Planning a holiday for your dog?

If you are planning on boarding your dog over the coming months, we advise that it is fully protected against Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) prior to kennelling.

Unfortunately, this nasty disease can spread like wildfire and be very unpleasant for your pet if it is not protected!  The disease, more commonly known as kennel cough, is highly contagious and can affect your dog’s respiratory tract.   It is easily passed from dog-to-dog by airborne droplets (coughing or sneezing) and direct nose-to-nose contact.   A single infected animal is enough to cause a whole outbreak in the kennels!

Without the proper protection, your dog could be at risk.  It affects dogs of all ages, in all situations.  Signs include a harsh, dry, whooping-type cough which can last for some weeks.    Sometimes, more serious complications can occur, such as pneumonia, which could prove fatal in old, weak or very young dogs.

Fear not, we use a vaccine which can protect your pet from this horrible disease!   It’s called Nobivac KC and it offers immunity for a full 12 months.  This means that even if you leave your pet in kennels more than once during the year, it only requires a single vaccination.  It’s literally just a few drops of vaccine gently trickled into just one nostril and your dog is immune in just 72 hours!   Ideally your dog should be vaccinated at least two weeks before arrival at the kennel.

Simply phone us on 0141 554 1911 to book a pre-holiday pet health check for your dog.

Don’t get bugged by fleas!
DOGS and cats, in common with most mammals, are usually covered with hair. Whilst this is excellent at keeping them warm in cold weather, it also plays host to a number of rather pesky parasites – the most annoying of these being fleas! Fleas are tiny wingless insects (just 3mm in length) and are reddish brown in colour. Adult fleas spend most of their time on our pets, feeding on blood and reproducing.

It’s a frightening thought, but female fleas can lay 25- 50 eggs per day! These tiny white eggs fall off pets onto bedding and carpets. Here the eggs develop into flea larvae, which in turn develop into pupae. Pupae can lie dormant for up to a year before hatching out into adult fleas, but in warm humid conditions the whole lifecycle can take just a few weeks, leading to a huge flea problem! The key to flea control is breaking the flea lifecycle (see right). For optimum flea control and peace of mind, flea treatment should ideally be all year round. Please ask us to advise you on the most suitable form of flea control for your pet and your home!

• Fleas survive by feeding on your pet’s blood, often causing severe skin irritations and occasionally anaemia.
• Fleas can also carry tapeworm larvae. Because our pets swallow fleas as they groom, they may become infected with tapeworms.
• Two fleas entering a home can become 1 million in just over 3 months!

Does my pet have worms?

THE BEST way to ensure your pet stays worm free is to know your enemy! Sadly, even the best kept pets will occasionally be troubled by worms. Tapeworms live in the small intestines and shed segments which contain eggs. These pass out in the faeces and the eggs may then be eaten by an intermediate host (such as fleas and small rodents). Dogs and cats swallow fleas as they groom and cats catch and eat small rodents, in both cases reinfecting themselves with tapeworms. Roundworms also live in the small intestines and shed thousands of tiny eggs, which pass out in the faeces, polluting the environment. Cats and dogs are re-infected by unwittingly eating eggs in the environment. These eggs also pose some risk to children if inadvertently swallowed. Here are three simple steps to keep your pet and the environment worm free: worm your pet regularly, use regular flea control and clean up faeces. Please let us advise you on the most suitable worming and flea control regime for your pet. Remember – just because you don’t see any worms doesn’t necessarily mean your pet is worm free!

Infectious Diseases: Make sure your pet is protected!

ONE OF the major advances in both human and animal health in recent years is the development of vaccines against infectious diseases. Unvaccinated dogs and cats are susceptible to a number of highly infectious and potentially fatal diseases. There is no effective treatment for several of these diseases, however for many conditions vaccination provides a very simple and effective form of protection. In dogs we routinely vaccinate
against Leptospirosis, Canine Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, and Canine Parvo virus. In cats we routinely vaccinate against Feline Panleucopenia, Cat Flu and Feline Leukaemia virus. Provided their mother was regularly vaccinated, puppies and kittens are usually protected in the first few weeks of life by antibodies from their mother’s milk. However this immunity falls with time leaving them very susceptible to infectious diseases and this is where vaccination comes in. Two or more vaccinations are usually given as a primary course, giving your pet immunity for the first year of life. However the immunity provided by vaccination is not indefinite and will gradually fall, leaving your pet at risk. Regular annual booster injections are vital to maintain your pet’s protection. We also like to use this visit to give your pet an annual health exam – in effect a head-to-tail MOT! Don’t take the risk! Make sure your pet’s annual booster vaccinations are kept up to date!
 

