LISTEN - Local dog becomes severely ill after eating waste from brown food caddy

by Gráinne Connolly

Local dog owners are being urged to keep brown food caddy bins closed and out of reach from pets, after a Red Setter called Rocky became seriously ill when he ate its contents.

Mouldy food within the bin contained mycotoxins which have severe effects on the nervous system, resulting in uncontrollable seizures. 

Almost two weeks ago when Rocky became ill, he was taken to Campsie Vet Centre in Omagh to be treated. 

Ciaran Corry, one of the vets there has been telling Q Radio what happened: 

Below is a video of Rocky, who can clearly be seen to be shaky and still unwell after two days of being on seizure watch at the vets: 

Mr Corry went on to describe the ordeal as a "dramatic presentation" and says these effects on animals can last for years and sometimes for life:

Ciaran also explained that Rocky is doing a lot better now, although he still has tremors and remains on medication for the time being, he's walking around again and eating. 

Owners of dogs and other animals are seriously urged to take Rocky's story into account and keep brown bins away from pets and out of sight. 

Blue mould is toxic to these animals, as well as chocolate and raisins. 

If you do find that your pet has eaten one of these foods, it must be taken to the vet immediately, especially in the first hour when they're able to remove the food from the animal's stomach. 

If it's after an hour, the vet will still be able to carry out measures to prevent it from becoming ill or get in a worse state, as well as keep an eye on it for symptoms such as fitting and seizures.