As the 31st rapidly approaches it appears that the UK will be leaving without a deal. Who knows what will actually happen? Leaving with a No deal Brexit  will have masses of implications if you have any plans to travel with your pets and it is vital that you check what is required for your trip before you travel.

Below is a summary of advice from the Government.

Currently the UK is likely to be treated as an unlisted country under the EU Pet Travel Scheme if it leaves without a deal.
To make sure your pet is able to travel from the UK to the EU after Brexit, you should contact us at least 4 months before travelling to get the latest advice. Here is a link to the Government pet travel page – http://gov.uk/brexit-pet-travel
If we become an unlisted country then – 
A current EU blue pet passport issued in the UK will not be valid for travel to the EU.

You’ll need to take the following steps:
1. You must have your dog, cat or ferret microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before it can travel. Your pet must have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after its last rabies vaccination (whether that’s a booster or initial vaccination). Your vet may recommend a booster rabies vaccination before this test.
2. Your vet must send the blood sample to an EU-approved blood testing laboratory.
3. The results of the blood test must show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
4. You must wait 3 months from the date the successful blood sample was taken before you can travel.
5. The vet must give you a copy of the test results and enter the day the blood sample was taken in an animal health certificate.
You might find that the blood test result is not successful despite your pet being up to date with its rabies vaccinations. If this happens, you’ll need a repeat vaccination and another blood test taken at least 30 days after the repeat vaccination. If time is short or you would like to keep costs down, we would recommend giving a rabies vaccination (regardless of due date) and taking a blood test 30 days later to maximise the chance of passing this test.
Dogs travelling from the UK to EU listed tapeworm-free countries (Finland, Republic of Ireland and Malta) must be treated for tapeworm 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arriving in one of those countries.
You will not be able to travel with your pet if you have not completed these steps.

You also will need to get a health certificate.

You must also take your pet to an official vet no more than 10 days before travel to get an animal health certificate.

You must take proof of:
1. your pet’s vaccination history
2. your pet’s microchipping date
3. a successful rabies antibody blood test result
If you’re travelling with your dog directly to Finland, Republic of Ireland or Malta it must have additional treatment against tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis). Your vet must enter full details on the animal health certificate following treatment.

Your pet’s animal health certificate will be valid for:

• 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
• onward travel within the EU for 4 months after the date of issue
• re-entry to the UK for 4 months after the date of issue

On arrival in the EU, pet owners travelling with pets will need to enter through a designated Travellers’ point of entry (TPE).
At the TPE, you may need to present proof of:
1. your pet’s microchip
2. rabies vaccination
3. successful blood test results
4. tapeworm treatment (if required)
5. your pet’s health certificate

Repeat trips to the EU
Pets do not need a repeat blood test before travelling again if they have had a successful blood test and have an up-to-date subsequent rabies vaccination history. But your pet will need a new health certificate for each trip to the EU.
To get a new health certificate you must take your pet to an official vet no more than 10 days before you travel. Again, you must show proof of your pet’s:
• microchipping date
• rabies vaccination history
• successful rabies antibody blood test result
Additional rules apply if you’re travelling to Malta, Republic of Ireland or Finland.

Return to the UK
Your pet must have one of the following documents when returning to the UK:
• an EU pet passport (issued in the EU or in the UK prior to Brexit)
• the animal health certificate issued in the UK used to travel to the EU (which you can use up to 4 months after it was issued)
• a UK pet health certificate (for travel into the UK only)
• Check the routes before you travel. You must travel using approved routes. Your documents and microchip will be checked when entering England, Scotland or Wales (Great Britain). Different rules apply in Northern Ireland.

There will be no change to the current health preparations for pets entering Great Britain from the EU after Brexit.
You do not have to travel on an approved route if you travel to Great Britain from other UK countries, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland.
Talk to your vet about what preparations you need to make before you travel from these places.

Travel from countries not free from tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis)
You need to take your dog to a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering the UK for an approved tapeworm treatment. This requirement will not change after the UK leaves the EU.
You do not need to treat your dog for tapeworm if you’re coming directly to the UK from Finland, Republic of Ireland or Malta.

