Category Archives: The Pet Professionals

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Equine Metabolic Syndrome – Keep an eye on your pony’s neck!

 

Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a major metabolic disorder in horses, and it is characterised by the deregulation of several metabolic processes, chiefly the proper use of insulin.  This situation might cause severe laminitis, and it is one of the main weight-related issues in horses.

Many owners are aware that EMS is frequently associated with overweight and obese animals, but did you know some horses of normal weight may also suffer from EMS?

The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a simple and easy method to look at your animal and rapidly be able to tell if they are over or underweight. It’s convenient to use by both vets and owners; however, studies show that owners tend to underestimate the BCS of their animals.

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-body-score-your-horse

Insulin is one of the most important hormones in an animal’s body system, regulating glucose content in the bloodstream and inside cells. When the use of insulin is disrupted during EMS, it predisposes the horse to changes in the structure of its hoof that might lead to laminitis and pain.

A recent study in ponies looked into the association between insulin deregulation and the thickness of neck fat. The Cresty Neck Score is an indirect way of measuring the amount of fat in the body and is especially important when animals do not have high BCS but might still be at risk of EMS.

Researchers have associated higher Cresty Neck Scores with increased odds of having insulin deregulation. While they do point out that further study is needed, they are confident that the thickness of neck fat is an important indicator during EMS diagnosis.

https://www.hygain.com.au/cresty-neck-scoring/

It’s important to remember that the sooner EMS is detected, the more chances you have of avoiding more severe issues down the line! It’s essential to keep an eye not just on your animal’s BSC but also on other signs that might indicate a problem.

If you have any concerns about your horse’s weight and nutrition, talk to your veterinarian!

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Pain in cats – How can I tell if my cat is in pain?

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that is common across species.

When we feel pain, we can easily tell where and how much it hurts, but it is not the same for our feline companions.

Cats are well known for their stoic nature and will go out of their way to make sure everything is normal. Even more so in cases of chronic pain as cats have had time to adapt their routines to minimise or avoid it.

It is thought that they do this as a way of not showing vulnerability, which, in the wild, would make them look as easy prey to predators.

 

However, cats have their own ways of showing us that they’re hurting, and cat owners can usually tell when something is not right with their feline friends. This is why it’s so important that you know your cats well, as when there are changes in their routines, favourite spots and activities, it might mean something is wrong.

 

For all these reasons, manifestations of pain in cats have been a topic of great interest among academics. Also, because being able to recognise when cats are in pain promptly will lead to earlier diagnosis and, in some cases, better outcome once treatment is started.

As a result, several signs have been identified that might denote that your cat is suffering, such as:

  • Abnormal gait or lameness
  • Reluctance or difficulty in moving or jumping
  • Overall activity decrease and increased time spent sleeping
  • Excessive vocalisations, hissing or growling
  • Difficulties urinating or altered toileting habits
  • Inappropriate elimination
  • Reduced grooming
  • Frequent licking a particular body region
  • Decreased appetite
  • Withdrawing or hiding
  • Less interaction toward people, other pets and toys
  • Altered body posture – hunched-up position, lowered head, lowered ears, tail flicking
  • Squinted or closed eyes, avoidance of bright areas
  • Reaction to touch

 

Recognising these signs can be instrumental in getting your cats the help they need. However, they’re not specific for the problem itself, as a number of conditions can cause pain. These can range from localised trauma, such as someone accidentally stepping on their cats’ toes, to more complicated problems such as arthritis or cancer. So, to find out what’s wrong, you’ll need to take your cat to the vet so he or she can run some tests an get to a diagnosis.

 

Keep in mind that any condition that causes pain will decrease your cat’s wellbeing, health and quality of life, so it should be addressed as soon as possible. If it were you, you wouldn’t want to keep suffering in silence!

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Getting back on track after the holidays

Now that the holiday fun is over, it’s time to get back on track. School is about to start, we are hopefully enthusiastic to get back to work, and it’s easy to forget our pets that will be left behind when the children and adults leave the house empty once again.

If you are starting to notice your pet is sleeping more, eating less and if you feel that they are not as bright and enthusiastic as usual, here are some tips to help you promote a smooth transition back to everyday routines.

#1: Preparation
If you have a puppy or a new dog, it’s important to start getting him or her used to being alone for certain periods of time early on. This involves training your dog to be comfortable and relaxed in your absence, which might take some time and patience, but will prevent the development of behavioural issues such as separation anxiety in the future.

This may mean only leaving your dog for short periods of time in the beginning. For future holidays remember to try and keep their routine as normal as possible.