Kennel Cough – is your dog vaccinated?
WHETHER you are just out and about this summer – on walks, at dog shows, training classes – or are planning a trip to a boarding kennel, kennel cough is a real hazard. Kennel cough (more correctly called Infectious Bronchitis) is a highly infectious cough and can be picked up wherever dogs meet. Affected dogs typically develop a harsh, dry, honking cough which may last for several weeks, often requiring antibiotics to clear it up. It is caused by a mixture of viruses and a bacterium – Bordetella bronchiseptica. Although annual vaccination offers some protection, only intranasal vaccines offer protection against Bordetella. Don’t take the chance – contact us now to ensure your dog is fully vaccinated!
 

Feline Leukaemia Virus – is your cat protected?
DID YOU know that viral infections caused by the Feline Leukaemia virus (FeLV) are now the commonest cause of premature death in cats in the British Isles? The virus is found in the saliva of infected cats and is mainly transmitted by direct contact of one cat with another – especially by licking or biting. Although the virus does on occasion cause true leukaemia, on many occasions the effects are more related to suppression of the cat’s immune system, leaving it fatally exposed to infections which a healthy cat would usually recover from. FeLV infections may also be an underlying cause of anaemia and various forms of cancer in cats. The disease is however unrelated to any human condition and is quite specific to cats. However the good news is that there are now very effective vaccines against the virus, and your cat can be vaccinated at the same time as the annual health check and other vaccinations. Please contact us for further information or an appointment.

Should I have my dog neutered?

DID YOU know that apart from preventing unwanted pregnancies there are many other benefits to having your dog neutered? An un-neutered female dog usually comes into season (heat) twice a year. Seasons typically last for about 3-4 weeks and during this time she will become receptive to the advances of the male dogs in your locality. She may also roam – seeking a mate, and despite your best efforts accidents do happen! Neutering (called spaying in female dogs) involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus under a general anaesthetic. The most obvious benefit of being spayed is that your dog will no longer have to endure the frustration of coming into season or run the risk of a phantom pregnancy. Spaying also removes the possibility of life threatening uterine infections (pyometras) and reduces the risk of developing potentially fatal mammary tumours later in life. Entire (un-neutered) male dogs are often driven to distraction when a local bitch is in season. They may escape and may be involved in a road traffic accident or go missing permanently. Neutering a male dog involves removal of both testes under a general anaesthetic. As well as making your dog less likely to stray, it also eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer, reduces the incidence of prostate gland
problems and can be of help in controlling excessive sexual drive and with certain behavioural problems. Please don’t hesitate to ask us for any further information on neutering your pet!
 

Should I have my rabbit neutered?
JUST AS there are major benefits from having your rabbit vaccinated against infectious diseases, so there are also several benefits associated with having your rabbit neutered. The operation itself, which requires a general anaesthetic, can be carried out from about four months of age onwards. In male rabbits (bucks) the testicles are removed, whilst in female rabbits (does) the ovaries and uterus are removed. The most obvious benefit is of course that you can prevent unwanted pregnancies. Additionally, because reproductive organs have been removed, rabbits are protected from cancer of these organs. Finally, neutered rabbits tend to be calmer, less prone to aggressive or destructive behaviour and can be kept in social groups without fighting. If you would like any further information on the benefits of having your rabbit neutered, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff!

Take care of those teeth!

WE ALL learn as children the importance of looking after our teeth, but what about our pets? The good news is that our pets are usually born with healthy mouths – with bright white teeth and firm pink (or pigmented) gums. However, from a very early age, food material, bacteria and saliva are deposited naturally and continuously on the surface of the teeth and gums forming plaque. As plaque accumulates, toxins produced by the plaque bacteria cause inflammation of the gum tissue – termed gingivitis. At the same time as this, the plaque may also become mineralised forming calculus (tartar) which is usually very tightly bonded to the tooth surface. This is also frequently accompanied by very bad breath! If gingivitis is allowed to go unchecked the plaque bacteria will start to penetrate below the gum line, leading to destruction of the bone and other tooth supporting structures – a condition termed periodontitis. This is a far more serious condition and – if left untreated, results in tooth loosening and eventual tooth loss. If your pet’s breath leaves a little to be desired we are here to help! Dental disease is best prevented, but failing that, early diagnosis of problems can make a real difference to your pet’s health.

