Cats

How to make your cat’s trip to the vet less stressful

Cats 19 - How to make your cat s trip to the vet less stressful
For many cats the trip to vet is not a pleasant experience and it is not hard to understand why. From the cat’s point of view, going to the vet usually means going for a car trip inside a cat carrier, to an unknown environment filled with potential threats such as unfamiliar humans, cats and dogs, only to be handled by a stranger and possibly go through even more unpleasant experiences such as taking pills or being vaccinated.

Many cats are not comfortable with the whole process but with a little help from their owners the trip to the vet doesn’t have to be so difficult for them.

A good starting point is to help your cat or cats get used to and even enjoy spending time in their carrier. Leave your carrier out, open it and place comfortable bedding inside to invite your cat to go in and take a few naps there on its own. You can also leave a piece of clothing from someone who is familiar to him or her inside the carrier, leave a couple of treats or toys around, spread some catnip and you can also spray synthetic cat hormones to encourage your cat to feel secure and comfortable inside it. Don’t forget to give your cat a few cuddles when he or she is inside the carrier to reinforce and praise this positive behaviour.

When cuddling your cat at home touch your cat’s face, ears, feet and lift its lip to have a look at their teeth so all this will be familiar to them when they need to be examined by a vet.

You can also take your cat for short car rides every now and then so he or she can get used to the experience and use a towel to cover the carrier to reduce motion sickness. If your cat tends to feel sick with car trips try not to feed it for a few hours before going for a car ride. You can also mention this to your vet since there are medications that can help your cat with motion sickness. Catnip and synthetic cat hormones are also great options to make the car trip more appealing. Always carry your cat’s carrier gently and reward your feline companion with attention and treats after each successful car trip.

This issue is taken very seriously by veterinary practices and nowadays most practices do their best to ensure vet trips are more positive experiences for their feline patients. Many practices have separate wards for cats, separate consulting rooms and even separate receptions areas for cats with pheromone diffusers to make the environment more welcoming.

It can also be helpful to wash your cat carrier after a visit to the vet to remove any smells that might upset your cat.

The sooner you start getting your cat used to these procedures the better. Kittens are a lot more open to new experiences so ideally owners should start getting cats used to their carrier, to car trips and to trips to the vet as early as possible.

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Dogs

Canine Babesiosis diagnosed in the UK for the first time

Dogs 43 - Canine Babesiosis diagnosed in the UK for the first time
Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease that can be fatal for dogs, has been recently diagnosed in Essex. Two of the infected dogs did not survive and three other dogs needed intensive support treatment and blood transfusions.

It’s the first time this disease has been diagnosed in the UK and the affected dogs have not travelled outside England. New outbreaks are to be expected from now on since each female tick can produce up to 1000 eggs and it is likely for the disease to spread. The situation is causing a wave of concern all across the UK.

Babesiosis is caused by single-celled protozoan parasites that are transmitted by ticks. They can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and biting although it is less common. Dogs of any age or breed can be affected. These parasites can be found inside our pet’s red blood cells and cause the immune system to destroy its own red blood cells, leading to a severe anaemia.

Affected dogs can show a wide range of clinical signs and the disease can go from mild to acute with some dogs deteriorating quickly. Clinical signs include lack of energy, lack of appetite, weight loss, fever, pale gums, red or brown urine, an enlarged abdomen and yellow or orange skin (jaundice).

The best way to avoid this disease from spreading and to protect your pet is to keep your dog’s tick control treatment up-to-date and make sure you are using products that are effective against ticks. Consult with your vet so he or she can recommend an adequate product to protect your dog.

It’s unlikely for a tick to transmit diseases if it has been attached for less than 24 hours. For this reason it might be worth checking your pet for ticks after walks and remove them as soon as possible. Ticks can attach anywhere on the dog’s skin but they tend to be found on their face, on their tummy and on their feet.

