Warning for farmers
A North Canterbury vet is warning farmers to exercise vigilance when storing and using calf rearing milk, calf meal and chick crumb after the accidental poisoning of a working dog.
Rangiora Vet Centre director Ben Davidson said the farm dog, named Fi, was given calf milk replacer as a treat for working hard and to add some body condition.
Davidson said the farmer had given her milk replacer before, without any ill effects, but on this occasion she was given an alternative brand that contained coccidiostats.
Coccidiostats are antiparasitic medications found in some products that are toxic to dogs and potentially humans.
They are given to young chicks and calves to ensure they gain weight, maintain condition and prevent coccidiosis, which can lead to poor health, ill thrift, reduced weight gain, and in some cases death.
When used with the intended species and at the appropriate dose, Davidson said coccidiostats were safe to use. However, they were highly toxic and often fatal if consumed by dogs, cats, horses, sheep and goats, or other unintended species.
‘‘The dog had collapsed, [was] barely responsive, unable to stand, with altered behaviour and nerve function within a few hours of drinking the milk,’’ said Davidsond.
‘‘Working with the farmer, we were able to determine the only thing she had had different to the other dogs on the property was the new milk replacer.’’
Fi was hospitalised for four days and received around-theclock care.
Davidson said Fi was lucky to have survived, however some neurological changes may be permanent, or could take up to two months to resolve once the drug had cleared from her system.
An ultrasound scan of her heart was also clear, which Davidson said was a relief for the team supporting her, as the drugs could cause permanent damage to the heart muscle.
‘‘There is no known antidote – only supportive care, and reducing absorption if any has been consumed.’’
Davidson said the incident served as reminder to always check packaging for additives and only use products for the intended species. There should always be a safety warning somewhere on the product, he said.
Residue could remain in containers and washing them may not remove contamination, so it was recommended to keep separate equipment for products containing coccidiostats.
‘‘In the event of accidental ingestion for a working animal or pet, please contact your veterinary team immediately for advice and treatment.
‘‘In the event of accidental self ingestion, please contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.’’
Coccidiostats are antiparasitic medications found in some products that are toxic to dogs and potentially humans.
Under-pressure farmers are getting increased support to help cope with challenges the sector is facing, the Minister for Rural Communities and Agriculture says.
Damien O’Connor said the Government, along with Mycoplasma bovis programme partners, Beef and Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ, was committing $250,000 to help the Rural Support Trusts with its work of talking to farmers.
‘‘I know that rural families are worried about some of the challenges facing them, including the ongoing uncertainty created by the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak,’’ O’Connor said.
‘‘Those concerns sit alongside ongoing worries about debt and how best to meet the challenges of improving our waterways and climate change.’’
So far there have been 195 confirmed properties with Mycoplasma bovis. Farmers who have had to have animals culled, or had their farm operations restricted may be eligible for compensation.