Worming

From 12th January 2024, our governing body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons – RCVS, introduced new guidelines on prescribing prescription medications.

Under the new regulations, a physical examination with a vet is now required for us to be able to dispense flea and worm products. If these medications are not being dispensed or approved during a regular vaccination or health check-up, an appointment would need to be booked before any further medication can be dispensed. Once your pet has been seen, and specifically approved, flea and worming medication can be dispensed for a further 12 months use, after which time another check up with a vet would be required.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but we are required to comply with the new regulations.

If you wish, you can feedback any concerns you have regarding these regulations, could we request that you to do this directly to the RCVS at info@rcvs.org.uk or call 0207 202 0789. 

Thank you for your understanding.

There are 2 major types of intestinal worms which can infest your pet’s digestive tract and cause symptoms such as weight loss, irritated bottom and vomiting, these are roundworms and tapeworms.

ROUNDWORMS eg Toxocara canis - more common in dogs, they lay eggs which pass from dog to dog in faeces but puppies can also be born with an infestation passed on from their mother. The eggs cannot be seen in the dog’s motions but sometimes adult worms are passed and resemble spaghetti.

TAPEWORMS - Can grow to be very long and egg carrying segments are often shed in faeces and these look like grains of rice which may move. The lifestyle is more complex and can involve fleas as an intermediate host.

OTHER WORMS - such as hookworm, whipworm, heartworm and lungworm can sometimes cause problems in dogs that have travelled abroad or been kennelled.

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) has recently gained some media attention. It is now considered endemic in South East England and the situation is worsening as more and more cases are seen in other areas of the UK. Dogs can contract lungworm through ingesting slugs, snails or frogs. They can be infected for several years before showing any clinical signs which may include coughing and clotting/bleeding problems so it is often an invisible problem which can prove fatal. Our routine recommended wormer, Milbemax, has activity against lungworm. PREVENTION is better than cure! 

 Prescription quality wormers can only be obtained from a veterinary surgery, these can be accurately dosed to your pets weight and tailored to your pets individual needs. They have undergone more rigorous safety tests so are much less likely to result in unwanted side effects while giving you the reassurance that they will be fully effective.

In order for us to supply your pet with a prescription strength wormer he/she must legally be under our care. This means we must have seen your pet at Highfield Veterinary Surgery within the last 12 months and have an accurate weight. You may then ring ahead to order or pop in to reception, there is no need to book an appointment. Our staff are all fully trained in the range of suitable products and can give advice if you are unsure about anything.

We always try to make recommendations for worming protocols on an individual basis and our staff are fully trained in tailoring a regime specific to your and your pets needs. Below are the routine recommendations.

Dogs  

Under 6 months:  Every fortnight from 2-12 wks, then monthly with Milbemax tablets or Panacur.  

Adults                   Veloxa every 1-3 months dependent on lifestyle.

Cats

Under 6 months   Prior to 6 wks, Panacur can be used; then monthly Milbemax.

Adults                   Every 1-3 months dependent on lifestyle.

Rabbits                 Panacur Rabbit 2-4 times a year.

For all animals, during pregnancy, seek veterinary advice.