All posts by petprofessionals

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Are you considering adopting a dog from abroad?

Adopting a dog from abroad seems to be a rising trend in the UK, with 6% of owners asked by the PDSA in 2022 and 2023 reporting that their pet was imported compared to 4% in 2021 and 3% in August 2020.

If you’ve fallen in love with a dog from overseas and are considering bringing it back into the UK, keep reading to find out some important things that you should be mindful of before making a decision!

 

Can an imported pet have unusual diseases?

There are a range of exotic diseases that we don’t commonly see or have in the UK that can be imported along with your new dog if you don’t test for them beforehand. These include:

Rabies

Rabies is a viral neurological disease that mostly targets a mammal’s brain and nerves (including humans, dogs and cats), leading to a range of symptoms that ultimately lead to death. Though there is no cure for rabies, the disease can be prevented through vaccination.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is another infectious disease, this time caused by the bacteria Brucella canis. Vets can use antibiotics to try to treat it, but, in most cases, treatment is not effective with dogs often having to be euthanised.

Heartworm

Unlike rabies and brucellosis which can be transmitted from dog to dog (or dog to human!), heartworm is transmitted via mosquito bites. As the name indicates, the disease is characterised by an infection of the heart and lungs by a parasite. The disease is fatal if not treated, and treatment itself poses a number of risks, which is why parasite prevention treatments are key.

Leishmaniasis

This is also a parasitic disease transmitted by sandfly bites. Once infection has been established, there’s no cure for leishmaniasis, but in some animals, the disease can be successfully managed.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis brings us back to bacterial diseases, this one caused by Ehrlichia canis. The disease is also vector-borne, meaning a dog cannot be infected directly, only via a tick bite (the tick being the vector). Diagnosis is often challenging as symptoms are not specific, and, since there is no ehrlichiosis in the UK, vets will only suspect the disease if they are aware that a dog has been living out of the country.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is another tick-borne parasite disease. It mostly affects young and middle-aged dogs and treatment can be challenging, with its effectiveness dictated by the severity of the disease. Again, prevention via tick control is the best way of dealing (or not dealing, in this case!) with these types of infections.

It’s important to be mindful that rabies, brucellosis, leishmaniasis and babesiosis are transmissible to humans as well, some directly from dog to human, others indirectly, requiring a vector (i.e. the dog could infect a tick, for instance, which could then bite and infect a human).

As these diseases may cause severe symptoms in dogs, with some not being treatable at all, combined with their potential for zoonotic infections (i.e. spreading to humans), it’s very important that we try to keep them out of the UK by testing dogs before bringing them to the UK from abroad.

 

Will an overseas pet have health or behaviour problems?

The rise in demand for imported puppies and dogs has led to people turning a blind eye to the welfare conditions those pets experience in their early months.

Though legislation keeps tightening in the UK regarding selling and adopting pets, such as Lucy’s Law and Reggie’s Law, the same is not true in other countries, which may be purposefully breeding dogs in low welfare conditions specifically to supply to the UK.

When this is the case, once with their new families, imported dogs often show behavioural issues and even severe health problems that may lead to a regrettable premature loss of a beloved family member.

Also, according to the PDSA’s 2023 PAW Report, a number of people are seeking imported pets due to physical traits such as docked tails and cropped ears. Both of these practices are illegal in the UK as they pose welfare and health risks to affected animals, and finding a way around the law to acquire such pets is something that should be avoided.

If you’re considering adopting or buying a dog from abroad, we hope this blog post has helped you ponder this decision and do remember to ask your vet which tests are needed before you bring a new pet into your family!

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

Canine courses

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Is your horse happy?

Though there’s no such thing as a recipe for equine happiness, there are some basic ingredients that need to be in the mix! These include adequate health care, gentle handling, balanced nutrition, and an environment that allows for quality interactions and all the opportunities required to express their natural behaviour.

Keep reading to learn more about the five domains model of animal welfare and how you can improve your horse’s quality of life!

What are the five domains?

The five domains represent an animals’ five basic welfare needs:

  • Balanced nutrition
  • Preventative and responsive health care
  • Adequate, safe and rich environment
  • Quality behavioural interactions
  • Positive mental state

These are universal to all animal species and were compiled in the 1960s as the five freedoms in response to the livestock production practices at the time.