Does my pet have a heart problem?
WHILST most pets take normal heart function for granted, heart disease is still a relatively common problem. The heart is the muscular pump responsible for supplying the tissues of your pet’s body with oxygen and nutrients, allowing him to lead a normal active life. Heart disease – which can be gradual or sudden – is the loss of the normal pumping action of the heart. In dogs it is generally more common in older pets, but in certain breeds it is more prevalent at an early age. In cats, heart disease is quite commonly linked with thyroid gland disease. Heart disease is associated with a range of symptoms including:
• Coughing
• Laboured breathing
• Tiring more easily
• Reluctance to exercise
• Pale or blueish gums
• Fainting or collapse
If you are concerned that your pet is showing any of these signs, please come and see us for a full clinical examination. The good news however, is that new methods of diagnosis and novel forms of treatment are now transforming the lives of many pets with heart disease. Please don’t hesitate to ask us for further information!

 

Thyroid disease: is your pet affected?
DID YOU know that thyroid disease is surprisingly common in dogs and cats? The thyroid gland consists of two lobes – one located on each side of the trachea (wind pipe). The gland produces thyroid hormone which regulates your pet’s metabolism – too much thyroid hormone speeds up the metabolism, whilst too little slows it down. Over production of thyroid hormone is termed hyperthyroidism and is a relatively common condition in cats over 8 years of age. Affected cats tend to burn up energy too rapidly and lose weight despite an increased appetite and food intake. In addition, excess thyroid hormone usually increases the heart rate, potentially leading to abnormal thickening of the heart muscle and increased blood pressure.  As well as the above, a variety of other signs may also be seen including hyperactivity, vomiting and diarrhoea. However the good news is that in most cases, hyperthyroidism in cats can be very successfully treated. Under production of thyroid hormone is called hypothyroidism, and is a relatively common condition in the older dog. Lower levels of thyroid hormone result in a decrease in the metabolic rate, usually leading to weight gain (with no
increase in appetite) and generalised lethargy. Other signs often include coat problems and recurrent skin and ear infections. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is often more difficult than hyperthyroidism. However, once a diagnosis has been made, daily treatment with oral thyroid supplements is usually very effective in treating the condition. If you are concerned that your dog or cat is showing any of the signs described above, please arrange for us to examine your pet.


Ear Disease: A word in your ear!
EAR problems are surprisingly common in dogs and cats. However, in order to understand them better we need to know a little about the anatomy of the ear. The ear is a complex structure protected externally by a pinna (or flap). A narrow external ear canal carries sound down to the ear drum, where it passes onto the middle and inner ear. in the healthy ear the opening to the external ear canal is lined with smooth pink (or pigmented) skin with no evidence of any discharge. Most of the ear problems seen in dogs and cats occur in the external ear canal – a condition called otitis externa (sometimes called canker). Signs of otitis externa commonly include ear rubbing, head shaking, and reddened, irritated skin lining the external ear canal. Additionally there is often a discharge which may be foul smelling. There are several underlying causes of otitis externa. These include ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) and trapped foreign bodies such as grass awns. Localised allergies affecting the skin lining the external ear canal are another cause, leading to scratching, which allows opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections to infect the external ear canal. In common with many conditions, the key to success with otitis externa is early diagnosis and treatment. If your pet is showing any of the symptoms described above, please bring them in for a thorough examination.


Should I worry if I find a lump on my pet?
IN ADDITION to the thorough clinical examinations we give your pet from time to time, youcan  also help your pet by keeping a watchful eye out for any lumps and bumps. If your pet develops a lump there are several possible causes. These include allergic reactions, abscesses (common in cats), hernias, and tumours. The most serious of these are of course tumours and these can be further divided into benign tumours – which tend to be slow growing and only locally invasive, or malignant tumours which tend to be fast growing and spread to distant parts of the body. If you find a lump on your pet it is therefore very important that we examine it as soon as possible – in order that we may establish the underlying cause and start any required treatment without delay. If you are concerned about a lump on your pet – or any other health problem – please contact us today for an appointment.

Kidney disease – is my pet affected?

