All posts by petprofessionals

Horses

Navicular Syndrome

 

Horses have very particular anatomy and physiology. They are very large animals, and their weight is all supported by 4 hoof-covered phalanges or fingers.

Yes, you read that correctly! Horses only have one complete finger in each limb, and the last distal phalanx (the coffin bone) is covered with the hoof, and it’s the only structure that makes contact with the floor. This is one of the reasons horses are so prone to developing lameness problems.

One of these problems is navicular syndrome. This syndrome affects a tiny bone named navicular bone that moves with the two last phalanges. Navicular syndrome usually affects the front limbs of the horse, and one foot is often in worse shape than the other. This syndrome can have many causes and can result in different clinical signs, the most common one being lameness. Overweight horses are more prone to developing this condition.

If you have a horse with navicular issues, you may notice him or her appear lame in one (initially) or both front limbs. While lunging, you may notice lameness on the inside limb in both directions. You may also notice he or she sets their feet toes first. Lameness is usually more evident after work/exercise and gets better with rest.

Unfortunately, navicular syndrome is a degenerative condition, and the navicular bone suffers alterations over time with inflammation and density loss. The soft tissues around it may also be consequently affected.

Since this is known to be a progressive degenerative condition which is usually painful and can cause disabling lameness, navicular syndrome always needs to be addressed and managed so your horse can maintain a good and active life.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

Cats

Cats and allergies

Cats can have allergies just like we do.

There are three large groups of allergic reactions that can affect cats: flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), atopy and food allergy. If a cat has one type of allergy, he or she is more prone to have the others as well.

Allergies are caused by an inappropriate inflammatory reaction to allergens that are naturally present in the environment. Cases of FAD and atopy appear when the allergen comes in contact with a susceptible pet’s skin or inner lining of the mouth/nose. In food allergy cases the allergen is ingested.

Allergies are all typically associated with moderate to severe itching and excessive grooming, which often results in skin lesions.

Flea allergy dermatitis is caused by the allergens present in the flea’s saliva and in such cases the skin lesions are more frequently distributed along the cat’s back and base of the tail. Sensitive cats require very little exposure to show clinical signs. It can occur in cats of any age, sex, or breed.

Atopy can be caused by a number of different allergens found in the environment, like in grass, dust mites or pollens. Sometimes, it has a seasonal occurrence. You will generally find skin lesions on the face, abdomen, hands and feet. The disease usually occurs in cats aged between six months and five years, and purebred cats seem to have a higher risk of suffering from this condition than domestic shorthaired cats.

Food allergy can be caused by different ingredients in your pet’s diet such as chicken, rice, lamb, amongst others. You may notice an increase in the number of times your cat uses the litter box or that he or she doesn’t produce nicely formed stools. Food allergy can affect cats of any age or sex, although Siamese and Burmese cats seem to be more predisposed to suffer from this condition.

Allergies are not very easy to diagnose because they cause clinical signs that are commonly seen in other skin conditions. Allergen testing and elimination diets can help reach a diagnosis.

Managing these allergic conditions depend on each particular case. For some pets it can be as simple as keeping your cat’s flea treatment up-to-date, while others may require lifelong therapy.

If you notice your cat is itching more than usual or showing any other signs that something is not as it should be, take your pet to the vet.

Cats, Dogs

Taking your pet on holidays

Summer vacations are always fun but can be even better with the company of your furry friend! If you are planning to take your pet with you on holidays check out this list to help you prepare for the upcoming adventure.

1: Plan ahead.

If you want to have a stress-free holiday with your pet then this is the way to start.

2: Make sure your dog responds to basic commands.

It is important for dogs to be familiar with and respond to simple commands such as sit, stay, come and settle down. Dogs are friendly social animals by nature, but not all people love dogs like we do. It is important to respect other people’s personal space so that everyone can enjoy their relaxing time.

3: Schedule a check-up appointment with your vet.

If you want everything to go smoothly on your holiday, you should take your pet to the vet to ensure that he or she is healthy and able to go on this journey with you. This appointment will be important to check:

  • Your pet’s health status;
  • Electronic identification (microchip);
  • Passport and other documentation (if needed);
  • Vaccination status;
  • Worming treatments status;
  • Flea/tick treatments status;
  • Other treatments or tests that may be needed (this is especially important if you are travelling to a foreign country).

If your pet has motion sickness, your vet can prescribe some medication to make your pet more comfortable during your journey.

4: Booking.

When booking a place to stay you should always check if pets are allowed. If the answer is yes, there are still other things to verify:

  • How many pets are you allowed to take? This is important if you have more than one pet.
  • Is the pet allowed to stay in the room/bungalow/cottage by himself? If not, do they provide a pet sitter?
  • Is there enough space for your pet to run and exercise?
  • Are there any restricted areas where your pet is not allowed?

5: Itinerary planning.

