrike in your rabbits
this summer.
Contact The Vet Centre Cherry Lane Garden Centre, Potterspury, NN12 7QN
01280 812057 or 01908 542155 visit www.thevetcentre.ltd.uk for more information.
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