MOST OF our pets thankfully take normal kidney function for granted, but for some pets kidney disease can be a problem – particularly as they grow older. Dogs and cats have two kidneys. Each kidney has three distinct areas: cortex, medulla and pelvis. The cortex and medulla contain millions of tiny units called nephrons. Blood, carried to each kidney by the renal artery, is then filtered by the millions of tiny nephrons, removing protein breakdown products, excess salts and water. These are then concentrated to form urine which collects in the pelvis, before passing via the ureters into the bladder. Over time a proportion of the nephrons will disappear with age and not be replaced. Other factors such as toxins, infections or cancer may also destroy nephrons. However the kidneys have excess filtering capacity with the result that visible symptoms of kidney disease are not usually seen until two thirds of the nephrons have been lost. If this stage is reached, the kidneys start to lose their capacity to concentrate the urine, resulting in large amounts of dilute urine and increased thirst. As the filtering capacity falls so toxic waste products will accumulate in the blood, resulting in loss of appetite, weight
loss, poor coat condition, apathy and weakness. Regular examinations allow us to detect kidney disease before the outward signs (as described above) are visible. However the good news is that – whilst kidney disease cannot be cured – new forms of medication and specially formulated diets can be of great help. If you are concerned that your pet is showing any of the symptoms described above, please contact us for an appointment!
 

Diets: can you pinch an inch?

THE WINTER months are often a time of inactivity and weight gain for many pets. If you suspect that your pet is becoming a little too “cuddly” the first thing to do is to arrange for us to weigh him or her. We will be able to establish whether your pet is overweight and advise you on an ideal weight. We will also perform a thorough physical examination to check for any medical conditions that can also result in weight gain (such as an under-active thyroid gland in middle aged and older dogs, leading to a lowered metabolic rate). Being overweight is as much of a problem for our pets as it is for ourselves. Obesity is known to cause or worsen a range of conditions including: joint disease (arthritis), heart disease, diabetes mellitus and heat intolerance – to name just a few! However, it’s not all bad news; if your pet needs to lose weight, we are happy to advise you on the most suitable diet and exercise programme to give you the best chance of success. Please contact us for further details, or to arrange an appointment for your pet.
 

Rabbiting on: Caring for your pet rabbit!
WITH THE onset of warmer Spring weather, rabbits are once again at risk from the deadly viral disease Myxomatosis. The disease is spread by biting insects such as flies and fleas. The disease causes puffy swellings around the eyes, usually leading to blindness. Sadly, even with medication and nursing, most will die as a result of the disease. Rabbits are also at risk from Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. This deadly virus can be brought home on animals, clothes, petfood and bedding. Affected animals may show a variety of symptoms including loss of appetite, lethargy and nose bleeds. Sadly, most affected rabbits will quickly succumb and die. Happily, there are safe and effective vaccines which can be given to prevent both of these diseases – don’t take the risk, make sure your rabbit is protected!
 

Garden perils!
FOR MANY of us the warmer Spring weather results in a trip to the local garden centre. But here we must insert a cautionary note; some of the products we commonly use in our garden can also be toxic to pets. Slug pellets frequently contain the chemical metaldehyde and are generally blue or green in colour. Metaldehyde is very toxic to pets and since many dogs will eat almost anything, slug pellets should only be used with great care, keeping pets away from areas where they are used and stored. Many gardeners also apply a thick layer of mulch to their flower beds in the Spring and Summer months. A littleknown, but potentially lethal hazard is the use of cocoa shell mulch. Dogs are attracted to these shells by their smell, but they contain theobromine which is very poisonous to dogs. As a result, it is safer to use an alternative such as tree bark. As a general rule, when applying anything to your garden, ALWAYS read the label carefully regarding the hazards to pets and (of course!) humans.
 

Summer survival guide!
FOR BOTH pets and their owners the warm summer weather is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy nature in full bloom! But summertime can be a dangerous time for our pets – here we look at a few of the hazards involved.

Ticks tend to be a problem in the warmer months and commonly live in areas of heathland, moorland and woodland, waiting to attach themselves to passing pets. Ticks feed on your pet’s blood and can cause problems in two ways – firstly they can cause a tissue reaction at their site of attachment and secondly they can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease. Please ask us to advise you on the best form of tick control for your pet.

Adders are the only venomous snakes native to the British Isles, and are found in areas of heathland and woodland throughout the mainland. Adders are naturally shy, but may bite if
accidentally disturbed by a dog or cat. Adder bites, whilst rarely fatal, result in a very painful swelling of the affected area, and prompt veterinary attention should always be sought. Adders are a legally protected species and should not be handled, or harmed in any way.

Grass awns are especially a problem for dogs, working their way into paws, ears and eyes. In view of this, thorough inspection of the coat for grass awns is to be strongly recommended following walks.

Fly strike is a very serious problem in rabbits during the summer months. Rabbit rear ends attract flies which lay their eggs there, hatching out into maggots, which literally eat the rabbit alive. Rabbits should be checked daily for eggs and maggots.

Skin cancer is a particular hazard for cats with white ear tips – see right and also white noses. The key to reducing this risk is blocking sunlight with high-factor sun block.

And finally, never leave a pet in a car on a hot day.