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The Berwick Village Vet newsletter June 2018

The Berwick Village Vet Newsletter
June 2018

Arthritis
Arthritis literally means inflammation of the joints. When arthritis occurs the cartilage lining of the joint wears down, resulting in inflammation and pain. The cartilage lining can wear down because of disease, poor structure or development (eg hip dysplasia), unusual gait or conformation or excessive weight gain.

Symptoms of arthritis in pets vary and can include:
Stiffness or slowness when getting up or down, or after resting. Difficulty going up or down stairs or for cats unwillingness to jump, reduction in activity or a reluctance to exercise, dragging back legs, worn toe nails or reluctance to groom.
Often the pain with arthritis is worse after resting, vigorous exercise or cold weather.

Arthritis cannot be cured but it can be managed. The key to controlling the pain associated with arthritis is managing the inflammation within the joints.The added benefit to this is that with good control we will also slow arthritis progression with weight control, gentle and appropriate exercise made possible by controlling the existing pain and inflammation. An omega-3 and 6 rich diet and joint cartilage protective medications neutraceuticals such as Green Lipped Mussel extracts are all valuable. However we often rely on pain killers or “Antiinflammatories” to ease the pain and get the older pets moving again!

 

A Weighty Subject

Our clinic often see clients who feed their pets all sorts of table scraps and treats along with their regular pet diet.

Then at the vet visit are quite shocked to discover that their pet is overweight. Both cats and dogs can suffer from weight gain as they age, and then be more suspectiable to weight related diseases such as diabeties.
If you are insiting on supplementing your pets diet or giving treats these should be factored into the daily diet calorie allowance.
The chart opposite shows what a small item to humans can mean for pets.

 

 

CHF Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure or (CHF) is a term that refers to the heart’s inability to pump adequate blood to the body.

The two most common causes are Mitral Valve Insufficiency (MVI), and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).  It is estimated that 80% of the canine CHF cases are caused by MVI.

Symtoms may include coughing and difficulty breathing, fast rapid breathing, swollen belly (ascites), fainting, grey in gum or tongue colour and weight loss. 

Testing for CHF include full blood testing, urine test, chest xrays, ultrasound of the heart, electrocardiogram or blood pressure measurement.

All dog breeds can be affected by CHF but more common breeds are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniel and Boxer. Cats can also be affected by Congestive Heart Failure.

If you have concerns about your pet’s heart health please contact us today on 9707-3855 to see one of our friendly vets.

 

Spotlight on the Cavoodle
A Cavoodle is a mixed breed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle.

Gentle in nature, affectionate, loyal, social and playful. Highly recommended for young families.

Cavoodles are content in a small backyard, require a low amount of exercise (usually!), they also have a low shedding, allergy friendly coat. Coat colours come in a several colours including gold, red, black or occasionally parti-colour. They are a small sized dog, approximately 6-10 kg and 30-35cm tall to the shoulder when fully grown, but there is some variation depending on their mum and dad!

Mobility Mystery for Rudy

Rudy is an 8 year old Bischon Frise who lives with his owner (mum) and lucky to have ‘grandparents’ who adore him and ‘babysit’ him on weekdays.  Rudy has been coming to the Berwick Village Since a puppy, graduating Puppy Preschool in 2010.  Other than a sore knee he has been a picture of health, regularly vaccinated, protected from heartworm and de-wormed.

In August 2017, Rudy was brought to the clinic because he was finding it difficult to use his hind limbs.  He could still walk and his owners wondered if he had slipped on a friend’s polished floorboards.

Dr Jeremy noted that Rudy was not in pain; however he did have some mild weakness in his hind legs.  Otherwise Rudy was in good health and spirits.  He was booked in to return the very next day for some x-rays.

The next morning when Rudy returned, we were all shocked at the progression of his weakness.  Rudy could no longer stand, both his front and hind legs were now affected.  Jeremy was concerned about acute paralysis caused by ticks, spinal injury or diseases that attack the body causing paralysis.  What seemed like an ‘straightforward’ case yesterday suddenly became much more serious and time was of the essence to get Rudy the help needed.

