SPRING 2013 WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE

All the LatestNews from

your XLVetsPractice...

Think rescue whenlooking for a dog...

Ear problems in dogs and cats

How can you deal with the situationbefore it progresses too far...

Giving them a second chance!

practicenews...

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SMALL ANIMALNEWSLETTER

www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

Friars MoorVeterinary ClinicManston Road, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1BHTel: 01258 472314Email: admin@friarsmoorvets.co.uk

OPENING TIMES:Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 6.00pmSaturday: 8.30am - 12.00pm

(Emergencies only)

FRIARS MOOR VETERINARY CLINICThe Wincombe Centre, Wincombe BusinessPark, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QJTel: 01747 850500

OPENING TIMES:Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8.30am - 5.00pmTuesday: 8.30am - 6.00pmClosed for lunch: 12.00pm - 1.00pm

FRIARS MOOR VETERINARY CLINICSunrise Business Park, Blandford Forum,DT11 8STTel: 01258 472160

OPENING TIMES:Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 6.00pmSaturday: 8.30am - 12.00pmConsultations by appointment, morning and afternoon.

Preventative healthcarefor your rabbitPreventative healthcare for your rabbit isimportant, especially at this time of year. As the temperature rises your rabbit is atgreater risk of developing several conditionsassociated with warmer weather.

l Fly strike is a very serious and often fatal condition where flies lay eggs in the rabbit’s fur and their larvae (maggots)feed on the rabbit’s skin. A liquid insecticide called ‘Rearguard’ is available that will prevent the eggs fromhatching and kill the larvae of flies for up to ten weeks.

l Even if your rabbit never leaves your garden it could still be at risk of contracting often fatal viral conditions. It is possible to vaccinate your rabbitagainst the most common conditionswhich are Myxomatosis and ViralHaemorrhagic Disease (VHD). A newcombined vaccination is now availablethat will protect your rabbit against boththese diseases in one yearly injection.

Healthcare for rabbits

If you are looking for a dog this Spring then Dogs Trusturges you to think rescue as this will bring companionshipand health benefits for you plus a second chance for yournew pet. There are articles on the treatment of fleas andear problems in both dogs and cats. Guinea pigs and ferrets also make good pets and Shona MacFarquhar from Chapelfield gives some useful tips for their care.

In this edition of Small Talk...

Fleas are a very common parasite

of dogs and cats and they can be

very irritating to both you and

your pet.

Adult fleas suck the blood of your pet and causeintense itchiness and discomfort. Secondary skinsores and infection may develop. Some petsbecome sensitised to flea bites and will experienceextreme itchiness. This is called “Flea AllergicDermatitis.” They are also responsible fortransmitting some types of tapeworm to our pets.Not to mention the fact they can bite humans too!

A flea is a small insect of approximately 2mm inlength. They can be seen wriggling or jumping withinyour pet’s fur. They are often most prevalent aroundthe rump and groin. If you are concerned your petmay have fleas, contact your vet practice as they will be able to check for fleas on your pet and givefurther advice about how to get rid of them.

Fleas are very successful at survivingin many different environments and therefore it isalmost impossible to ensure your dog or cat isn’texposed to them. The adult flea will spend most of itslife living on your pet. A female will lay 30-60 eggsper day. These eggs will then hatch into larvae whichin turn develop into pupae which may lie dormant inthe environment before hatching into fleas. Duringwarmer weather or within centrally heated homes,this life cycle can take as little as 14 days.

In order to control fleas a combination of differentproducts may be necessary. Firstly it is importantto treat each individual pet in the household with a flea product. They are available in different forms: a “spot on”, oral tablet or twice yearly injections.Secondly, it may be necessary to treat the homeenvironment with an insecticide. This will stop theeggs or larvae developing into adult fleas. Some of these household sprays will be effective for 12months. (Note: these sprays are toxic to fish so don’t use if you have an aquarium.)

Many flea products are available, your vet will behappy to discuss with you the best regime for your pet. Some products will protect against other parasites such as mites, roundworms or lungworm.

Cats seem to suffer far less than dogs although their conditions can be just as uncomfortable andsometimes be very difficult to treat. Ear mites are acommon finding in both young kittens and elderlycats. The signs include a very itchy ear and thepresence of a thick brown wax within the ear canal.The mites can be seen easily under the microscopeor even in the ear canal with an auroscope whichthe vet may use to examine the ear. The treatment isoften straightforward usually using some topicalmedicated drops or these days some of the fleapreparations are also effective against them. Thesecond condition seen in cats that is particularlyunpleasant is the presence of Polyps. These arefleshy lumps which can grow and develop within theear canal, occasionally spreading to the middle earand the auditory tube which opens at the back ofthe throat. The polyps can grow to such an extentthat they can completely block the ear canal causing significant discomfort. The cat will often

scratch at the ear and cause damage andsecondary infection which can smell

awful. Medical management is difficult and severe cases

will require surgery.

Dogs frequently sufferfrom smelly ears too!

In the majority ofcases this is caused

by an overgrowth

of a type of yeast called Malassezia. This is oftencharacterised by a thick brown waxy discharge andears that are itchy and sometimes extremely sore.The problem may occur secondarily to underlyingproblems such as allergies, either food or environmental or as a result of something thatupsets the normal microenvironment in the earcanal. Treatment is important as without it the dog can be chronically uncomfortable and scarring of the ear canal can occur over time.