 
#2: Physical stimulation – wear them out!
Take advantage of the late summer days that we have left and take your dog out for a long walk once you get home. Find a nice, safe spot and let them off the lead to spend all the energy that has built up during the day!

#3: Mental stimulation – keep things interesting at home
There are a lot of options to keep your dog entertained in your absence from providing chew toys, which will help keep them relaxed, to food puzzles, which offer a challenging way for your dogs to eat their meals! There will always be a favourite, but providing a variety of toys and rotating them is a great way to keep things fun.
Providing some background noise, such as leaving the radio or TV on low volume, can be appreciated as dogs might perceive it as some kind of ‘company’.
Once you get home, even if you’re tired and still have a lot of house chores to do, make sure you reserve some time to play with your dog. Hiding treats, playing fetch or a good game of tug of war are some extremely engaging options, and you can also try to teach your dog a new trick! This will not only provide mental stimulation but will also strengthen the bond between you.

Keep in mind that when dogs are bored they might direct their attention to things that they shouldn’t such as chewing furniture or showing other types of inappropriate behaviours. This is why it’s so important to make sure you keep them mentally and physically active, as well as providing them with some quality time for interaction.

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Equine Influenza – Is your horse vaccinated?

Given the recent outbreaks that have been reported throughout the UK and Europe, we feel like this is a good time to talk about equine influenza.

This disease, also known as equine flu, is highly contagious and affects horses’ respiratory tract. Most cases will show signs of lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, nasal discharge and coughing. However, more severely affected horses can develop pneumonia and other respiratory issues, which in debilitated horses can be fatal.

Besides its highly contagious nature, one other reason that allows the virus to spread so quickly among horses is that this disease has an incubation period up to five days long. This means that your horse may already be infected even though he or she is not showing clinical signs of disease.

Fortunately, there are vaccines available to keep your horses protected against influenza. Different vaccines will protect against different strains of the virus, and you should ask your veterinarian for advice regarding which one is the right option for your horse.

According to the British Horse Society, “estimates suggest that less than 40 percent of the equine population in the UK are vaccinated against influenza”.

This has implications not only for individual horses that become ill but also for the horse population in general as it can lead to the spread of a very infectious virus, which will continue to affect more and more horses.

If your horse hasn’t been vaccinated against equine flu or if you think its vaccination is not current, this is the perfect opportunity for you to give your vet a call. Keep in mind that by protecting your horse, you’ll be protecting all horses.

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Summer’s here – Keep your cats protected!

Now that summer is finally here and the weather is getting nice and warm, there are some extra precautions we need to take in order to make sure our friendly felines can enjoy it as much as we do.

If your cats are eager for a stroll outdoors, make sure their regular worming, flea and tick treatments are up to date as they’re bound to run into all sorts of parasites along the way!  Also, keep their vaccinations current to protect them against life-threatening diseases which are always present.

Most cats are very keen on having long, relaxing naps, and if they can do this while sunbathing at the same time, that would be their very definition of a ‘purrfect’ day!

However, just like for us, prolonged sun exposure can cause skin damage due to the ultraviolet radiation, that can result in redness, skin lesions and can also predispose our cats to a malignant type of cancer named cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

To protect your feline companions from sunburn and sun damage, you can limit their exposure to a period of the day when the sun is not as strong. You can also protect them by applying pet-safe sunscreen on the tip of their nose and ears, which are the most commonly affected areas, as they don’t have much fur covering them.

Prolonged sun exposure, especially in very hot days and in poorly ventilated areas, can also lead to heatstroke! Yes, cats can get heatstroke too and, just like in dogs, this can be fatal if their temperature is not quickly lowered to normal values. This is why it’s so important that you never leave your cat alone in the car, not even for a quick visit to the shop, and to check that your cat doesn’t become locked in confined, closed spaces, such as garden sheds.

And don’t forget hydration! During summer, water intake is usually higher to compensate for losses due to temperature regulation. You should always have multiple sources of clean, fresh water available, and keep in mind that some cats can have very peculiar preferences when it comes to drinking, from the material that the bowl is made of and whether the water is running or not!

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Keep your horses hydrated this summer

As the principal constituent of a horse’s body, accounting for 70% of its composition, water is a fundamental part of life, participating in every physiological process from temperature regulation to digestion.

This is why water consumption is so important and why we should keep an eye on our horses’ drinking behaviour, especially during summer, as temperature is one of the major factors that influence daily water requirements.

When the water intake does not meet the daily requirements or when there is excessive water loss due to sweating, excessive urination or diarrhoea, your horses can quickly become dehydrated which can have a serious impact on their vital functions.