The owners wanted only the best for Rudy, so gave Dr Jeremy the ok to complete x-rays and a blood test here at the clinic.  While these were underway, the nurses searched every inch of Rudy’s body looking for possible Paralysis ticks.  They can be very small and hard to find and can even be in the ear canal or on the gums, so the nurses repeated this process again and again.  When satisfied there were no ticks, the blood results and x-rays were ready for review

Fortunately there were no severe injuries to Rudy’s spine that were obvious on x-ray and his blood results were all normal. With the blood results and Rudy’s mental state being normal, diseases such as meningitis or botulism were now less likely.  Given the progression of the paralysis and knowing sometimes the respiratory (breathing) muscles can become paralysed, Dr Jeremy immediately referred Rudy to the Melbourne Vet Specialist Centre. The specialist vets said they would see Rudy immediately.  Rudy’s owners did not hesitate and took him straight to MVSC.

The main causes of progressive paralysis left to test for were Polyradiculoneuritis and Myaesthenia gravis.

MVSC tested for Myaesthenia gravis with a special drug and Rudy did not respond to the treatment, making this disease very unlikely. This had left the likely diagnoses of acute Polyradiculoneuritis.

Often while dogs with acute Polyradiculoneuritis can spontaneously improve within the first few weeks, it can take several months to see resolution of the paralysis.  It is suspected that the immune system is the cause of this disease but we really don’t know why Rudy has this disease.

 

One month after his initial diagnosis, Rudy was starting to try and lift his head, but otherwise he was paralysed.  He was not distressed and seemed to enjoy his trips to the vets, pats and attention.  He was kept comfy, warm, hydrated and loved being hand fed.

Dr Julia adjusted some exercises to include extending his joints so they did not stiffen or contract. She was also worried about muscle wastage as he had not moved for so long.

Six weeks after diagnosis, Rudy had learnt to toilet on command, if propped up on a 20cm children’s stool under his abdomen.  He would happily ‘stand’ there and toilet, absorb the suns rays and smell the roses.  While he showed no sign of getting movement back in his legs, we knew this could be a very long road to recovery.

So, now it was up to the owner and her parents to attend to Rudy’s needs as a paralysed patient.  Just like humans who cannot move, Rudy required turning in his bed at 4 hourly intervals so he didn’t lie on one side for too long.  He was carried outside to the toilet and held up so he could go.  Rudy needed help initially emptying his bladder as even this was paralysed, so he visited the clinic daily for this assistance.  Dr Julia gave his dedicated family a range of exercises for Rudy.  His family completed these movements with his limbs several times a day, every day.  He was brought food and water and had to be hand fed while held up in a sitting position, as he could not even lift his head or wag his tail.

Seven weeks after diagnosis was a turning point. Rudy was brought in by his amazingly dedicated owner one day and Rudy could wag his tail!  It was such a small thing, but also such a milestone!

He had some movement back in his body.  He could lift his head when lying down, and was even making attempts to try and roll up on to his chest.  He showed such happiness in being patted, talked too, and of course being hand fed. Now we could really see a light at the end of this…his wagging tail said it all.  Everyone celebrated included MVSC who followed Rudy’s condition closely.

A week after this Rudy had ever so slight tone in his legs; they were no longer completely floppy.  Time to build up those wasted muscles…so off to hydrotherapy at Dogs in Motion.
Rudy’s family built him his own frame so he could be supported in a standing position, with the frame supporting him.

Rudy has never been a fan of water, but loved the warm water of Hydrotherapy and started to use those legs more and more.  Each week he gained more strength.  He could sit up, stand for longer and longer periods of time and even get to his food bowl himself.

Nearly six months after diagnosis of Acute Polyridiculoneuritis, Rudy is nearly 100%.  He has weekly physiotherapy and has even had acupuncture.  He still struggles with getting up on slippery floorboards, but has new socks with rubber soles.  He is still dubious about his new fashion accessories. While no one can predict the onset of such a disease, Rudy was so lucky to have such a dedicated family who could tend to him 24/7 and never let him be alone.