When you come home from walks smooth your dog’s fur all over, go through your dog’s hair brushing it back and look for ticks. If you find any, use gloves and please remember to use a tick hook to make sure the whole tick is removed and that there is no head or any mouth parts left behind. To avoid the possibility of any removed ticks to re-attach themselves to other dogs or laying eggs, ensure they are safely disposed of. You can flush them down the lavatory with hot water for example.

A good outcome is more likely to occur if treatment is started in the early stages of the disease, so if your pet is showing any of the signs mentioned earlier do not hesitate and bring him or her to the vet!

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Cats

How can you encourage your cat to drink more water?

Cats-18---How-can-you-encourage-your-cat-to-drink-more-water

 Cats require plenty of fresh, clean water, especially the ones with certain health problems, like kidney disease and urinary tract disease, who need to drink more water than the average cat. There are many cats who don’t drink as much as they should so here are some tips on how to encourage your cat to drink more water.

  • Place water bowls throughout the house
    Keep clean water bowls in multiple spots around the house so that your cat doesn’t need to go far to find one. Place them especially in places your cat likes to spend time and in quiet locations but away from his or her litter box. This will encourage your cat to explore and remind him or her to drink water. Make sure the water is changed at least once a day.
  • Test different bowls
    You can keep several bowls out at all times and see which one drains the fastest. Find bowls of different types and materials and test a few out. In general cats prefer glass, metal and ceramic dishes to plastic ones.
  • Try running water
    Many cats would rather drink from a leaky faucet than an open bowl. Your cat may be excited and curious by the movement, making him or her want to drink. If you notice this behaviour, try running the faucet a few times a day. Make it your morning and evening routine, for example, so your cat knows when to expect it. You can also use drinking fountains. Your cat may love to stare at, play with, and drink from the fountain. Keep fountains and regular water bowls available allowing your cat to decide which one he or she prefers.
  • Consider feeding your cat wet food
    Wet food contains more moisture than dry cat food, so this is a good way of introducing more water into your cat’s diet. However, you can only make this change if your cat likes this kind of food and remember to talk to your vet about any diet changes.
  • Add flavour to your cat’s water
    Try adding a little water from a can of water-packed tuna, from wet cat food or adding chicken broth to your cat’s bowl of water. This extra flavour may induce some cats to drink. You can also crush up catnip in the water bowl. Let your cat see you crush it so he or she knows it’s there.
  • Add ice cubes to the water bowl
    Putting ice cubes in your cat’s water bowl can make the water more interesting. Some cats prefer cold water and the ice cubes also give him or her something to play with. You may also use flavoured ice cubes. You can freeze broth, water from boiling meat or clam juice into ice cubes and then place them in the water bowl. The ice will not only keep the water cold longer, but can also add a tasty flavour.
  • Offer bottled water
    Try giving your cat bottled water and see if he or she prefers that to the water of the tap.

Be persistent and gradual in making these changes. Helping your cat increase his water intake can be very beneficial for a cat’s health!

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Cats, Dogs

Seizures (fits) in pets

Dogs-42---Seizures-(fits)-in-pets´
Seizures in pets can range from mild to severe or violent and watching a beloved pet have a seizure can be very hard for a pet owner. Pets having fits can display muscle spasms or tremors, involuntary repetitive movements (shaking for example), vocalisation, excessive salivation, hallucinations, loss of bowel or urinary control and even loss of consciousness. These signs are the result of uncontrolled electrical activity in their brain.

Seizures are the most common neurological disease in dogs and cats and they can either have an identifiable cause or if one cannot be identified, pets are presumed to have primary or idiopathic epilepsy.

There is no cure for epileptic seizures but the condition can be managed and the number of seizures can be greatly reduced through medication. In general pets suffering from epileptic seizures have a good prognosis and can lead a normal life.

It’s very important for owners to be aware that when a pet is having a seizure he or she is mostly unware of what is happening and is not in any pain. Owners should also keep in mind that pets are not in control of their movement during a seizure which means they can bite. They are also very disoriented and un-coordinated afterwards.