Over the past 60 years, this concept has evolved alongside our knowledge of animal health, welfare, and behaviour and has since been used to help guide us in caring for animals respectfully!

Nutrition

We are what we eat, and the same is true for horses. A balanced diet is one of the most important pillars of a healthy life, and this involves:

  • A high-quality forage-based diet tailored to the individual horse
  • The correct amount of food and number of meals
  • Clean, fresh water that is always available

Adequate nutrition has an integral part in preventing health problems, such as colic, ulcers and obesity, as well as behavioural issues, as you can stimulate horses’ natural foraging behaviours depending on how you’re providing them with food.

Health care

If your horse is unwell, this will obviously have an impact on their well-being. Conducting a daily health check can be instrumental in seeking veterinary help early. Here are some of the most important aspects to be mindful of:

  • Their demeanour and if they are behaving normally
  • How their body looks (posture, condition, hydration) and feels (temperature, swelling)
  • Any injuries that may be present (making sure to check the mouth and feet)

As for preventative care, vaccinations and parasite treatments are vital for protecting your horse against a range of diseases, and your vet will be happy to arrange a tailored plan for your animal’s specific needs.

Environment

Providing your horse with an adequate and rich environment where they are safe from the elements and predators, and are able to display their natural behaviour is paramount.

Here are some aspects to consider:

  • Is their pasture cared for?
  • Is the horse free to move around?
  • Do they have a comfortable place to rest?
  • Is their access to forage and water adequate?
  • Do they have the opportunity to explore their environment?
  • Can they interact with other horses?
  • Could they benefit from environmental enrichment?

Though general recommendations are great as a starting point, tailoring your horse’s environment to their personality and character can make a world of difference in their happiness, and you’re the best person to know how to do this!

Behavioural interactions

As social animals, horses enjoy the company of other horses and need friends to socialise with.

Though they will be happy just being near other horses, physical contact is very important, too, which is something that naturally happens if they’re allowed to bond.

As for human-horse interactions, it’s key that you have a good understanding of equine behaviour so that you can learn to recognise what your equine friend enjoys doing and provide them with pleasant experiences.

Exploring their environment is another way that horses like spending their time, so make sure they have the opportunity to exercise and move freely.

Mental state

If you do a great job at managing the previous four domains, the result will be a positive mental state, which is what every horse owner is aiming for!

However, sometimes horses can still develop behavioural issues or suffer from high stress despite our best efforts. This may be due to many things, from an undiagnosed illness to a particular need that you didn’t know your horse had that isn’t being met.

These types of problems often take time, patience and the proper professional help to resolve, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you are struggling!

Keep an eye on our blog if you’d like to know more about each of the five domains, as we’ll be going into a detailed discussion in upcoming blog posts!

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

Equine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Feline herpesvirus

One of the most common illnesses that can affect your furry friend is feline herpesvirus infection!

Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), this disease is a frequent infection seen in cats, and symptoms vary from mild to more severe.

If you’ve ever seen your cat with a runny nose, persistent eye discharge or noticed sneezing, especially when he or she was a kitten, it was likely to have been a case of FVR. While most infections are mild, vulnerable animals like unprotected cats, older pets or kittens might suffer from a severe form of the disease.

Learn all about how to keep your cats protected from FVR in our blog post below!

How can my cat get feline herpesvirus?

The feline herpesvirus type 1 exists everywhere and is also highly infectious, meaning it is very easy for your cat to run into it, especially if he or she often goes outside or stays with other cats.

If other cats are shedding the virus (usually through eye, nose or mouth secretions), any contact with them or with items that they have been close to, like beds, bowls or surfaces, is likely to infect your pet quickly. Due to the high prevalence of this virus, many outside cats or pets who live in multicat households can carry and transmit the infection.

Fortunately, feline herpesvirus is exclusive to our domestic cats and other wild feline species, which means that humans and other pet species (like dogs or rabbits) cannot become infected.

What are the signs of feline viral rhinotracheitis?

FVR might take some days to show up in full force after contact with viral particles (either from other cats or from the environment), and you might see the following signs in your cat:

  • Runny nose;
  • Red, puffy eyelids with secretions that can range from a clear fluid to pus;
  • Sneezing;
  • Lethargy and fever.