If you are unsure of what your pet needs to have, please get in touch on 01483 455355 or email hello@oakbarnvets.com  and we would be happy to point you in the right direction. 

As the darker nights begin creeping in and the countryside views are filling with the glorious colours of autumn, we thought we would highlight a few tips to help keep your pet safe this Autumn.

• Conkers
Conkers and dogs do not mix! Conkers are the seeds of the horse chestnut tree. A popular treasure with children for collection when out walking. The conkers contain a poison called Aesculin. It is not just the conker that contains the poison but in fact all parts of the horse chestnut tree, including the leaves.
In Autumn cases of conker poisoning can occur. Normally symptoms start to show quite quickly after ingestion (1-6 hours) They can sometimes be delayed.
Symptoms include – Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, reduce appetite, increased thirst, muscle tremors, and restlessness.
We would always advise if an owner suspected their dog has eaten conkers to seek veterinary help immediately. A medicine to induce vomiting maybe used to empty the stomach contents and the pet is likely to stay at the practice to receive support therapy such as Intra-venous fluids.
Our top tip when it comes to conkers is to keep a close eye on your dog if they like to eat things when out and about! Encourage your pet to play with toys rather than conkers and finally, if you have children who collect them don’t leave them in areas that are easy to find.

• Mushrooms and Toadstools.
Some mushrooms are highly toxic to dogs! It can be hard for specialist fungi experts to identify between them so to ensure your pets safety it is best to avoid them all. Always seek veterinary advise if you think your pet has eaten mushrooms or toadstools.

• Acorns and Oak trees.
Acorns contain a toxic ingredient thought to be tannic acid. This can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Exposure to acorns in autumn is common as they can be found all over the ground where there are Oak trees. If your dog has eaten acorns, signs can be vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy. We would advise you seek veterinary attention immediately. They can also cause an intestinal blockage.

• Fallen leaves.
As the leaves are changing colour it is inevitable that they will fall to the ground. There is nothing quite like a good walk through the woods, listening to sounds of crunching leaves! However, these piles of leaves can harbour bacteria and mould. Your dog having a play and rummaging through leaves can lead to gastrointestinal upsets. Something to be aware of!

• Seasonal Canine Illness.
What is seasonal canine illness? It is a mystery illness affecting dogs during autumn. The cause is unknown. It normally presents with vomiting, which is sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea and lethargy. Clinical signs often appear within three days of walking in a woodland area. Cases can sometimes become severe very quickly, and sadly some dogs do not survive. The illness is seen as early as August and as late as November.
Our advice to owners is –
• Closely monitor your dog’s health in the hours and days after walking in the woods, especially if you don’t normally walk there.
• Use a lead, keep your dog on a lead in the woods so that you can always keep an eye on them.
• Don’t hesitate. If you suspect your dog could have Seasonal canine Illness or is showing clinical sign of being unwell, please seek veterinary advise.
• Keep hydrated. Make sure your dog is offered water before you set off on your walk and after walking. Staying well hydrated may help if your dog is affected.

Dogs suffering from seasonal canine illness are likely to have a high temperature, as bacteria maybe involved, vets may prescribe antibiotics. With quick veterinary care and treatment most dogs recover well from seasonal canine illness.

• Anti-freeze.
Ethylene glycol ingestion (anti-freeze) is very dangerous. It is sweet tasting and can cause serious damage to the kidneys. It can be fatal. The first sign of intoxication is your pet may appear drunk. If you suspect or know that you pet has had contact with Anti-freeze seek veterinary help immediately!