We know it can be very difficult not to feel stressed on such occasion but if you do find your pet having a seizure do your best to remain calm so you can take the necessary steps that will help your pet.

Our pets’ bodies produce a lot of heat when they are having fits so please do not cover them with a towel or a blanket. Turn off the lights, close the curtains, turn off the radio or anything that might be noisy.

Register when it started, how severe it is and time the length of the seizure. If you realise there was any sort of trigger before the seizure or any unusual behaviour afterwards make note of that as well so you can share that information with your vet. If possible try to film what is happening with your phone.

Give your pet some space and some time to recover. We can understand that you will be eager to comfort your pet but do your best to wait until your pet has stopped actively seizing. The ideal time to cuddle is when he or she is less disoriented and comes to you for attention.

If your pet has a seizure for the first time please take your pet to the vet. Please remember that early treatment can provide a better long-term outcome. If it is not the first time follow your vet’s instructions. Contact your vet if your pet’s seizure lasts for more than two minutes, if your pet is showing recurrent twitching or if your pet has more than two seizures in a day.
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Horses

Why do horses buck?

Horse 34 - Why do horses buck
Although it can be very dangerous for riders, bucking is part of a horse’s natural behaviour and horses can do it for several reasons. Bucking is the word used to describe a horse’s kick with both hind legs at the same time.

The horse’s normal response to a threat is to flee or to fight if they are somehow unable to escape the situation. In the wild the best way to fight a potential predator is to kick it as hard as possible and the same applies when dealing with aggressive horses within their social group. Given the instinctive and defensive nature of this behaviour it is also not uncommon for horses to buck when they get scared, when they feel pain or when they are trying to get rid of an insect that is bothering them. Some horses are more prone to this behaviour that others.

Horses can also display this behaviour as a way to get rid of their excess energy, when they are feeling very excited, happy and playful. It is very likely for a horse to try to run, jump and buck if they have been kept in a stable for a long period of time.

On some occasions bucking can also be an acquired behaviour. Horses who are less motivated to work, who are feeling back pain or any sort of discomfort may buck more often in an attempt to simply remove the rider.

If you are struggling to deal with this behaviour make sure you check your horse’s tack and do not hesitate to seek veterinary advice to ensure that the problem is not just a behavioural issue. It is also worth reassessing your horse’s energy content of the feeding and exercise regime to better manage its energy. Increasing the horse’s amount of exercise or allowing for a horse to release some energy in a safe space before being ridden can help keep this behaviour under control.

Please keep in mind that a horse that started bucking due to pain may continue to buck in anticipation of feeling the same pain again even if the problem has been treated and the pain is gone. These cases require more patience and the horses will need to be encouraged to relax and to return to work gently and gradually.

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Cats

Over-grooming in cats

Cats 17 - Over-grooming in cats
Grooming is part of a cat’s natural behaviour and our feline companions often spend a lot of time doing it. Unfortunately there are circumstances where cats can groom themselves too much and that often indicates that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

When a cat is over-grooming it will frequently and obsessively lick, pluck or chew a given area in its body. Owners will usually notice areas with broken or with significant less hair in their coat or even with no hair at all. The most commonly affected areas are their belly, their legs, and the inside of their thighs or their back. Some cats can lick themselves to the point where they damage their own skin and bleed.

Excessive grooming in cats is usually associated with itching or pain. It’s not uncommon for cats suffering from allergy to flea bites or from lower urinary tract disease to display this behaviour. It can also be related to stress and anxiety, in which case it is called feline psychogenic alopecia.

When cats feel anxious they groom themselves because they find it relaxing and comforting. Usually they will groom more frequently when they are left alone and need more reassurance.

Cats thrive on routine and they can be very sensitive to any change in their environment. Changes in the household, new pets, new family members and even if they don’t get along with other cats that might also live in the same house could be a source of stress.

If you notice your cat is grooming excessively please seek veterinary assistance. Your vet will need to find what is causing the problem so he or she can recommend an adequate and effective treatment.