If you spot any of these signs, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet! As we’ve mentioned, many of these infections are not very complicated and treating them is relatively straightforward. However, a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are still needed as many other, more serious diseases can have similar signs.

Veterinary support is vital for our more vulnerable pets, such as kittens, oldies, or cats with other chronic diseases whose immune systems might not work as well. They can suffer from severe consequences of feline herpesvirus infections, particularly when it comes to eye damage, for instance, debilitating ulcers in the cornea.

These cases will often need specific treatment, such as antibiotics for any other infections that may show up or eyedrops to help heal corneal damage.

How can I protect my cat?

The best way to ensure your feline friend can avoid this disease is through a proper vaccination schedule for him or her! These vaccines will also protect your cats against feline calicivirus, which can cause similar respiratory problems.

Vaccinated cats are less likely to catch FVR, and in the event that they do get sick, they will experience a much milder disease course than unvaccinated pets.

It’s also important to remember that this vital protection needs to be boosted regularly, so if you think that your cat might be out of date with his or her vaccinations, schedule your appointment with your vet today!

 

In summary:

  • Feline herpesvirus type 1 causes feline rhinotracheitis, a common viral disease that affects the upper airways and eyes of cats;
  • Cats can get infected through contact with other cats as well as through viral particles in the environment;
  • While it us usually an uncomplicated disease, it can cause severe problems for senior cats, kittens or cats with lowered immunity;
  • The best way to protect your feline friends is by vaccination;
  • If you notice that your cat is unwell, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet.

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

Feline courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Is my dog struggling with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common problem for dogs, particularly elderly pets. This disease happens due to progressive inflammatory destruction of the cartilage in the joints, leading to worsening mobility and pain.

Unfortunately, this condition does not have a cure in most cases, but there are many ways to slow down the progression of cartilage destruction and manage pain successfully.

If you’ve noticed that your furry friend has been slowing down on walks and is more reluctant to move around, this blog post is for you! Keep reading to know all about osteoarthritis and how to help your pet enjoy its twilight years without pain.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease (DJD), and, as we’ve mentioned, it is caused by persistent joint inflammation resulting from damaged cartilage, a protective tissue that is vital for proper joint movement.

As this is progressively destroyed, the bones lose their capacity to move correctly. This situation also causes significant and increasing pain, and you may start to notice your pet being more reluctant to get up from their bed, walk or play. This discomfort can also show up as increased aggressiveness, less patience and house-soiling.

Any dog can suffer from osteoarthritis at any point in his or her life, but some animals are more predisposed to DJD. The most important risk factors include:

  • Age as older dogs are more likely to have cartilage damage;
  • Larger breeds;
  • Injuries or repeated activities (such as sports) as these create a lot of repeated stress on the joints;
  • Overweight;
  • Joints with bad conformation (for instance, hip dysplasia).

While no definitive cure exists for this disease, your furry friend can still enjoy a long time of comfort and activity with the proper treatments. These aim to slow down the progression and manage pain, allowing him or her to have many more great days to share with you.

 

Can I help my dog feel better?

One of the most essential things any owner can do is keep an eye out for progressing signs of osteoarthritis, especially during this time of the year when cold and damp days can worsen joint function.

While every pet is different, medical management is vital in these cases, as pain and mobility loss will continue progressing. Often, these medications will have to be adjusted as time passes and other symptoms appear.

Your vet will also likely suggest physical therapy to help reduce discomfort and improve limb strength. This might include hydrotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy or other complementary treatment modalities that help medication and lifestyle changes be more effective.

Modifying routines, for instance, with shorter walks, and changing how your dog can get around your home, for example, with more comfortable bedding and mobility aids, can also be extremely helpful.

If you spot any concerning changes, don’t hesitate to contact your vet! They will carry out a thorough investigation and suggest the best treatments to address any difficulties your pet is having.

 

Don’t forget:

  • Osteoarthritis most often cannot be cured, but it can usually be successfully managed;
  • If you spot any changes in behaviour such as less patience, reluctance to move or get up, increased vocalisations and house soiling, they might be due to pain or significant discomfort;
  • Medication and treatments like hydrotherapy or laser therapy can help manage symptoms when they come up;
  • In case you see any worrying concerns, speak to your vet, and they will be able to help you decide on the best course of action.