And so it was, on a surprisingly sunny Sunday in May, that the team of Oakbarn Vets, a nine year old girl, and a collection of dogs took on the Muddy Dog Challenge in Windsor Great Park in aid of Battersea Dog and Cat’s home. As the team prepared mentally for the rigours ahead and the dogs greeted each other with barks, bundles and the customary sniff, it soon became obvious that perhaps the greatest immediate danger would be sunburn!
Once registered, and with the precision of “One Man and His Dog” the team were herded into the warm-up “pen”, where Mr Motivator was on hand to get the blood pumping and the muscles limbered up for the adventure. It was then to the start line and a short jog down the hill to an oversized paddling pool filled with mud and an array of dirty cloths suspended at head height. This set the tone for the 5kms ahead. Weaving along paths, through woods, up and down hills, across a pond all the time waiting to see what muddy man-made challenge lay ahead. In the main, and irrelevant of size, the dogs took it all in their stride (perhaps it’s because they’re all so well trained, or perhaps it was the fact that they were encouraged to get caked in mud for once). There was the occasional carry and refusal to jump in a “ball pit” but nothing that presented too much of a problem for the energetic four-legged pack.
The last obstacle was a no-go zone for the dogs, it was for owners only. Spectators were gathered around a muddy ditch about 15 meters across and with steep banks on either side. It had been churned into a particularly sticky bog. Many a shoe had been lost by previous participants, sucked to a gloopy grave. Crossing the waist deep hazard was hard work, especially for the youngest and smallest member of the team, with tired legs progress was slow and every step exaggerated in an attempt to get one foot at a time clear of the sludge. Eventually all of the team made it to the other side and scrambled up the bank to collect their patiently waiting dog and sprint for the finish line for a medal, glass of water and a hose down in the dog/human wash station satisfied in knowing that through the teams effort and the generosity of all those that sponsored a grand total of £1400.00 and counting was raised for the charity. Our part in helping raise £191,400 for Battersea! A huge thank you! There are lots of photos of our challenge cli. ik here to have a look and maybe a giggle! https://www.flickr.com/gp/oakbarnvets/42Rp9p

What a fantastic day we had on Easter Monday, the sun was out and dogs from far and wide did their best to strut their stuff and win a prize!

With the delay of Article 50 and the UK leaving the EU, now pushed back to the 31st October, pets that were trying to plan their summer holidays can breathe a sigh of relief!

With the Easter Holidays now upon us (hurrah!) we are here for your pets as usual, except for the Bank Holidays, when our hard working team will have a couple of days off.

With the 29th March rapidly approaching and Brexit arrangements still very much in flux, it is important to realise this may have serious implications on your plans to travel with your pets.

Our native hedgehogs need our help, a close relative of the shrew their numbers have been declining over the last few years but you can do simple things to help.

Slugs and Snails! Does your dog eat them?  If the answer is yes then your dog could be at risk of lungworm.

Here at the Barn we don’t seem to learn, and like nothing better than getting wet and muddy for a good cause!

Wow!  We’ve been blow away by all the talented entries recieved at the Barn this year for our annual Christmas Drawing Competition!  Have a look at the gallery below for the 12 winners who will be made into a 2019 Calendar.    Extra congratulations to Hektor with his great picture of Miss Beverly his cat who was our grand winner, but we hope all 12 of the winning entries have enjoyed their christmas goodies!

Claude is our amazing case of the Month – if you are squeamish about eyes this is probably not one for you but read on to see how his eyesight was saved!

Last year you may remember we had a drawing competition and we had such a fantastic number of entries so we thought we would hold it again! Many of you will have seen last years winners proudly displayed at the Barn.

As always at the Barn we will be offering 24/7 veterinary cover over the holiday period.

With discussions regarding Brexit still not reaching any agreement there are concerns regarding the pets passports and what will happen if the UK leaves the EU on the 29th March 2019 without a deal.

Here at the Barn we try to stay abreast of the latest development in Veterinary medicine and surgery but similar to the human medical profession things develop fast. We try to avoid the situation of becoming a “Jack of all trades and master of none” and so from time to time we call upon veterinary colleagues to bring their expertise and specialism to the practice.

Meet Luca who had a very sore knee.  For those footballers and skiers out there you probably know all about Cruciate Ligaments but did you know dogs and cats can rupture their cruciate ligaments too?

This is not just brave Spot’s story, who ended up in a whole load of trouble after miscalculating a jump over a wall, but also Shelley the labrador and her fantastic blood cells that she donated to save Spot’s life. +++ Warning surgical photographs in main article!  You have been warned!  +++

Take a deep breath, how long can you hold it for? We are willing to wager, not as long as amazing Chris the tortoise who managed to survive, despite a seven hour drowning session!  Read on for his amazing story …