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.

Grain free diets - are they better?

Choosing a diet for your dog is a task not to be taken lightly. Grain free and gluten free pet diets have become very popular.
With an increase in the number of people choosing to eat a grain free or gluten free diet there has been a corresponding increase in the number of grain free and gluten free diets available for pets.
Many people assume that grain free diets are ‘more natural’ and carbohydrate free. The growing number of these products on the market is giving the misperception that grain is bad for pets.

New Hills K/D + Mobility Diet

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition often associated with advanced age. According to recent data 1 out of 3 cats will develop CKD in his lifetime and 1 out of 10 dogs will develop CKD. It is also common for senior pets to develop age related conditions such as reduced mobility or cognitive dysfunction which can significantly impact the quality of life of both the pet and pet owner. Studies have shown that 80% of dogs greater than 8 years of age suffer from decreased mobility, and that 90% of cats over the age of 12 suffer from degenerative joint disease (DJD). Nutrition can play a key role in managing these age related conditions. This is why Hills nutritionists and veterinarians developed the new Hills Prescription Diet K/D + Mobility for cats and K/D + Mobility for dogs. This clinical nutrition not only helps to support your pets’ kidney function it also helps support their mobility and increase cognitive alertness and vitality. In fact the nutrition of k/d is clinically tested to improve and lengthen your pets quality of life. Hills K/D + Mobility is available for cats and dogs in both a biscuit and wet food form. Make an appointment and come into the clinic to discuss these diets with the vets.

Chronic Kidney Failure in Cats

Unfortunately kidney failure is fairly common in older cats. Over time the small filtering units of the kidney, called nephrons, begin to fail. Initially only a small percentage will fail, which leads to the remaining nephrons working harder to compensate. In turn the overworked nephrons begin to fail also and it is an ongoing irreversible cycle.

What are the Anal Sacs?

Commonly called the ‘anal glands’ the anal sacs are 2 small pouches on either side of the anus at approximately the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. Each sac is connected to the outside by a small duct that opens just inside the anus.
 
 

Chances are your pet is probably just too sore to run, fetch the ball and jump around as they used to. Inside their inner kitten and puppy might just be bursting to get out!
As 26% of New Zealand’s 700 000 pet dog population are 8 years old or over, it’s likely that many of them are suffering from undiagnosed arthritis.