His family’s unfaltering care of Rudy certainly made all the difference in this case.  The payback for them was having such a sweet and loving dog still in their lives.

After everything Rudy has been through Rudy still expects to be hand fed….

Vet warns against toxic garden treat

By Cam Lucadou-Wells, Berwick Star News, Thursday 18th May 2017

A Berwick vet has called on dog owners to ward their dogs from feeding on toxic mush- rooms and toadstools.

Jeremy Jones says he’s treated several local dogs for severe vomiting and diarrhoea after eating toxic fungi in recent years.

“Last year we had a situation in which two dogs from the same household ate fungi, which had popped up in the grass between mows.
“They became so ill with such severe vomiting and diarrhoea that they needed hospitalisation, strong pain relief and intensive monitoring.

“I feared one might die but with prompt treatment a full recovery was made.”

Mr Jones said the danger season is in April, May and June. Already this year, he’s treated several minor poisoning cases at his clinic, The Berwick Village Vet.

Each day, dog owners should scour their yards for mushrooms and toadstools and dispose of the fruitbodies safely, he said.

Most of the patients are puppies and young dogs, with those most at risk having dietary in- discretions. Other cases have been dogs with large appetites or where two or more dogs through competitive instincts are “driven” to eat more of a toxin despite its unpalatability.

So what did we Eat?

 

What a yarn!

 

 

This poor little cat was presented to the clinic with a funny swallowing action. On opening it’s mouth nothing could be seen, and there was no reaction on palpation of the throat. We thought we would start the investigation by taking some x-rays whilst under anaesthetic, and this is what we found! A sewing needle with about 20cm of cotton attached!

We had to remove the needle which had punctured the soft palate, and pull the cotton up from where it had been swallowed and was hanging halfway down the oesophagus.

A bit of TLC and a full and uneventful recovery was made!

 

Pets at home, what would happen to them if something should happen to us?

 

 

Over the last year I have had several clients ask what would happen to a pets if they end up in a situation where they (the client and pet owner) can’t make it home. Today I found a solution that may at least help! Many of us have indoor pets, and if we ended up in a car accident and taken to hospital, there may be a significant delay before someone checked out where we lived and helped our furry little friends. If we have a little card in our wallets, with a note and contact details and instructions on the reverse then our four legged friends are sure to be looked after.

 

Did you know we did free puppy and kitten checks?

 

You have to be Kitten me!

 

That’s right! When you purchase a new pet it is imperative that you get a Vet check straight away. We can give your new puppy or kitten a full examination, and find any areas of concern they may have. We can discuss all the normal protocols for puppies and kitten including micro-chipping, vaccinating, worming, flea treatment and heartworm prevention, but most importantly we can try to find any problems your new friend may have been born with or developed in it’s first few weeks of life. We can then make a plan about any issues we may discover to ensure we give them the best start to life in their new home!

 

To make a booking contact us on 9707 3855.

 

Allergy Season! It’s upon us again! Here is a bit of information that may help.

 

Skin Support

Allergy Season! It’s upon us again! Here is a bit of information that may help.

Many pets will have skin conditions which are allergy based. This can be an allergy to fleas (flea bite hypersensitivity), grasses or dust mites (contact allergies), foods (less common) or Atopy – a syndrome where pets are allergic to every day things including the above due to a barrier/skin dysfunction. These pets often have chronic/multiple ear/eye/skin infections. This skin dysfunction is primarily/reduction in or lack of protective oils in the skin.

Support for these animals is a three-pronged approach.

 

 

A. Treat the infection/inflammation

If you pet currently has serve redness, lumps/bumps, cuts from self scratching which have become inflamed and infected, this needs to be address first

– Antibiotic course if heavily infected wounds

– Topical Antibiotic/Cortisone cream

– Possibly oral cortisone depending on the severity

 

B. Treat the environment

If your pet has a food allergy (usually a meat protein), it is recommended to do a food trial with specially designed non-allergen food

If your pet has a flea allergy, treat the pet with a spot-on or oral monthly flea treatment and even consider daily flea tablets (Capstar) for heavy infestations.

