Newsletter Autumn 2004 |
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Arthritis: new life for affected pets
 MANY
OF our pets lead very active lives in their early years and thankfully
take normal joint function for granted. However arthritis (or degenerative
joint disease) is a relatively common problem in older pets. In the
majority of cases, arthritis occurs secondary to a lifetime of wear
and tear. It may also occur as a result of trauma to a joint, or due
to a malformation of the joint (for example hip dysplasia).
The signs of arthritic change are usually fairly obvious - difficulty in getting to their feet after rest, (and for dogs) problems getting in and out of cars, and possibly a reluctance to go on walks. Affected joints usually appear stiff, swollen and painful. Arthritis is characterised by a breakdown of the articular cartilage lining the ends of the bones in the joint and formation of secondary new bone around the joint. On an x-ray the new bone can often be clearly seen (see right). Although arthritis cannot usually be cured, new forms of medication, together with exercise and weight control, can make a huge difference to the lives of affected pets. |
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Planning a trip for 2005? Start now! Since March 2000, dogs and cats fulfilling the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme can travel to most European countries and some long haul destinations, and return to the U.K. without having to spend six months in quarantine. In order to qualify for the scheme, your pet must be permanently identified with a microchip and be vaccinated against rabies. However you need to allow at least 7 months from the date of your pet's initial rabies vaccination before he or she can re-enter the U.K. under the scheme - hence you need to start now! Please contact us for further information! |
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Ouch! - Does my rabbit have tooth ache?DID YOU know that unlike dogs and cats, rabbits have continuously growing teeth - growing at a rate of 1-2 mm per week! Dental disease is one of the commonest health problems seen in pet rabbits and usually occurs secondary to tooth overgrowth. For simplicity rabbit teeth may be divided into the front teeth (incisors), and the cheek teeth - which are hidden from view. The incisor teeth should meet, thereby ensuring that as your rabbit chews, they will wear down. If they become misaligned, they will continue to grow - often with quite dramatic results (see below) leading to marked feeding difficulties as the teeth overgrow. Rabbits can also develop a variety of cheek teeth problems associated with continued tooth growth. Signs commonly include "slobbers" with saliva wetting around the mouth, a decreased appetite and often marked weight loss. If you are at all worried about your rabbit's teeth, we would be pleased to check them for you and also advise you on the best form of diet to try and prevent problems occurring. Pet Insurance - is your pet covered?IT IS a salutary fact that in an average year, one pet in three will require veterinary treatment for accidents or illness. However as treatments become more complex and sophisticated, costs inevitably rise and can - on occasions - become a limiting factor in treatment. Although we naturally tend to think of traumatic surgical events (such as accidents involving broken bones) as the main reason for pet insurance, many medical conditions can also be very costly to treat. Examples include deep seated skin and ear infections, heart failure, kidney problems, arthritis, and diabetes mellitus - to name just a few! Many owners now have their pets insured to protect themselves against unexpected veterinary bills. With pet insurance, you have the peace of mind that should your pet become ill, he or she can have the treatment they require, without compromise, and without you having to worry about the cost of the treatment. An additional benefit of pet insurance is third party cover. Should your dog stray and cause a road traffic accident, you could be held liable for the actions of your pet. In this situation, pet insurance should cover both the treatment of your dog and any third party claims - which can be very considerable on occasions. If you would like further information on the benefits of insuring your pet, please ask any member of our practice staff. Don't take the risk, insure your pet today! Autumn alert!ONCE AGAIN the shorter days and cooler weather signify the beginning of the Autumn months. However this time of year holds many hazards for our pets: Fleas are an ever present problem, so now is not the time to lower your guard against these little pests! Fireworks are another hazard at this time of year. Please let us advise you on the best method of coping with this stressful time for your pet. Piles of leaves are irresistible for hedgehogs looking for a nest or some dry shelter. Always check for these little creatures before lighting a bonfire. As the weather cools down bees and wasps become dozy and are easily caught by dogs and cats. Unfortunately they can still give a nasty sting to your pets. If you are planting bulbs at this time of year, be aware that many of them are toxic to pets. It is important to ensure that newly planted bulbs are not dug up and eaten by inquisitive pets. Finally a reminder for tortoise owners - don't forget to bring in your pet for a health check prior to hibernation! |
If
you are concerned that your pet is showing any of the signs described
above, please come and see us for a health examination. 
IF
YOU are planning a trip abroad next year with your pet dog or cat,
now is the time to start planning!
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