Early signs of dehydration can be recognised as alterations in gum colour and saliva consistency, an elevated heart rate, decreased skin elasticity and dullness in the eyes. As dehydration becomes more severe, horses can become lethargic, and their metabolism compromised, leading to impaction colic and organ failure, both of which can be fatal.

 

Here are 3 essential pointers to help you keep your horses hydrated:

#1: Accessibility

Making sure your horses have access to multiple sources of clean, fresh water at all times should be your number one priority. As trivial as this may seem, simple issues like having some dirt in the trough or extremes of water temperature can decrease or even stop your horses’ water intake. Check their water sources frequently, keep them filled and clean and don’t be afraid to try different receptacles, sources and temperatures to find out your horses’ preferences.

 

#2: Diet

Keep in mind that water consumption will vary according to what your horses are eating. Good-quality pastures can offer up to 80% water moisture in the grass, which will make water intake drop, as opposed to hay, which is drier, and will likely lead to drinking more water.

 

#3: Salt (sodium chloride)

Salt, in conjunction with water, helps in many physiological processes that keep the body functioning. One of these processes is the thirst mechanism, and correct sodium balance is essential for it to work properly.

Some horses, especially the ones that exercise and sweat regularly, might benefit from having their diet supplemented with salt.

Before supplementing, you should consult with your veterinarian so he or she can make tailored recommendations according to your horses’ lifestyle, routines, environment, body condition and health.

Salt supplementation can be achieved with salt blocks, salt licks and by offering loose salt with daily concentrate. However, salt consumption through any of these methods can be variable due to inconsistent intake and palatability issues.

 

Keep in mind that there is a number of factors not mentioned here that also affect your horses’ water balance and that when one changes, the others can be affected as well.

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

‘Feline’ itchy?

Everybody has an itch to scratch every once in a while, and this includes our feline friends!

Now that the weather is getting warmer, you may notice them doing so more frequently as Spring is usually the time when parasites start to become a real annoyance. External parasites like fleas or ticks thrive when the temperature rises and they can cause significant discomfort and itchiness.

However, parasites are not the only cause of itchiness in cats, and even though they might be the first ones we think about this season, they may not be the ones to blame!

Allergies are fairly common around this time of the year as we can easily find our cats in contact with pollen, grass, and other seasonal allergens that may cause these conditions. If your cat suffers from allergies, you can notice signs ranging from skin irritation, itchiness, and discomfort to hair loss, skin lesions and infections secondary to excessive grooming and scratching.
The funny thing is, parasites and allergies can join forces and cause a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in which the allergen that causes cats to have a reaction is found in the fleas saliva. This means that your cats don’t need to have fleas to feel itchy, they just need to get bitten by a single one and, surprisingly enough, this happens more often than we might imagine!

There are also other conditions that can cause your cats to itch that are not seasonal such as food allergies, mite infestations, other insect bites, and skin infections, which are usually secondary to an underlying disease.

Also, there are some behaviours that we might associate with pruritus such as excessive grooming, for example, that can be a manifestation of pain or boredom.

As there are many causes for your cats to feel itchy if you notice they are scratching more than usual, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet. He or she can make sure your cats parasite treatment is up to date and evaluate if there’s an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.

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

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Outdoor adventures with your furry friend

Now that the weather is getting warmer, the days longer, and the spring flowers are starting to bloom, we look at our canine friends and can’t help the feeling of wanting to go on an outdoor adventure.
However, if you’re planning to take your 4-legged friend on a hike or a long walk by the beach, there are some things you should keep in mind so that everything goes smoothly.

Preparations…
First things first: make sure your dog’s identification details are up to date. This includes the microchip information but also ensuring that your dog wears a collar/harness with an identification tag. These are legal requirements and will be valuable tools in case your dog decides to go on an unsanctioned adventure of his own!
Also, it is a good idea to check if your dog’s worming, flea and tick treatments are up to date. Warmer weather means the parasites are booming, and they can easily bother your dog if he or she is not properly protected.

Getting there…
For walks that go beyond the neighbourhood park, you and your dog will probably have to go on a road trip to get to the desired location.
Safety first: do not let your pet ride loose in the car. There are plenty of options to keep your dog comfortable and safe, such as pet seat belts, carriers or travel cages, for example. Just make sure it is something appropriate to your dog’s size.
If your dog suffers from motion sickness, gradually getting him or her used to riding in the car by starting with short rides and progressively increasing their duration could be beneficial.
If you’re travelling a long distance, make sure to plan for regular stops so you can both stretch your legs, use the ‘loo’, and keep hydrated.
Never leave your dog unattended in the car! Even if the weather doesn’t seem that warm, the temperature inside a locked vehicle can increase dramatically in a short amount of time causing heatstroke, which can be fatal!