Cleaning the environment of flea eggs/larvae/pupae is 95% of the work, by weekly HOT wash (>55’C) everything you can that the pet is in contact with and then thoroughly vacuuming everything else. Don’t forget the seat in the car and even your floorboards and around the architraves.

If your pet ahs a contact allergy, avoid grasses especially in Spring and Summer, as much as possible

 

C. Treat the barrier (skin)

Depending on the severity of the contact allergy or atopy, you can do some or all of these points.  The further down the list you go, the more severe the allergy.

a) Keep flea prevention up to date.  Atopy pets are even hypersensitive to fleas.

b) Weekly WATER wash to remove allergens from the coat. Followed always by a leave in conditioner with Aloe Vera/Oatmeal/Ceramides. Never wet the head, risk ear infections.

c) Fish oil in/on their food. Small pet 500mg, Medium pet 1000mg, Large pet 1500mg, per day

d) Foot licking – try NIGHTLY water washes of feet only à leave in conditioner on feet

e) IF you really must wash your pet in shampoo, ONLY a shampoo with Aloe Vera/Oatmeal/Ceramides and then the leave in conditioner.  ANY shampoo strips oil from the skin so don’t over bathe your pet!

f) Unperfumed Sorbelene on their bare bits/feet in the MORNING as a film barrier may help..

g) Cortavance Spray ONCE daily for max 7 days in a row.  Less is more.  Spray on the affected areas following the package instructions. Use a Chux cloth to wipe spray on feet.

h) Oral cortisone for flare up days.

 

If you think your pet is suffering from a skin allergy or you would like some help treating your pet, contact us on 9707 3855 or send us an email.

 

Kids Corner

CALLING ALL CRAFTY KIDS! We would love to see your drawings or paintings of your pet or any other animal craft project you have done. Please send your pictures to info@berwickvillagevet.com.au with ‘Kids Corner’ in the subject line or mail it to us at ‘Kids Corner, Berwick Village Vet’, 35 Clyde Rd, Berwick, Vic, 3806. Please make sure you include your details so we know who has done the amazing work!

Once a month we will choose one lucky entrant to win a prize!

Meet & Greet

We would love to share your pets with the rest of the Berwick Village Vet community! If you would like your pet to feature in next months e-newsletter or on our Facebook page, please send through a picture of your pet and a short story about them to info@berwickvillagevet.com.au with ‘Meet & Greet’ in the subject line or post it straight up onto Facebook!

Caring for feline senior citizens

Cats can make fantastic companions and can live up to 20 years old if they are well looked after. Just like ours, cat’s needs change once they hit their senior years and require a little extra care and special attention.

Cats typically hit their senior stages of life when they are seven years old; with their aging many health issues can arise such as weight loss as a result of diabetes and thyroid problems, cognitive behavioural dysfunction (similar to Alzheimer’s), kidney problems and cancers. Like humans, arthritis becomes more prevalent in age along with hearing and vision deterioration and gum and dental disease which may affect your cat’s ability to eat at its normal pace.
Older cats need to have warm spots available for all of their daytime and night time naps, so ensure there is lots of warm and fluffy bedding or even a heat pad near its bed away from draughty areas to ensure they are comfortable.

Nutrition is important and ‘senior’ car food will meet the needs of your pet best at this stage of their life. Speak to us at the Berwick Village Vet if you are unsure what your cats requirements currently are and we can suggest the best nutrition plan for your pet.

Like younger cars, regular worming and flea treatments should still be maintained in this stage of their life. Both forms of treatments have developed significantly over time to ensure they are easy, safe and convenient to administer to your pet. Keep visiting the vet regularly!

If a cat has been well looked after in the earlier stages of his or her life, then the transition into being a senior member of the family should be an easy one and they will be around long enough for you to enjoy their companionship and love for many years to come.

Contact the Berwick Village Vet today on 9707 3855 to book an appointment with our friendly team to discuss your cat’s health today. Chat to any of our friendly vets about the best care for your cat and for more online information visit http://www.catcareaustralia.com.au.