Welcome to our latest newsletter. We also have copies of our previous newsletters archived - click here to view archived newsletters.
If you would like further information about any of the articles, products and services, or petcare advice that we present for you in this newsletter, please don't hesitate to contact us.
May 2010 PetCare News
In this
issue:
1. A story about Shadow
2. Arthritis alert
3. Attacking arthritis
4. Pet stories: Lexie the intuitive kelpie
5. Hijacking heartworm
6. Are you for cats?
|
|
|
1. A story about Shadow
|
|
|
Our dog, Shadow, has all the energy that goes with being a border collie x kelpie. She's also smart, so easy to discipline, and loves being around people. She's now nine, but still full of exuberance for life. When grandma ended up in an aged care facility, Shadow would visit and she seemed to sense the situation immediately she entered the door of the home. Outside she was bounding along at her usual break-neck speed, but once inside and amongst the elderly residents, many with dementia, she completely toned down. She would gently walk up to each one, nuzzling her nose in their lap, and letting them have a pat before moving on to the next resident.
The nursing home actually encouraged visits by pets, as good therapy for the residents. Some weren't keen on dogs and Shadow would just move on. Some with advanced dementia didn't recognise her presence, but for those who did it was great to see their faces light up and they would respond and talk surprisingly lucidly to Shadow.
We had no idea that Shadow had this innate ability which would maybe make her a good therapy dog. If you know someone in an aged care home, consider taking your dog next time to help brighten their days. |
|
|
|
2. Arthritis alert
|
|
|
Is it simply old age?
This is 10 year old Sophie. Her owners have noticed she has suddenly slowed down but have assumed this is simply because she is getting older. Sophie can no longer jump up into the family's 4WD and is slow getting out of her bed in the morning. She is also lagging behind on walks.
Sophie is slowing down because she is suffering from osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD).
DJD is characterised by the loss of cartilage that covers and protects the end of the bones in a movable joint. When the cartilage wears away, the bone ends are exposed resulting in pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, the condition continues to get worse over time.
DJD is an extremely common condition in dogs and even cats but pets do not need to suffer, as there is much that can be done.
As we approach winter, it is the perfect time to bring your pet to us for an arthritis check. Don't let your pet suffer just because you think he or she is getting old. Once diagnosed, we can devise a treatment program based on the severity of the disease. Read the article below to find out about some of the ways we can attack arthritis and help your pet enjoy a better quality of life. |
|
|
|
3. Attacking arthritis
|
|
|
How can you help your arthritic pet at home?
1. Keep their body weight under control: carrying extra kilos are detrimental and are known to speed up the disease process: ask us for help
2. Keep your pet warm: especially at night, the cooler weather exacerbates joint pain. Keep them inside at night and try a padded dog coat when outside
3. Supply a soft a comfy bed that your pet can 'sink' into. A covered foam mattress is perfect
4. Keep up daily exercise but don't allow over exertion as this may flare up an arthritic joint, consistency is the key
How can we as the vet help?
1. Disease modifying agents: Cartrophen is a proven treatment that relieves pain, helps slow cartilage breakdown and increases lubrication in the joint. Weekly injections for 4 weeks are required initially and then regular boosters
2. Diet supplements: Glucosamine, Chondroiton sulfate, essential fatty acids and fish oils can help. We have supplements specifically suitable for your pet including a special joint diet
3. Physiotherapy: helps improve strength and stops muscle wasting due to joint pain, ask us for more information
4. Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications: if your pet is really struggling, ongoing medication may be necessary to improve your pet's quality of life
Don't let your pet suffer from arthritis. Ask us for help! |
|
|
|
4. Pet stories: Lexie the intuitive kelpie
|
|
 |
Here is another story we received after our request for your pet stories. We are excited to announce that you can now view all the responses, photos and videos at the website www.mypetstories.com.au
This is Lexie, a beautiful Kelpie cross, who many people think looks like a Dingo. Lexie's owners Ryan and Rochelle, go camping as often as they can and this is one of the interesting stories they have from a recent trip.
We camped just outside Dargo last Cup Day weekend. We visited a camping spot they call "Dog's Grave". It's named this because there is a dog's grave there where an old bushie had buried his ol' mate, (a Kelpie). The bushie and the Kelpie were inseparable. The town's people had set up a tombstone in memory of the dog. The inscription was describing the bond that man and beast can share and how loved the dog was. When we stood in front of the tombstone Lexie started to whine. We thought nothing of it and went on down to the river for a short walk. On our return, as we passed the tombstone she started whining again. She must have sensed who was buried there. |
|
|
|
5. Hijacking heartworm
|
|
|
The prevention of heartworm disease is one of the most important things that you must do for your pet. Heartworm is the most dangerous of all the worms, and an intestinal ‘all wormer' tablet does not prevent heartworm infection.
Mosquitoes spread heartworm and wherever there are mosquitoes, there is the risk of heartworm. When the mosquito feeds on your pet's blood, larvae enter the blood stream. These larvae mature into worms that can reach up to an astounding 30 cm in length. The worms eventually become lodged in your pet's heart (see picture) leading to heart failure and death.
This disease is definitely a case of prevention is better than cure. Getting your dog or cat started on the right heartworm medication can be confusing, especially with so many choices on the market.
There are topical treatments, oral treatments and a once a yearly injection for dogs. Ask us for the most suitable prevention for your pet. |
|
|
|
6. Are you for cats?
|
|
|
There are hundreds of thousands of unowned cats in Australia but feeding the stray, hungry feline that arrives at your back door is not the answer to this heart breaking problem.
A survey by Monash University found that 22% of people feed a cat that doesn't belong to them because they feel sorry for them. However people don't realise that feeding but not identifying and desexing an unowned cat leads to a bigger problem.
Feeding these cats helps keep them alive and strong enough to reproduce. More and more kittens are bred into a life of disease and neglect. This contributes to the tragic cat overpopulation problem in Australia.
Of the 50,000 cats that are impounded each year in Victoria alone, 35,000 of these have to be euthanased due to poor health or because there are simply not enough people to adopt them.
Feeding unowned cats isn't the answer. If you want to help you must either take ownership of a cat or call your local council and ask for guidance.
Visit www.whosforcats.com.au to read more and find out what to do if you think there is an unowned cat in your neighborhood. |
|