It is very important for the cause to be investigated in order to achieve a successful treatment so if your cat is over grooming do not hesitate to bring us your feline companion.

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Dogs

Labour Complications in Dogs

Dogs 40 - Labour Complications in Dogs

If your female dog is expecting puppies then this post is for you. It is important for you to be informed on how this process develops so you can intervene and help your pet if necessary.

Dystocia is a medical term referring to difficulty of giving birth and this can occur during any stage of labour. There are three stages of birth that owners should consider. The first stage is when the uterine contractions start and the water breaks. At this stage the female dog may be restless, nervous and occupied with nesting activity. The second one is when the puppies are pushed out by uterine contractions. The third and final one is the delivery of the foetal membranes.

Please pay attention to the following symptoms when taking care of your pregnant female dog:

  • More than 30 minutes of persistent strong abdominal contractions without expulsion of offspring
  • More than 4 hours from the onset of stage 2 to delivery of first offspring
  • More than 2 hours between delivery of offspring
  • Crying female, displaying signs of pain and constantly licking the vulvar area when contracting
  • Prolonged gestation – more than 72 days from the day of first mating; a dog’s gestation period usually lasts around 62 days
  • Presence of greenish black discharge preceding the birth of the first offspring by more than 2 hours
  • Presence of bloody discharge prior to delivery of first pup or between puppies.

There are many reasons why female dogs can have trouble giving birth. They could be related to the mother, related to the puppies or even related to both of them. The mother can have poor uterine contraction, ineffective abdominal pressure, a small pelvis, insufficient cervical dilation and lack of adequate lubrication. The puppies can have an abnormal presentation, position or posture and they can also be too big for the mother’s birth canal.

Brachycephalic and toy breeds, obesity, age and previous history of this condition are predisposing factors for dystocia.

Prompt identification and intervention when a dog is having trouble giving birth is key for the survival of the mother and her litter. It is very important to do a good follow-up of your dog’s pregnancy. In case of any doubt or if you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms please contact your vet.

Don’t forget to spoil and enjoy your furry new bundles of joy!

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Horses

Strangles in horses – Recent outbreaks in the Lamerton area!

Horse 33 - Strangles in horses

We would like to share with you some information about Strangles since there have been outbreaks of this disease in the Lamerton area recently. Strangles is a highly contagious, infectious disease of horses caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus equi.

This is a debilitating disease that causes depression, fever, loss of appetite, cough, thick creamy nasal discharge, and swelling of the lymph nodes in their jaw or throat areas. As time goes by abscesses can develop on their lymph nodes and these abscesses often burst discharging a thick creamy-yellow pus. The pus is extremely infectious. The disease is called Strangles because the glands can increase in size and can restrict the horse’s airways.

Strangles can be life-threatening although it is a rare occurrence. In these cases, the bacteria spreads through the bloodstream and abscesses can develop in other organs. It can also lead to small areas of bleeding and swelling in the limbs, eyes and gums due to fluid accumulation.

Strangles can affect horses of any age, sex or breed. However, young, older and debilitated horses are often most susceptible to an outbreak. The disease is spread by direct or indirect contact, usually by direct nose to nose contact of horses with nasal discharges or with material from burst abscesses. It can also be indirectly transmitted through handlers or objects such as feed buckets or grooming equipment.

Clinical signs can appear 2-21 days after the horse has been infected. A small number of infected horses (about 10%) can become carriers, which means they can spread this disease while appearing healthy. If left untreated, carriers can cause new outbreaks. This is likely to happen when their immune system becomes debilitated for some reason, if they become stressed about moving to a new yard for example.

If you suspect your horse may be suffering from this disease do not hesitate to contact your vet. If you strongly suspect there is an outbreak or if this is confirmed please make sure you keep your horses isolated as well as any horse that may have been in contact with them. Talk to your vet to help institute an isolation protocol for your horses. Inform everyone who comes in contact with them to insure none of the isolation measures are neglected. Most horses recover from this disease in a few weeks with adequate treatment and strict biosecurity measures.