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

Canine courses

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Is Equine Flu a problem?

Have you heard of Equine influenza? Also called Equine flu, this highly infectious disease affects the respiratory system of horses and donkeys, and it can quickly make itself at home in your yard!

These strains of viruses exist all over the UK, sometimes causing outbreaks that have forced many equestrian events to be delayed or cancelled and the halting of any movements of animals in the affected areas. As unvaccinated or otherwise vulnerable horses can suffer from a severe form of this disease, biosecurity and vaccinations are vital to ensure that your horses won’t be severely ill or prevented from entering competitions.

Learn everything about Equine influenza and how to stop it from entering your yard in our blog post.

What is equine influenza?

In the UK, this disease is commonly caused by two Equine influenza virus strains, the H7N7 and the H3N8. As with other viruses, these tend to continuously mutate and become more adept at causing larger-scale infections or outbreaks.

If your horse gets infected, you can spot:

  • Fever;
  • Depression and decreased appetite;
  • Persistent dry cough;
  • Clear nasal discharge that might evolve into a thick mucus discharge.

Animals that are young, unvaccinated or that have compromised immunity are more likely to suffer from a severe or even debilitating form of Equine influenza, possibly requiring veterinary intervention to avoid breathing issues or more severe respiratory infections.

Should I be worried that my horses might catch it?

Equine flu is a concern for all horse owners!

Equine influenza is endemic to the UK and extremely contagious, being able to spread from infected horses to your whole herd in no time. This is particularly important for owners who often travel to shows or events where many horses are gathering.

However, even if your horse never leaves his or her enclosure and you bring no other animals in, they are still at risk of getting or spreading this virus as it’s also very easy to catch it from droplets in the environment. Shared equipment, clothes, tack or bedding can all be important sources of infection, which means that any visitors to your yard might bring this disease with them.

Is there anything I can do to prevent equine influenza?

Vaccination is the best way to help prevent any issues with equine flu, and it is recommended that all horse owners vaccinate against it regularly. Not only will it help significantly to reduce the risk of serious illness but it will also increase herd immunity, helping prevent future outbreaks across the country.

In addition to a good vaccination programme, it’s recommended that you have effective cleaning, monitoring and quarantine protocols in place to limit viral spread.

If you’re concerned with the biosecurity in your yard, your vet can help you identify any points that could be improved and put better measures in place, so you can avoid not only Equine influenza but many other infectious diseases!

In summary:

  • Equine influenza is a common viral infection that can cause severe problems in yards;
  • We recommend you keep all of your horses vaccinated against Equine Influenza, even if they do not contact any other horses;
  • If your horse travels frequently or you often bring in new animals to your property, don’t forget to vaccinate, quarantine and watch them as needed;
  • In the case that one of your animals is struggling with breathing, fever or lethargy, don’t forget to talk to your vet as soon as you are able!

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

Equine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Help your cats during fireworks season!

Fireworks and pets are not a good match! Many of our furry friends are apprehensive or scared of the loud noises during the festive season, and cats are no exception.

Christmas and New Year can be tough periods for cats with these types of phobias, and owners might struggle to help their feline friends feel better.

Keep reading our blog to learn all about the best tips for the holiday season and help ensure a peaceful, stress-free Christmas for you and your pets!

Is fear of fireworks common?

Unfortunately, it’s far more common than not for our cats to be afraid of the loud noises and explosions that seem to happen every other day during the holiday season.

They have extremely sensitive hearing, which makes fireworks not a very pleasant experience for them. As cats thrive on stable routines, this time of the year is already pretty stressful for them as we are often busy preparing parties, decorating our homes and inviting people over.

All of these changes can create increased stress that will compound the panic of unpredictable fireworks, making up for a terrible time of the year for your feline friends.

Can fear of fireworks be dangerous for my cat?

Significant increases in anxiety and stress are not good for your cat’s health! Fireworks season often brings immense distress for pets, and this can show up as:

  • Pacing and increased vocalisations;
  • House-soiling without any other apparent cause;
  • Less appetite;
  • Hiding and refusing to interact;
  • Being more fearful and jumpier;
  • Attempting to escape the house or garden.

