Vets Now, in cooperation with its host practices and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, is launching a new 'Tox Box' service giving veterinary surgeons 24 hour direct access to the treatments that they are most likely to need, and least likely to stock, in a poisoning emergency.

Vets Now says this new service represents a significant step forward in the ease and availability of care for the intoxicated patient.

Through Tox Box, any vet calling the VPIS advice line after 31st March 2011 will be able to access the drugs required in a poisoning emergency at selected Vets Now clinics and their host practices across the UK.  Drugs will be available at cost, plus a small handling charge. 

Amanda Boag, Clinical Director at Vets Now said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with VPIS to offer vets this life-saving service for pets across the UK.

"As emergency and critical care practitioners we frequently deal with poisoning cases and are pleased to be able to use our clinics to allow vets access to the treatments they need in a hurry.

"Tox Box is a service which has been designed to help enhance the current VPIS advice service whereby vets can now easily gain access to those drugs they are most likely to need to treat toxicities, but not stock internally, such as plasma and Adder anti-venom. The service VPIS provides is very important for vets, and we hope that this additional provision will greatly benefit them and the pets they are caring for."

Alex Campbell, Head of Services at VPIS said: "We are looking forward to working in partnership with Vets Now to improve outcomes for poisoned animals and their owners.

"Poisons can have deadly affects on animals if not treated quickly. Previously vets may have had to call round several hospitals or practices to source the recommended drug whilst their patient's health deteriorates. Through Tox Box we can help them access the drug without delay and provide case-specific guidance to ensure the animal receives optimum care."

The VPIS 24/7 telephone number to ring is: 020 7188 0200

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