If you want your furry companion to be part of your adventure, make sure you visit places that are pet-friendly. It is also recommended to get the contact information of a local vet just in case something happens (e.g. bee sting allergic reaction).

6: Packing!

Make a list of all the items you have to take with you so that nothing is left behind. The list should include: food and water bowls, your pet’s bed, your pet’s toys, poo-bags (or litter tray), your pet’s lead and collar with identification tags, your pet’s food and treats, medication and documentation. Many of these things can be bought later on but pay special attention to your pet’s food. Keep in mind that sudden changes in your pet’s diet can cause digestive upset.

7: Plan the journey

If your pets are not used to car rides, it’s a good idea to take them on short trips before the big one so they can get accustomed with the experience. It is also very important to keep your pet in a crate or secured with a dog harness for safety reasons. Make sure you make frequent stops along the way for bathroom breaks, for you and your pet to stretch your legs and to get some fresh air. Don’t forget to keep a bowl with you so you can offer your pet some water. Remember to never leave your pet locked inside your car alone, even if it is in a shaded area and with the windows open.

If you and your pet are flying, make sure to check all the airline’s recommendations.  For more information, you should also check https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad.

8: Get settled.

Try to make your room/cottage/bungalow feel like home. Find a place to put your pet’s bed, bowls and toys. A walk is the best way to explore the new environment and get acquainted with the new space. Dogs are creatures of habit so, if possible, stick to their feeding and walking routines.

9: Keep your pet safe.

Although you might love the idea of allowing your pet to explore freely and have some fun, you should always keep an eye out to see that he or she doesn’t get into trouble. Be especially careful with cliff edges, streams, wild animals, poisonous plants and other potentially dangerous things that your dog might chew and swallow.

Enjoy your holidays!

Uncategorized

Can Cats Get Sunburns?

Can cats get sunburns?

When it comes to our feline friends it is very easy to either not consider or dismiss the possible harmful effects of the sun on their skin.

The truth is, their skin is very similar to ours, (give or take some fur!), and, as such, is just as prone to sunburns as ours. Of course, not all cats have the same risks of getting sunburned and we need to be a little more careful with some that are more at risk.

Cats who have light, short hair are at most risk but even cats with abundant dark fur can still get burned in places with less hair density such as ears and around the nose. Why is this important? It means their skin can be damaged by solar radiation, which can be both immediately painful if it gets burnt and also have long-term consequences due to increasing the chances of certain types of cancers developing.

Sunburns are a big risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer that can be quite hard to manage as it invades surrounding tissues very easily. So, please keep an eye out for injuries or burn on your cat’s ears and face, if you see red and tender skin that’s a good indication that something might be wrong. You can help prevent this by applying pet-safe sunscreen, keeping your cats away from the sun during the noon hours and providing them with a lot of shady places they can hide in.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

Uncategorized

Insect Hypersensitivity

Insect Hypersensitivity

With summer just around the corner it is a good time to remember some of the seasonal issues that affect horses.

Some horses may suffer from insect hypersensitivity which is caused by the bite of several insects such as flies and mosquitos. Insect hypersensitivity is an allergic reaction caused by insect bites, the severity of which can depend on the sort of environment that your horse is in.

The good news is that in the UK, there is a low incidence of insect hypersensitivity and it is mostly an issue during Spring and Summer due to the rise of the number of insects. If animals travel to places where flies and mosquitos are more abundant, such as countries where the temperature and humidity are higher, they might encounter these issues more frequently.

Horses present with an intense itch and skin papules with the possibility of self-inflicted trauma due to scratching. This situation can progress to severe erosions, skin crusts, hair loss and even bacterial infections.

Some breeds such as German Shire horses, Icelandic horses imported from Iceland, Arabians and Quarter horses seem to have a genetic predisposition insect hypersensitivity but if you think your horse might be suffering from this condition, please speak to your vet and they will do the necessary tests and assessments to manage it.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

Uncategorized

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats

It is very important for cat owners to be aware of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), as this is not an unusual condition and is frequently related to recurrent vomiting in cats.

IBD is a persistent or chronic inflammation of the lining of the stomach, small and large intestine that can be caused by several gastrointestinal diseases. The triggers for this reaction can be parasitic infections, bacterial infections or even food allergies. Over time, inflammatory cells invade the intestinal wall, increasing the wall’s thickness, damaging its structure, and affecting its ability to function properly during the digestive process.

In many cases, the reason why this happens is unknown. Recent studies show several factors such as the animal’s genetics, immune system, dietary antigens and even their intestinal microfora might be involved in this exaggerated inflammatory response.

Although this disease is usually seen in middle-aged and older cats, cats of all ages can have IBD. Affected cats often present with recurrent vomiting and/or diarrhoea, decreased appetite and weight loss. Some cats may present with all of these signs, while others may show only one of them or have no visible clinical signs at all.