To avoid any chances of your pet getting lost or harmed, ensure he or she is safely inside the house well before the noise starts and that the contact information associated with his or her microchip is up to date.

How can I help my cat feel better?

There are a number of things you can try that might help your cat feel better during this difficult time.

The most permanent solution is desensitisation therapy, which will make him or her less reactive towards distressing noises. However, this will take a while to be effective, usually needing several weeks of work with a qualified behaviourist before you can see any results.

In the short term, you can try to:

  1. Create a cosy corner where your cat can hide whenever he or she feels scared;
  2. Plug diffusers with calming pheromones in the rooms that your cat uses the most;
  3. Close the curtains to block out the lights and turn on the TV to drown out the noise;
  4. If your cat is feeling up to it, playing and interacting can be sufficiently distracting, but don’t force him or her to do it;
  5. Act calmly and don’t make a big fuss as your cat is looking to you to understand how serious the situation is.

Despite all the things you can try, this time of the year can still be intensely upsetting for your feline friend, and the problem may need other things like specific medication.

For these cases, your vet can help provide the best solution to ensure Christmas and New Year will go as smoothly as possible, so don’t hesitate to call them if you’re struggling!

 

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

Feline courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Could my dog be suffering from an ear infection?

Have you noticed your dog shaking their head more than usual and constantly scratching their ears? This often means that they have an ear infection and need to be seen by a vet.

Keep reading to find out more about ear infections and what you can do to prevent them.

 

What is an ear infection?

Ear infections are common in dogs, especially those who suffer from other skin problems, such as allergies, and those with long, floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels.

There are a number of microorganisms that live in the healthy ear and that are harmless to our pets. However, if something happens that changes the normal ear environment, this balance can be disturbed, and the bacteria and yeast that live in the ear canal can multiply and cause an infection.

Irritation, itchiness, and the trauma from scratching can all lead to infection, which is why it’s so important to recognise signs of ear problems early on.

 

What are the signs of ear problems?

Excessive scratching, which includes head rubbing on furniture or other surfaces and pawing at the ears, is usually one of the first signs of an ear problem. Other signs include:

  • Red, swollen ears
  • Ear discharge – purulent or tarry
  • Smelly ears
  • Head shaking
  • Pain and discomfort

If your pet’s ears are painful, this is likely to affect their behaviour. You may find that they seem more withdrawn and avoid being petted on the head. Your dog can even become aggressive to avoid contact, so be careful when handling their sensitive ears.

If ear itchiness has been going on for a while, you may also notice outer lesions, such as bald patches and crusty areas around the base of the ear.

Another sign of chronic ear problems is a head tilt. If you see that your dog’s head is tilted, this can mean that the ear infection has progressed to the inner ear, which can lead to serious conditions such as meningitis and vestibular disease.

 

What to do if I spot these signs?

It’s very important to seek veterinary help if you suspect that your dog has an ear problem or recognise any of these signs.

Usually, the earlier ear infections are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat, and chronic complications are less likely to develop.

Ear treatment needs to be prescribed by your vet and usually involves a combination of ear cleaning and medicated ear drops. Additional oral medication may be necessary for dogs with complicated infections or even surgical solutions for chronic cases.

If your dog is in pain, it can be challenging to handle their ears as they can run and hide or even try to bite you. Proceed with caution, gently and do not rush, and if you are struggling, ask your vet team for help.

 

What can I do to prevent ear infections?

Diagnosing and treating skin problems

As we have mentioned, ear infections usually develop as a consequence of irritation, itchiness, inflammation, or trauma. This means that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

Anything that causes itchy skin, from fleas to allergic disease, can lead to an ear infection, so one of the first steps to prevent this is to find out what could be behind this problem.

Once your dog has been diagnosed, if their condition is well-managed, ear infections are likely to be under control as well.

Periodic checks

Having a look at your dog’s ears regularly can help catch inflammation and irritation before they progress to infection.

If your dog has long ears that cover the entrance of the ear canal, like the Basset Hound, we’d recommend checking them more frequently. This type of ear shape makes them more prone to develop infections, as the temperature and humidity conditions of their ears are ideal for bacterial and yeast proliferation.

