Rat Bait Poisoning

In the last 3 weeks we have seen 3 dogs with rat bait poisoning, one of which did not survive.
The symptoms of poisoning are the result of bleeding which normally occurs 2 to 3 days after the consumption of bait. The first clinical signs are usually respiratory, such as coughing (possibly coughing up blood), rapid breathing or exercise intolerance.
Other symptoms are joint swelling, bleeding from the nose or mouth or rectum, bloody diarrhoea, pale gums, lethargy, depression and collapse.
A blood sample can show a prolonged clotting time. The antidote, Vitamin K1 will need to be administered for up to 6 weeks. Early treatment is very important.

Canine Distemper Virus

Recently, a sick stray dog was brought into this clinic from the St Johns area. The dog showed the classic symptoms for Canine Distemper. Canine Distemper Virus affects a dog’s brain causing it to show nervous signs and have epileptic seizures.
The dog’s symptoms worsened over the following 24 hours and it had to be put to sleep.
This is the first case of Caine Distemper we have seen in this practice for 34 years.
Please make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.

Oralade is a unique ready-to-use isotonic formula for dogs and cats designed to restore fluid and electrolyte balance, providing fast rehydration.

Oralade is suitable for all breeds and ages, and is suitable for pets with allergies.

Recently Dr Tucker treated 2 dogs with neurological symptoms that completely resolved by feeding the dogs solely on a gluten-free diet.

Roxy, a 6-year- old Toy Poodle, who does have quite severe allergies, suddenly started having what appeared to the owner to be epileptic seizures. Roxy had 3 “seizures” over a 3-week period.
During the “seizures” Roxy did not lose consciousness, urinate or defecate, she recovered rapidly and there was no loss of muscle tone or consciousness. Instead Roxy had increased muscle tone or spasm which was aggravated by touch.

Phoebe an 18-month old Labrador who suddenly developed a benign vertical head bobbing, which seemed to be stimulated by excitement.

PCSO-524® is the name given to the marine lipid oil that is sourced from the mollusc Perna canaliculus (Green lipped mussel) in Nelson, NZ. Due to our supercritical, environmentally-friendly and state-of- the-art extraction process the oil is unique and 100% natural. It consists of up to 91 free fatty acid components, sterol esters, polar and non-polar lipids along with carotenoids. The PCSO-524® oil is mixed with olive oil and Vitamin E oil to make Antinol® a great NZ natural product.

Because it provides nutrients that are essential components of body tissues, Antinol® supports cats’ and dogs’ healthy joints, mobility and skin.

Antinol® is currently used every day by thousands of cats and dogs worldwide helping them to live an active and healthy life. If you are unsure about how long to keep your pet on Antinol® chat with your vet. Taken daily Antinol® can help your pet enjoy an active life.