In order to protect your horses against this and other diseases it is recommended to quarantine new horses for three weeks before allowing them to come into contact with your other resident horses. You can also talk to your vet about what routine tests should be performed before bringing in a new horse into your yard.

It is really worth having a look at the ´HBLB Strangles guidelines in the Codes of Practice` and the ´Strategy To Eradicate and Prevent Strangles` documents available at the HBLB website so you can be informed and have a biosecurity management plan ready, if you ever have to deal with an outbreak.

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Dogs

Alabama Rot Disease

Dogs 41 - Alabama Rot Disease

Alabama Rot Disease, scientifically known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, was first identified in the USA in the 1980s, affecting almost exclusively greyhounds. In the UK, the first reported cases were from the New Forest Area but more recently new cases of this disease have been described throughout the UK. The cause of Alabama Rot Disease is still unknown and it’s currently under investigation.

Affected dogs start by showing skin lesions, sores, wounds, and blisters, especially on their face or limbs. Over the next 2 to 7 days, they can develop acute kidney failure which can lead to death. At this stage the dog may be vomiting and lethargic.

Considering the cases that have been reported so far, it doesn’t seem to exist any breed, body weight, sex or age predisposition for this disease.

Through clinical signs, history and blood test results, vets can suspect a dog is suffering from Alabama Rot Disease, but unfortunately a definitive diagnosis can only be made through pathology results obtained from an animal that has passed.

Although scary and serious, this disease is not common and chances of a full recovery increase if a dog is treated early. The number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure remains low (56 confirmed cases across the UK between November 2012 and May 2015). Most of the times a skin problem will not be caused by Alabama Rot Disease and even if the skin changes are caused by it, many dogs will not develop kidney problems and will have a full recovery.

Since the cause is still unknown there aren’t any preventive measures we can recommend. If your dog has blisters or ulcers anywhere in his or her body bring him or her to the vet. Please remember that dogs treated in the early stages of this disease are more likely to have a better prognosis!

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Cats

Overweight cats

Cats 16 - Overweight cats

Cat obesity affects one out of three adult cats in the UK and it is very important for owners to be aware of this problem. It is recommended for pet owners to monitor their pets’ weight and body condition, so they can act and help their pets return to their normal weight, if necessary.

Being overweight can have a significant impact in your pet’s life. They will feel tired and breathless with only mild exercise and many cats will struggle with their daily grooming. Overweight pets are also at a greater risk of developing more serious health issues such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, lower urinary tract problems, constipation, respiratory problems, heart disease, heatstroke and even reproductive disorders.

The primary reason for a cat to gain weight and eventually become obese lies in the fact that they are consuming more energy than they are expending. There are several factors that contribute to this problem: age, level of activity, lifestyle (indoor or outdoor), neutering, and of course, their diet.

There is a lot you can do to help your feline friend become fit and healthy. Please remember that food is only part of the cause – your cats’ environment and lifestyle will also affect their weight. In particular, lack of exercise can pile on the pounds, so it’s a good idea to encourage your cat to stay active in order to burn off any excess energy.

Here is what we recommend:

  • Daily playtime to encourage exercise: many cats enjoy climbing, scratching towers and spending time chasing a ball or a ‘fishing’ toy; you can also put some of their food into a special feeding ball, which they’ll need to play with to release the food inside
  • Portion control: try not to overfeed your pet by following the guidelines on the food package
  • Seek veterinary assistance: your vet can help you start introducing some changes to your cat’s usual routine, as well as recommend a specific lower calorie diet that can help you manage your pet’s weight.
  • Treats: be responsible with the amount of treats you feed your pet with; choose healthy treats

It is very important for your cat’s weight loss to be slow and steady, as a rapid weight loss is dangerous and can also lead to serious health problems. Follow your vet’s advice and remember that the treatment for obesity is focused on weight loss and on maintaining a healthy weight in the long term.

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