We’d recommend the same for dogs diagnosed with a chronic skin condition, such as allergies, as they’re also more likely to have ear infections.

Hygiene and cleaning

As a dog owner, you may wonder how often you should bathe your dog and clean their ears. The truth is the answer to this question is highly variable.

It is important to be mindful of your pet’s general hygiene condition. If you go out on a walk and they’re covered in mud, a bath is due. If you notice that their coat feels oily and that they don’t smell great, those are good reasons for a bath as well. The point is: bathe your dog only if they need it, but be mindful of not letting water or shampoo get into their ears.

The same is true for their ears. If you find excess wax or a strong odour, it’s advisable to clean them with a good quality ear-cleaning solution. Otherwise, the ear has its own cleaning mechanisms in place, and over-cleaning can cause irritation. Your vet can help you decide if and how often your dog’s ears need to be cleaned.

 

We hope you find this article helpful! Don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if you suspect an ear infection or if you have any questions regarding your dog’s ear care.

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Protect your horse from parasites!

Internal parasites in horses are everywhere, and sooner or later, your animals will find themselves infested with one of the many species of worms that are prevalent in the UK. These can cause a lot of problems such as gastrointestinal discomfort, weight loss and might even migrate to other organs, increasing the risk of fatal complications.

There are several products available to treat these nasty infections, but it’s important that you use them correctly to avoid parasite resistance, making it easier for everyone to protect their yards.

Carry on reading to find out more about parasites and how to minimise the risk in your herd.

Could my horse be infected right now?

As we’ve mentioned, worms exist in the environment and having parasite problems at some point is common for the vast majority of yard owners. These parasites are often present in the pastures, migrating to your animals’ digestive tract or lungs and then being shed back onto the pasture to infect other horses.

To know if your horses are infected, your vet will want to evaluate their risk profile and is likely to recommend the following procedures:

  • Faecal worm egg counts, which are usually done between the spring and autumn;
  • Antibody tests for tapeworms (if needed) or cyathostomins;
  • Testing for pinworm.

By testing regularly, you will be able to know the real parasite burden in your yard and treat it accordingly.

Are dewormers safe and effective?

There are several compounds that are safe and effective to treat the many types of worms your horse might have.

However, you must talk to your vet before deworming your herd and follow their instructions, as improper use of dewormer medication can lead to increased parasite resistance. This means that the same drug stops being as effective over time, leading to issues controlling worms in your yard.

The populations of multi-resistant parasites also migrate to and from your horses, increasing this problem for everyone! Currently, many drugs are no longer able to adequately control worms. To avoid worsening this situation, it is recommended that owners test and only treat if necessary.

How can I help prevent parasite diseases in my yard?

As worms are spread via faeces, you must have the correct pasture and paddock management practices to minimise contact with eggs or infective larvae.

Every yard has its own needs, which will inform what you need to do to reduce the burden on your animals. However, in general, experts recommend that you:

  1. Remove faeces regularly to prevent larvae from developing;
  2. Ensure you rotate pastures, allowing them to be free of horses for several months each year;
  3. Enforce good quarantine and testing protocols when receiving new animals and maintain an acceptable density of horses per paddock;
  4. Speak to your vet about the special needs of gestating mares and foals, as they are at a higher risk for parasite complications.

If you’re struggling with worm control or are concerned with your animals’ health, don’t hesitate to contact your vet!

They can help you determine what might be wrong and find the best way to tackle the problem effectively.

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

Equine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Can my cat have breast cancer?

Did you know that feline mammary cancer is one of the most common cancers in cats over the age of 10? Mammary tumours are common in domestic cats, and most of them are malignant, meaning they can grow and spread to other organs like the lungs, liver or kidneys.

Unfortunately, most of these will be fatal without treatment, so keeping a close eye on your cat is essential! The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of him or her being treated without more significant consequences.

Learn more about this common type of cancer below and help your pets live long happy lives!

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant form of a mammary tumour, and it arises from an out-of-control proliferation of the cells of normal tissues of the mammary gland. As these cells multiply and change, the body cannot stop this process, which means they will invade the space around them and do the same in distant organs like the lymph nodes, lungs, liver or kidneys.