Due to the domestic cats’ particular anatomy, it’s not uncommon for cats with IBD to also show signs of inflammation in their pancreas and liver. Diagnosing this condition requires some degree of investigation since the typical clinical signs are very unspecific and can be caused by a wide range of other conditions.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for IBD, but there are several options to manage this disease, minimise the clinical signs and provide a comfortable and healthy life for the affected cats. These options include adjustments in their diet and medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs.

It is really worth taking your cat to the vet if you notice your pet is showing sporadic vomiting or any of the clinical signs mentioned above. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment will greatly improve your cat’s quality of life and bring you much needed peace of mind.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

Dogs

Lungworm

What do you know about Lungworm? This parasitic disease can be found throughout the UK and owners should be aware of the signs as leaving it floating about in your dog’s body can have dire consequences.

First off, what causes Lungworm? This disease is caused by a parasite called Angiostrongylus vasorum that is carried by slugs and snails. Dogs come in contact with it by eating these snails and slugs, either by accident when they play around outside or on purpose, we know all too well that some dogs love seeking out exotic snacks!

Because snails and slugs thrive in damp and relatively warm weather, Spring is one of their high seasons and they will be lurking in a lot of places outside so do keep an eye out on what your dog is doing and eating outside.

Signs of a Lungworm infection include:

  • Breathing difficulties;
  • Coughing;
  • Trouble clotting blood;
  • Getting tired easily;
  • Weight loss;
  • Lethargy;

If you see any of these signs, take him or her to the vet for a check-up! If left untreated, these parasites can be fatal but fortunately treatment and prevention is possible and most dogs recover well if treated on time.

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

Horses

Vaccines in horses

How much do you know about vaccines? They are one of the most important parts of preventive medicine and our horses are no exception.

Vaccinations allow us to avoid very severe diseases with very little risk and eliminate the need for difficult treatments.  Beyond being instrumental in avoiding many infectious diseases, they can also:

  • Lessen how severe a disease will run in animals that are already affected
  • Make it harder for a disease to spread through your herd or the area

The immune system is adaptable – when it contacts an infectious agent for the first time, there is a bit of a lag before enough cells are produced that can create enough antibodies to solve the issue. The second time the same disease happens, those cells already exist and the immune response is much faster.

Vaccines work by pretending to be an infection and this triggers the same production of cells that a harmful infection would. Basically, all the immunity benefits of a disease but mostly none of the danger!

There are several vaccinations for horses and which ones you should consider will depend on your horse’s lifestyle and their chances of contacting some infectious agents (oversea travelling, breeding, certain sporting events). However, it is highly recommended that all horses are vaccinated against tetanus and equine Influenza.

Tetanus is a severe disease caused by a bacteria called Clostridium tetani and if left untreated, it can be fatal. Equine Influenza is a disease of the respiratory tract and it can be quite debilitating, allowing for secondary infections to thrive and it might even damage the lungs permanently.

Talk to your vet about the best course of vaccination for your horse and don’t forget, it’s always better to prevent!

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

Uncategorized

Feline Herpesvirus

Feline herpesvirus is an important viral infection in our cats that affects the respiratory system as well as the eyes and it might even be transmitted to unborn kittens. Alongside other virus, it’s a common cause of ‘Cat Flu’.

It’s an infection that is especially important in households with several cats like in shelters or catteries because of how easily it is transmitted through animals. Kittens are the most susceptible to herpesvirus infections but animals of all ages can be infected.

Signs of this infection include:

  • Sneezing with purulent discharge;
  • Ocular discharge and ulcers in the eye;
  • Dermatitis around the nostrils;
  • Fever;
  • Abortion in pregnant cats;

It’s a common infection and as carriers have the disease latently, they are the ones responsible for perpetuating the virus. This means that infected cats tend to be infected for life, with periodic flare ups of clinical issues due to environmental stress or reduced immunity.

There is no direct therapy against the virus. When your cat is doing poorly because of ‘Cat Flu’, the best thing is to keep them well hydrated and with proper nutritional support, as well as treating any secondary infections that may arise and eye drops in case of conjunctivitis.

Feline Herpesvirus is part of the vaccination schemes for cats so don’t forget to keep your cat’s vaccination up to date!

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Happy Easter!

We wish all our members and pets a very Happy Easter and we hope it is a very joyful time for you all!

But please don’t forget:

  • Chocolate is best out of reach of any pets as it contains theobromine which is toxic, particularly to dogs;

 

  • Sweets and cakes with raisins, sultanas, currants like hot cross buns or grapes can cause severe kidney damage in dogs if they are ingested;

 

  • Some beverages, sweets and even some brands of peanut butter have xylitol, a common sweetener that can be deadly to dogs;

 

With everyone having fun it is very easy to lose track of things that might be accidentally left at pet level. If you suspect your pet has eaten something that he or she shouldn’t have, or you realize something might be wrong, please don’t hesitate to take them to the vet!

Have a safe Easter!

Would you like to know more about cats and dogs? Check our Feline and Canine Courses:

Feline courses

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