A farmer who had previously fed her dog calf milk replacer was unaware that an alternative brand she gave to her dog on this occasion contained coccidiostats.

The collapsed dog was taken to the Rangiora Vet Centre. She was barely responsive, unable to stand, with altered behaviour and nerve function within a few hours of drinking the milk.

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.

The dog was hospitalised for four days, where she received around-the-clock care and supportive treatment. She was a lucky dog, in that she survived, but neurological changes may be permanent, or could take up to two months to resolve once the drug is clear from her system.

An ultrasound scan of her heart was also clear, a relief for the Rangiora Vet Centre team supporting her, as these drugs can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. There is no known antidote - only supportive care, and reducing absorption if any has been consumed, using appropriate veterinary medicines and treatment.

Coccidiosis in calves is something all farmers are keen to avoid, as it can lead to significant financial losses, poor health, ill thrift, reduced weight gain, and in some cases death. Coccidiosis can be present on farms with the highest standards of hygiene and infection control. Cases can be obvious or subclinical.

The parasite reduces intestinal absorption of nutrients, and leads to intestinal bleeding and scouring. Coccidiosis can also be found in young chicks and chickens.

The solution to prevent coccidial losses from illness and deaths is to use a coccidiostat - an antiparasitic medication, which when given to rearing calves and young chicks, reduces the number of parasites in the gut, and consequently reduces production losses.

Coccidiostats are found in some calf milk replacers, calf meal and chick crumb. When used in the intended species, they are safe to use, at the appropriate manufacturer's dose, as calculated by nutritionists. However, it is known the compounds which contain coccidiostats, are highly toxic and often fatal if drunk or eaten by dogs, cats, horses, sheep and goats, and other unintended species.

Always check the packing to see what additives are in the products, and only use them for the species for which it is intended. Residues can remain in containers, even when washed, so it is recommended to keep separate equipment for products containing coccidiostats.

In the event of accidental ingestion for a working animal or pet, contact your veterinary team immediately. If it is accidentally self-ingested, contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.

Be vigilant making up, storing, and feeding calf milk replacer, calf meal and chick crumb - it could be fatal for working dogs, pets, and potentially people if consumed by mistake.