In cats, most of these cancers affect females, and as we mentioned, the vast majority of these tumours are serious problems that can be deadly if not caught in time.

One of the first signs is usually a small, non-painful lump near the mammary glands on the skin of your cat’s abdomen, and it may progress to:

  • Less energy;
  • Less appetite;
  • Losing weight without any other reason;
  • The lump getting bigger and spreading;
  • Other nodes appearing nearby on the mammary glands;
  • Painful skin ulcers if the mass (or masses) is/are big enough.

Male cats can also have breast cancer, so if you spot a lump on your cat (regardless of gender), have a chat with your vet without delay!

Can my cat’s mammary tumour be treated?

When your vet finds something that is concerning, he or she will collect the needed samples and ask for other exams such as blood exams, X-rays, a CT scan or abdominal ultrasound in order to diagnose the type of cancer and its stage of development.

As soon as cancer is confirmed, your vet is likely to suggest surgery to remove the tumour and, depending on the severity of the problem and the likelihood the cancer has spread to other places, chemotherapy.

How this disease will progress depends on how early it is detected and it carries the best prognosis if the lump is less than 2cm and has not invaded any other places like the lymph nodes or blood vessels.

If caught in time, your cat will most likely have a good chance of survival with treatment!

How can I help prevent this disease?

While we still don’t know exactly what causes mammary tumours in cats, we do know that unneutered females are more likely to have these types of cancer due to the hormonal environment in their bodies.

To help reduce the chances of breast cancer, vets recommend that you neuter your cat before her first heat cycle in order to remove the chances of hormones causing the development of tumours.

In addition to this, keep an eye on your cat’s mammary glands and feel the area regularly. If you spot anything that feels unusual, like a lump or a skin ulcer, don’t delay – talk to your vet as soon as possible!

 

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

Feline courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Separation anxiety in dogs

Back-to-school blues are not just for people! Did you know that dogs can also feel sad when their owners are no longer in the house?

While many dogs might feel a bit gloomy about having the house all to themselves, some pets will feel it especially acutely, which can tip into significant separation anxiety. Dogs suffering from this might exhibit unwanted behaviours due to distress, which can be challenging to resolve.

Keep reading to know all about separation anxiety and what you can do to help your dog through this difficult time.

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

This common behavioural problem happens when your dog experiences significant anxiety when he or she realises you are about to be separated, for instance, when you or your family leave for work or school.

While many furry friends experience some form of displeasure at seeing you leave, what makes separation anxiety different is the intensity of these feelings of stress.

For pets that are sensitive to anxiety, it can be quite intense and cause a lot of distress, leading to unwanted behaviours when this is triggered. You might start seeing:

  • Excessive barking or howling;
  • Incessant pacing or trembling;
  • Drooling and panting;
  • Toileting in the house;
  • Destructive behaviour such as chewing on furniture or other non-toy objects;
  • Attempting to escape the house to try and find you!

If not handled properly, these behaviours can escalate into intense stress that causes a serious dip in his or her quality of life as well as self-harm, for instance, broken teeth or paw injuries.

What can I do to help?

Like many other behavioural issues, it’s vital that you are very patient with your dog and that you know that it might take some time to help him or her feel more at ease with your absences. While it may be difficult to handle, particularly if your dog suffers from severe separation anxiety, do not yell or punish them for the way they are acting.

For mild cases, you might have a lot of success by keeping routines as stable as possible all year, not making a fuss as you are leaving the house, tiring out your furry friend before leaving, finding nice toys that will entertain him or her during the time you are out so he or she won’t miss you as much. You will have to be consistent with this and patient, but with time and care, your dog will probably feel much better!

For owners that are struggling with a severe case and whose dog is at risk of self-harm or extreme distress, it’s best to consult their vet and probably be referred to a clinical animal behaviourist to help him or her overcome this type of stress.

 

In summary:

  • Some pets might be suffering from a high level of stress when they think you are about to leave;
  • Separation anxiety can manifest as excessive barking, destructive behaviours, attempting to flee or even self-harm!
  • To help your pet, you can try to modify your leaving routines and ensure he or she has enough toys and entertainment to spend the day alone;
  • For tough cases or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.

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