Summer 2006

Hasn't it been a scorching summer so far? If only it could continue, with enough rain to stave off the hosepipe bans. Hot weather has been good for parasites, and flea and tick numbers are well up. Grass seeds are also proving a problem in ears and feet. We have had a couple of cases of heatstroke. Please remember that it is not just dogs in cars that are at risk. Overweight or older pets are very susceptible, and they need extra thought when it comes to exercise and housing.

You may have heard rumours that we are on the move. It is true that we are exploring the possibility of taking over the Charles Clore Day Therapy Unit on Newtown Road . It is quite close, and would afford much better parking and much larger premises, allowing us to give you the best service possible. Nothing is decided yet, but we promise to keep you updated.

See below for details of our latest charity venture. A team from the clinic is taking part in the Talybont Challenge.

One of this year's puppies seen at the clinic

Acupuncture

Sue Gorman has completed her initial training in acupuncture for animals, and has been employing the technique with great success in several of our patients.

	A dog receives acupuncture

Acupuncture is very helpful in the relief of pain, particularly longstanding pain which our pets put up with so well, but which does affect their lifestyles and their mental condition. Arthritis and back pain are two areas where acupuncture can be very helpful.

Believe it or not, dogs and even cats accept the needles with very little fuss or reaction. In fact they often seem quite relaxed as they have their treatment, even the boisterous ones.

If you would like to discuss this form of treatment, please contact Sue at the clinic, and she will be happy to talk to you about how acupuncture may help your pet.

Charity events 1: The Talybont Challenge

Around this time of year, clients often ask us what our latest charity venture will be. Well, following a successful though exhausting entry in the Coniston Challenge a few years ago, we will be sending a team of six to the Brecon Beacons to take part in the Talybont Challenge on September 23 rd .

The challenge involves canoeing a course on the Talybont reservoir, hiking up to Waun Rydd (2524 feet) and then a 17km off road cycle ride over the forested hills nearby. We will be going a bit further and higher than last time.

The event is in aid of the Guide Dogs. Last time we managed to raise over £3,000, so please help us to reach a similar target this year. There are sponsorship forms in the practice, or you can donate online : www.justgiving.com/falklandvets

Our team from the Coniston Challenge

Charity events 2: The Doggy Paddle

Millie and Bill paddle past Warwick castle

We have already been active in raising money this year. You sponsored Carl Gorman for over £200 when he completed the Doggy Paddle - a 19 mile canoe trip from Royal Leamington Spa to Stratford-upon-Avon . This was also in aid of the Guide Dogs, and Carl was accompanied by Bill Woodhart and Millie the terrier.

Lyme Disease

A female tick with a male attached

We live in an area where ticks are a common problem. Spring and September are the two times of year when there are peaks of tick activity, but with recent milder winters there have been ticks found on pets in every month of the year.

Ticks are not just a nuisance. They can also transmit serious diseases. In Europe there are several exotic diseases such as babesiosis and ehrlichiosis which are transmitted by ticks. This is the reason that proof of an effective tick treatment 24 to 48 hours before returning to the UK is a vital part of the Pet Travel Scheme.

In the UK , the most common serious tick borne disease is Lyme disease. This is a familiar name to many per owners, but what is the disease?

The name Lyme disease stems from the town of Lyme , Connecticut where it was first described in people, then dogs, in the 1970s and 1980s respectively.

	Lifestages of the tick

The disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transferred by ticks when the feed. Dee r and rodents act as hosts to the organism. Although people are susceptible to the disease, they can only contract it through a tick bite, and not directly from an infected animal.

Symptoms are a fever, lameness, painful joints, being 'off colour' and a reduced appetite. In humans a tick bite which transfers the infection may cause a rash at the site of the bite. If untreated, the infection can cause long term problems in the joints and internal organs. Luckily, the bacteria responds well to antibiotics. Normal ly pain killers are given as well to keep the dog comfortable. Treatment may need to last several weeks.

Prevention is the best approach, so:

• Use an effective preparation to kill ticks. We can advice on suitable products.

• Remove ticks when you see them. Even if you use a recommended product, you may find ticks occasionally. The best method of removing a tick is to use an O'Tom tick hook, available from the clinic.

Pet Travel

We have helped a large number of our patients to obtain their 'pet passports' which allow travel back and forward to most European countries, and a few further flung destinations such as the USA .

Although the focus of the scheme is to avoid pets bringing rabies back to this country, there are a number of exotic diseases which can be passed on by ticks, mosquitoes and sand flies. Examples are Leishmaniasis, Babesiosis and heartworm, cases of which are now seen regularly in the UK . More worryingly, there was a case of babesiosis contracted this spring by a dog in Kent which had not travelled outside Great Britain . Warming of the climate means that insect vectors of the diseases, such as sand flies, might be able to live over here.

We have a fact sheet designed to help you plan for your pet's health when travelling. It is not sufficient to use the normal wormers and flea prevention which we are so familiar with, but there are products which will be highly effective if used as advised.

Pet Smile Month

September 2006 is Pet Smile month. The vets and nurses will provide free dental check ups for your pets. Dogs and cats are welcome, but don't forget rabbits and guinea pigs. There will be a number of goody bags with dental related products to be picked up as well.

Dental disease is the commonest health problem that we see. Owners are often unaware of the state or their pets' mouths because it can be difficult to get a good look in there. Bad dental disease will give clear signs - bad brea th, poor appetite or discomfort when eating, blood from gums, heavy brown tartar on teeth and loss of teeth. We really shouldn't allow our pets' mouths to get this bad before treatment is sought. We will show you what to look for, and tell you if action is needed.

Have a look at the Pet Smile website for more information: www.petsmile.org

	Periodontal disease		Teeth after a descale and polish

Most of the puppies and dogs we see are keen to have their treats, but cats can be just as eager.

This young kitten couldn't wait to get it's paws on some Thrive dried fish treats. If you haven't tried them yet, pick some up and see just how tasty they are.

Diabetes - could your pet be at risk?

Is your dog or cat excessively thirsty or do they need to urinate more than normal? Is your pet increasingly lethargic or losing weight, despite a healthy appetite? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then it may be suffering from diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes.

It is estimated that approximately one in 500 dogs and cats in the UK develop diabetes, which is caused by either the pet's pancreas producing insufficient amounts of the body's naturally occurring hormone, insulin, or the failure of its body cells to respond to insulin. This in turn means that glucose from food doesn't provide enough energy to the pet's body.

Middle aged to older dogs are more prone to developing the condition and un-spayed bitches are most commonly affected, however certain dog breeds such as Labradors , Springer Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Old English Sheepdogs are at an increased risk.

In cats, all ages and sexes can be affected, however older cats are particularly susceptible and it has been reported that diabetes is particularly prevalent in the Burmese breed.

If your pet does have diabetes then help is at hand. As well as a consistent and carefully controlled diet, regular injections of insulin, (such as Caninsulin ® ), should be administered (once or twice daily in dogs and twice daily in cats) to help control the condition. In cats up to a third of diabetic cases treated with Caninsulin go into remission and may therefore come off treatment altogether. Although this is unusual in dogs, a good quality of life can be restored for the majority of diabetic pets given insulin treatment and appropriate care.

For further information on diabetes, simply phone the practice to book a pet health check or visit www.diabeticpets.co.uk .