Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs and other mammals, including humans, which mainly affects the kidneys and liver. It is caused by Leptospira, a spiral-shaped bacterium that multiplies in the kidneys of animals and is shed in the urine. It has many species and serovars (strains), some of which cause disease in dogs but very rarely in cats.
The most important aspect is that it can be transmitted to humans, which constitutes it as a ZOONOSIS, hence its importance.
Leptospira is a bacterium that thrives in water and can be carried mainly by rats and other rodents. Infected or recovered dogs may act as a source of infection.
Ingestion of infected urine or rodent-contaminated garbage is the most important means of transmission, but some forms of the bacteria can penetrate damaged or thin skin. For instance, when dogs swim in contaminated water, they may become infected through their skin.
In New Zealand urban areas, water-logged recreational fields and reserves and waterways, are a particular risk.
Many Leptospira infections go undetected, but other cases can be life-threatening.
The most effective way of preventing this disease in dogs is through an annual vaccination. The new viral vaccines such as Distemper, Hepatitis and parvovirus are effective for 3 years, whereas bacterial vaccines such as leptospirosis and kennel Cough are only effective for 12 months.
It is important to prevent the spread of this disease by yearly vaccinations.

This is a part of the vaccination program that we have at Kohimarama Veterinary Clinic.

Bone Diseases in Growing Dogs

There are many causes of limping and lameness in young dogs. Most of these are relatively minor, however, there are some causes that are more serious, and if not treated promptly, may result in permanent lameness or lead to debilitating arthritis.
The larger breeds of dogs have several bone diseases that can occur during the period of rapid growth that happens up to two years of age.

One of the most common, Osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondrosis, is a defect of the smooth cartilage surface within one or more joints. It most commonly affects the shoulder, but the elbow, hip or knee may also be involved. In some cases, the defect is either a flap of cartilage or a crack in the cartilage on the end of the bone. In other cases, a piece of cartilage breaks off and floats freely in the joint (sometimes called a "joint mouse"). This causes pain, which varies from mild intermittent limping, to intense constant pain.

This disease is most frequently seen in the larger breeds such as Labradors, Retrievers, Rottweilers and German Shepherds but is not just confined to these breeds. It is often first seen between 7 and 12 months of age and factors like genetics and inappropriate nutrition seem to be the most influential ones. It is more frequently found in dogs receiving too much energy and calcium in the diet.
There is no substitute for a well-balanced commercial puppy or kitten diet.

You are welcome to discuss your puppy’s or kitten’s diet with any of our staff.

Regular Blood Testing. Why it is so important to your Pet’s Health.

At Kohimarama Veterinary Clinic, we offer blood tests as part of the Annual Health Check and Vaccinations. It is a good idea to consider blood testing every 2 to 3 years. Sophie’s story below, written by her owner, is a good reminder of why it is so important.

“Over the years I've had many Vets ask if we wanted bloods taken from our dogs, including Sophie. Often described as a useful thing to do because changes over time can be seen and tracked. The importance of that never really registered until our experience with Sophie's liver failure. My assumption was that illness would be evident. My takeout from her Liver illness was, that is not always the case. Liver disease and then failure progressed slowly and gradually and was not apparent until she had a vastly reduced liver size, function, and cirrhosis. Too late sadly. So now, I think of blood tests as an early detection system. For $140 or there about it's a whole lot less expensive than a $3500 liver biopsy, not to mention emergency care and an ultrasound before all that.

So I'd advise owners to have bloods taken as part of the annual health check on their pet (especially owners of pedigree dogs who may be pre-disposed to certain illnesses).

We did everything we could for Sophie once we knew something was badly wrong. My only lasting regret is that we did not discover her illness earlier. A blood test is pretty much the only way it would have come to light.

Sophie was only six and a half years old when we had to put her to sleep.

I hope the story helps some of your clients and saves them the heartache we felt.”

New !  Hills Gastrointestinal Biome

Digestive/Fiber Care

Your pet's digestive health can be negatively affected by many things and when your pet has digestive upset, it’s a thoroughly unpleasant experience for everyone involved. The good news is that you can help your pet feel better with a food that revolutionises the way to approach fiber-responsive Gastro-intestinal (GI) issues by putting microbiome health – the unique gut ecosystem of your pet - at the forefront of GI care.

Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians formulated Prescription Diet® Gastrointestinal Biome nutrition with ActivBiome+TM, a new ingredient technology, to actively promote regular healthy stool and help reduce risk of future episodes.

How It Works:

    With breakthrough ActivBiome+TM ingredient technology
    High levels of Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA)
    Optimally balanced soluble and insoluble fibers

ActivBiome+ ingredient technology is a proprietary blend of active fibers shown to nourish gut microbiome to support digestive health and well-being

How It Helps:

Hill's® Prescription Diet® Gastrointestinal Biome actively promotes regular healthy stool and helps reduce risk of future episodes.

Quick response - clinically tested to help firm loose stool in 24   hours
Helps soothe digestive tract
Promotes growth of beneficial gut bacteria to maintain digestive health
S+OX SHIELDTM: Formulated to promote a urinary environment that reduces the risk of developing struvite & calcium oxalate crystals

Vaping and Pets Don’t Mix

As vaping continues to skyrocket, so do concerns about adverse health effects.
Initially seen as a healthy substitute for smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes are coming under increasing scrutiny for potential health hazards that may exceed the dangers of traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients that include:
• Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
• Falvorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
• Heavy metals, such as nickel, tin and lead

Regular e-cigarette cartridges contain high levels of liquid nicotine.
If dogs get into these cartridges, they can develop signs of nicotine poisoning.
These include; vomiting, agitation and high heart rates.

So please keep vaping supplies away from pets.

Reference: Tony Reynolds, American Animal Hospital Association publications, 24/10/2019

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.

The right way to introduce a Dog and Cat

Many pet owners feel their house isn’t complete until they’ve added a puppy and a cat to the family. It’s easy, as long as you stick to a few steps.

Under no circumstances should you let them work out things on their own.

That technique is far too stressful, even in the best circumstances. It is important to keep in mind that inductions can be dangerous, especially for the cat. Some dogs see cats as prey, and even those that are easy going may react instinctively to a cat on the run.

Introductions must be supervised and handled with planning, care and patience.