We’ve arrived! Can we have fun now?
Now that you’re in the big outdoors, you should be looking out for some possible dangers. Make sure to have a quick look around to identify anything that could become a problem, such as:

  • Grass seeds and foxtail – these plants can easily get stuck on your dog’s ears, face, pads or fur, and then make their way through the skin, causing irritation, inflammation and localised infections.
  • Sticks, stones, shells, and various other objects – if your dog has a curious nature, make sure there’s nothing dangerous around that he or she could put in his or her mouth and inadvertently swallow. Make sure you bring your own toys to play fetch and do not be tempted to throw sticks.
  • Insects – also, if you see any bees or wasps, it’s better to keep your distance. Do not let your dog chase them around as some dogs, just like people, can have allergic reactions to their stings. These can cause severe breathing difficulties that can be life-threatening.

Whenever possible, walk with your dog in the shade and make sure to bring plenty of fresh water. Do not let your dog drink from other water sources as stagnant water can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites, which can cause serious diseases such as Leptospirosis or lungworm or can cause your dog to be sick.

The more information you have on the place you’re visiting, the better prepared you can be for a safe, fun adventure so make sure to look ahead, plan in advance and enjoy!

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Spring considerations for horses


Now that the weather is starting to get warmer and the days are longer many horse owners will begin taking their horses out for much anticipated extended walks.

However, before you start spending more time in the saddle, and to assure a safe transition for your horses, here are some things you should keep in mind:

Turnout and workout
Horses usually spend most of the winter stabled, so make sure you gradually increase the time they spend outdoors. If you haven’t been able to exercise your horse as much as you’d have liked during the winter months, it’s essential that you start slowly to give your horse a chance to regain its physical condition without compromising health. This can be achieved by progressively increasing the duration and intensity of the workouts.

Nutrition
Again, it is essential to gradually reintroduce your horse to grazing, as early spring pasture has higher levels of most nutrients, including non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Ingesting large amounts of this fresh, green pasture can cause not only gastrointestinal problems but also metabolic issues such as laminitis and insulin imbalance.
As your horse increases its exercise level, it’s also important to make sure its energy requirements are met. As we’ve just mentioned, horses will start having fresh pasture in their diet, and both these factors need to be taken into consideration while adapting and adjusting your horses’ calorie intake and diet composition.

Health
Proper turnout and nutritional management, and monitoring your horses’ body condition are essential tools to help keep your horses healthy not only in spring but throughout the year. However, spring is known to be the ideal time for parasite proliferation, and horses can easily become infested while grazing, so you should consider consulting with your vet to make sure your horse is thoroughly protected.

These are some general recommendations that all horse owners can implement at home, and the most important message here is to take time and let your horses gradually get used to the spring environment. However, please keep in mind that every horse is unique and that turnout and nutritional management should be personalised to his or her particular needs.

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Trouble in the litterbox

Many people might not like thinking about what happens in the confines of their cats’ litterbox but knowing what goes on in there (unpleasant as this may be!) is crucial in the early detection of some important health problems.

There is a lot of valuable information that you can gather from just a cursory glance at faeces or by keeping track of how often your cat is peeing. So, what should you be on the lookout for?

The most dangerous situation is when there is an absence of any of these bodily functions, especially when your cat has stopped urinating altogether. There are two major causes for this: the kidneys have stopped working, or there is an obstruction at any point in the urinary system.

Both of these are severe medical issues that can be fatal if left untreated! If you notice that this has happened, take your cat to your vet as soon as possible.

Acute kidney failure can have many causes, for instance, ingestion of toxic substances, or it can arise as a complication of other diseases like chronic kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes. The sooner your vet can investigate the root cause as to why your cat’s kidneys are not working properly, the better his or her chances are of recovering.

Obstruction of the urinary system is perhaps the most frequent cause of complete lack of urine voiding and, like acute kidney failure, many conditions can lead to this situation. Urinary stones and Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease are two of the most common conditions that can lead to severe blockage and they need to be treated immediately to avoid complications like bladder rupture or kidney failure!

It’s also good to pay attention to what your cats do when they are in the litterbox. If they are visibly in pain when they pee, are anxious or in distress and cannot seem to pass urine even though they are trying, these are all signs that something might be wrong.

If you are worried that your cats might be suffering from urinary issues, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian!

 
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