07/10/2024
🍁 Autumn hazards 🍁 Conkers & Acorns
Toxins aside there is a concern that these (both conkers and acorns) may cause an obstruction within the gastrointestinal system requiring surgical intervention or indeed as a choking hazard on ingestion.
However, post ingestion the most common signs in symptomatic dogs are gastrointestinal. Acorns can cause vomiting and diarrhoea (which may be bloody), abdominal tenderness, inappetence and lethargy. Veterinary poisons information service advise in addition they have occasional reports of urticaria (a rash) and swelling of the lips and/or around the eyes.
Vomiting is the most common effect after ingestion of conkers and other potential signs include abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and lethargy.
If your dog has eaten acorns or conkers please call to speak with one of our veterinary surgeons. Outcomes are generally very good with symptomatic treatment although prognosis is more guarded in dogs with obstruction.