A summer problem experienced by many dogs isthe presence of grass seeds in the ear canal. Thiscan be very painful and sudden in onset, usuallyhappening after running in long grass towards theend of summer. The most problematic awns arethose that are shaped like an arrow which have apointed sharp tip and long hairs. Nature designsthese cleverly but unfortunately they are perfect for lodging in the ear of dogs and can cause significant trauma to the lining of the ear and the eardrum. It is important that if your dog has an acutely painful ear and nothingis visible then it is checked out by the vet as soon as possible. Theseeds can usually be easily retrieved but a sedation may be required.

Ask your vet if youhave any concerns!

by Sarah Smith BSc BVSc MRCVS

by Rebecca Bailey BVSc MRCVS Kingfisher Veterinary Group

Problems

An adult flea may lay up to 60 eggs each day.

An adult flea can jump up to 8 inches.

A female flea consumes 15 times her weight in blood daily.

Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic

in dogs and catsA tilt or shake of the head is often one of the first signsour pets give us to suggest that they have something

wrong. Problems with ears are unfortunately not uncommonand it is very important to be alert and deal with the situation

before it progresses too far. Ear disease can be incredibly painful it canalso smell extremely unpleasant too!

Ear

In addition to this there are extra benefits fromrehoming a rescue dog which include knowing thatyou are giving a dog a second chance. For some ofthe dogs that come into the care of any of the 18Dogs Trust rehoming centres in the UK or the one in Dublin they haven’t had the best start to life. Bytaking them into your home not only are you offeringthem a fresh start but you’re also teaching your childresponsibility and the importance of learning torespect and care for animals.

Some of the other benefits to rehoming arescue dog include:

When visiting rehoming centres you will bemet by dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages toensure you find a dog that’s right for you.

If you rehome a dog from a rescue centreyour new four-legged friend will be neutered,microchipped and vaccinated. Rescuing adog means that it gives you peace of mindas dogs will always go to their new homeshappy and healthy.

When visiting a rehoming centre you havethe opportunity to speak to canine carersthat work extremely closely with the dogs - they can offer you a dog’s full characterprofile, their likes and dislikes etc. You’ll feelas if you know the dog before you’ve evenmet, helping you to make your decision.

When you rescue a dog from welfare charityyou are usually offered life-long training andbehavioural advice.

Rehoming organisations work hard toensure dogs stay in their new homes foreverby ensuring adopters take home a dog thatis suitable for their lifestyle. When you bring a rescue dog into your life you’ll know you’rethe perfect match for each other.

Many people that have rehomed a rescuedog will wish to adopt again after finding theprocess incredibly worthwhile.

Dogs Trust alone has 18 Rehoming Centres across the UK and one in Dublin, combined with other animal welfare charities nationwide, you’re spoilt for choice if you’re willing to travel!

Rehoming a rescue dog is better value than going to a breeder. It costsbetween £80-£100 to adopt a dog from Dogs Trust.

The benefits of owning a dog are well known, from the obvious joy and companionship to the health benefits that come from the regular exercise these four-legged friends require.

Small Talk Special Feature

Homeless hounds canbecome happy houndsDogs Trust urges people to think rescue when looking for a dog

Visit www.dogstrust.org.uk to see some of the hundreds of dogs currently in the care of the network of Dogs Trust rehoming centres.

Nicola Dillon with Bunny the Staffie at Dogs Trust Harefield

(Far Right) Sarah the Dachshund at Dogs Trust Kenilworth

(Right) Glass fronted Kennel Design

Guinea pigs originate in South America andare used for food there. The translation offerrets' Latin name means ‘mouse eatingsmelly thief’ but we know both of thesefurry creatures as rewarding family pets.

Guinea pigs and ferrets can be housedindoors or outdoors. Guinea pigs like hidingplaces or shelters in their runs. Ferrets needto be able to exercise in a ‘ferret proof’ play

area and enjoy playing in tunnels and bags. Runs andhutches need safe, warm sleeping areas and must beout of direct sunlight as both animals are susceptibleto heatstroke. Ferrets can be trained to use a litter tray,whereas guinea pigs cannot and can be very messy,requiring frequent cleaning out!

The dietary requirements of the two arevery different. Ferrets are carnivores anddesigned to eat small prey animals. A diethigh in good quality protein and fat and

minimal carbohydrate and fibre can be provided in pellet form with the addition of raw meat or eggs as treats.

Guinea pigs, by contrast, are herbivores and should be fed an appropriate pelleteddry food plus ad lib hay and a variety ofleafy greens (kale, spinach, parsley) plus

red or green peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi fruit and oranges to provide the essential Vitamin C that they require.

Sweet treats and fruit should be kept to a minimum in both species' diets. They establish dietary preferences early in life so correct feeding from the outset is

essential. Both require fresh water in a bottle or heavy based bowl.

Both can be housed in pairs or smallgroups. In mixed groups, male guinea pigsshould be neutered. Female ferrets canbe spayed or injected to prevent seasons

or mated by vasectomised males asun-mated females develophigh levels of oestrogen that cause bone marrow suppression and death.

Both animalsmake entertainingpets and whenlooked after

properly can give years of companionship.

Can ‘Giles’help you find

the differences?

Find the differences between

the two pictures below but

how many can you spot?

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Send your completed entry to: Small Talk Competition No.4 XLVets, Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JF

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Caring for Guinea Pigs and Ferrets

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Prizes kindly supplied by NVS Ltd

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TOPTIPS

by Shona C. MacFarquhar BVMS MRCVSChapelfield Veterinary Partnership