Equine Influenza – Is your horse vaccinated?

August 8, 2019 petprofessionals

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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Travelling abroad? Find out about canine leishmaniasis

July 23, 2019 petprofessionals

If you’re travelling abroad with your dogs this summer, you will hopefully already have understood the latest requirements.

As the UK is still a part of the European Union, dogs can travel under the Pet Travel Scheme, which means as long as their microchip, parasite treatments, vaccinations and pet passport are up to date, you’ll be able to take them with you to visit other European countries.

However, travelling arrangements are likely to change after Brexit, so make sure you consult the government website before planning a future trip with your four-legged friend:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit

Besides the compulsory requirements you’ll need to comply with before you can enjoy your well-deserved break, you should be aware that there are diseases that your dog can encounter abroad that don’t naturally occur in the UK.

Have you ever heard of leishmaniasis?

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a single-cell parasite that is transmitted through sandfly bites. This parasite can affect not only dogs but also humans, even though transmission does not occur directly from dogs to humans and vice versa.

Fortunately, the sandflies that carry the parasite are not currently found in the UK, as they usually need warmer conditions to thrive. However, they are common in southern European countries, which are commonly chosen as holiday destinations.

Once a dog is infected, their immune response will dictate the severity of clinical signs as well as how long it will take for the disease to develop, which can take months or even years.

At first, you may notice fever, lack of appetite, weight loss, other gastrointestinal signs, skin lesions and enlarged lymph nodes.

With time, your dog’s health will progressively deteriorate, and he or she is likely to suffer from multi-organ failure.

As there’s no cure for leishmaniasis, once they are infected, dogs will need lifelong monitoring and treatment.

The good news is that you can protect your dogs against this life-threatening illness! Talk to your vet so he or she can advise you correctly!

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Summer’s here – Keep your cats protected!

July 10, 2019 petprofessionals

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

June 21, 2019 petprofessionals

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.

Cats, The Pet Professionals

‘Feline’ itchy?

May 31, 2019 petprofessionals

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.

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Outdoor adventures with your furry friend

May 15, 2019 petprofessionals

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

April 23, 2019 petprofessionals

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.

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Trouble in the litterbox

April 2, 2019 petprofessionals

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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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Intervertebral Disc Disease – A short dog problem?

March 18, 2019 petprofessionals

Intervertebral discs are tiny, cushion-like structures located between the vertebrae that connect the the vertebrae bones to each other to form the vertebral column, also functioning as a shock absorber and allowing movement of the spine.

Sometimes, these discs can suffer alterations and become herniated which means they move from their natural place between the vertebrae into the spinal canal, causing compression on the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is a very important part of the central nervous system that receives sensory information from the limbs and internal organs and takes it to the brain for processing. The brain can then send a response back through the spinal cord as a functioning command, such as moving a leg, for example.

When there is sufficient compression in the spinal cord, this information pathway becomes interrupted, which will result in different clinical signs according to where it happens.

Signs can range from mild pain with your dogs keeping their head low and being reluctant to move or being sensitive when touched; to severe pain, with them displaying an arched back, crying when touched or while moving, trembling, having difficulty walking or even being unable to stand or move (partial or complete paralysis).

This condition can affect all dogs, and it is usually an age-related problem as it is caused by disc degeneration over time. However, chondrodystrophic breeds – short dogs – such as Dachsunds, Shih-Tzus, and Beagles, for example, are more at risk of developing intervertebral disc disease, and can even show signs as young adults. This is because chondrodystrophy, a trait that is characterised by shorter long bone length as a consequence of early changes in the structure of growing bones, is also associated with an abnormal process that causes premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs.

So, if you have a shortie and notice that he or she is having difficulty walking or showing signs of discomfort when moving around, don’t hesitate to contact your regular vet.

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Preventing obesity in horses: weight monitoring

February 26, 2019 petprofessionals

People’s lifestyle and eating habits have dramatically changed over the years, and so have their pets’. As a result, excess weight and obesity have become a growing concern in human and veterinary medicine, as these have been proven to be associated with a number of diseases in all species. Overweight horses, in particular, are at higher risk of suffering from:
• Equine Metabolic Syndrome,
• Diabetes,
• Laminitis,
• Arthritis,
• Heart disease,
• Respiratory problems.
All these conditions can have a serious impact on horses’ welfare, health and, consequently, their lifespan, so it’s our job as responsible owners to make sure they do not have to suffer from problems associated with excess weight.
Trying to fight this alarmingly growing trend, and as obesity is a preventable disease, the BEVA is raising awareness of the importance of weight monitoring and of the fact that the perception of a normal horses’ weight has changed, with people not being able to recognise when a horse is overweight anymore.

But how can monitoring your horses’ weight help prevent obesity?
If your horses are at a healthy weight, monitoring will be a valuable tool to detect unwanted variations early on. As a result, you can adapt their management regime, preventing a little weight gain from becoming a bigger problem, which will also be more difficult to correct.
If your horses are already overweight, this is something that you need to address as soon as possible, and monitoring their weight is essential to keep track of their weight loss progress.

So, how can you do this?
When we say to monitor your horses’ weight, we understand that most horse owners will not have access to weighbridges to actually weigh their horses. However, there are simple methods you can use to estimate their weight (such as using a weigh-tape or calculating it through a formula) and, even better, to assess their body condition.
Assessing your horses’ body condition, also known as body scoring, consists of running your hands over your horses’ body, feeling for certain skeletal landmarks, like the ribs or the backbone, and for the fat cover. The body scoring system is divided into five scores, where a score of 3 is ideal, a score of 1 is emaciated and a score of 5 is obese.
Compared to weight measurements (however accurate they may be), by using the body scoring system, you’ll have the additional information of knowing if the weight is right for your horse instead of just having a number.

Here are some tips to help you start:
• Monitor regularly – create the habit of actively monitoring your horses’ weight and body condition at weekly, fortnightly, or monthly intervals;
• Be consistent – always use the same method and tools to avoid errors;
• Keep records – this will be the easiest way to track trends and make changes if needed;
• Take pictures – you won’t be able to notice subtle changes just by looking at your horses. However, comparing new pictures to old ones can be extremely helpful and encouraging if you’re on a weight loss journey;
• Seek professional help – if you are not sure how to start or if you are concerned about your horses’ weight don’t hesitate to talk to your vet.

There is a lot you can do to help fight the growing threat of obesity, and it is very important to acknowledge that this is a preventable disease.
It’s not always easy to find the right balance, but through proper nutrition, regular exercise and weight monitoring, you can help keep your horses fit and healthy.

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