SUMMER 2014

All the latest newsfrom your XLVets

Practice...

An XLVet member practice tells us about an interesting patient

they have seen and treated!

A day in the life...

of a veterinary receptionist

NEW FEATURE!

CASE STUDY

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE

practicenews...

Small Talk is published by: XLVet UK Ltd, Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle CA5 7JF© XLVet UK Ltd No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher.Disclaimer: XLVets does not necessarily share the views of contributors. No responsibility can be accepted for opinionsexpressed by contributors, or claims made by advertisers within this publication.

SMALL ANIMALNEWSLETTERSummer is coming!

And along with the lovely sunshine, thearrival of all kinds of summer pet hazardsto keep us on our toes (and paws). All ina day’s work at 608 Vet Practice!

Pesky parasitesFleas and ticks are much more prevalent in the summer months, however with an efficientpreventative treatment plan there is no need foryour pet to feel itchy or scratchy! Our standardflea spot on also treats roundworm, lungwormand some mites and lice.If you think your pet might have an itch, bookto see one of our lovely vets for a check up.

VIP (Very Important Pet)VaccinationsSummer time is for holidays! And whether youare planning to put your pets into a kennel orcattery, or even take them away with you (luckypets!) it is vital that their vaccinations are all upto date. And don’t forget Kennel Cough!Book in today to avoid any delay…to your holiday plans!

Frightful fly-strikePoor bunnies get a rough deal in summer,when any soiling around their bottoms mayattract flies to lay their eggs. When the larvae(maggots) hatch they will feast upon anything,often including skin and flesh, causing toxicshock and rapid death for the poor rabbit. Be extra vigilant in making sure your rabbit andits environment are meticulously clean, andbook to see one of our vets as an emergency if you think your rabbit may have fly-strike.

Horrific heatstrokeWhile we are all enjoying the sunshine, remember that your pets need cool shade, plenty of water, exercise at the beginning orend of the day and sunblock on white ears! If you suspect your pet may be showing signsof heatstroke - panting, salivation, weakness,seizures - remove your pet from the heat source,drape with wet towels and call us immediatelyto let us know you are on your way!

Ghastly grass seedsThese troublesome little arrow shaped spikescan burrow deep within the skin and track rightup a leg, or through an eardrum. We haveeven known one insert into a dog’s paw andend up in his lung! Most commonly seen indogs with hairy ears and feet eg Spaniels. If your dog is shaking his head, or limping orlicking his paw, book to see one of our vetswithout delay.

Telephone: (0121) 705 3044www.608vetpractice.co.uk

By 9am morning surgery has begun and we neverknow how the morning is going to progress.Sometimes we have lambs and Shetland Ponies inreception along with the dogs and cats! Throughoutthe day we are busy with pet owners and farmersphoning or coming into the surgery to buy flea orworming treatments, ordering or picking up medicinesor asking for advice. There are no silly questions - ifwe can’t help we will find a nurse or vet who can.

The medicine and supplies delivery arrives just beforelunchtime and we have to check everything off and putit all away, making sure that if we ordered somethingfor a client, we have it ready for them to collect.

We like to keep the waiting room and consultingrooms clean and tidy and make sure that the shelvesare well stocked.

Emergencies can come in at any time and it’s important we remain calm and make sure they areseen as soon as possible.

The best part of being on the reception team is being able to meet the new arrivals and we usually try to grab a cuddle of the pets before they go in to see the vets.

As we are pet owners ourselves we understand how people feel when they receive sad news and we always try to comfort people and make it a littleeasier for them.

Our days are very busy and we ensurethat clients and pets are made to feelvery welcome.

Veterinary receptionist atMillcroft Veterinary Group.

Dental disease is the most common clinical conditionoccurring in adult dogs and cats and it is preventable

in many cases. In this issue we get some top tips oncaring for your animal's teeth.

Almost every pet will experience a flea infestation at one pointin their life, but whilst easy to become infected, it is not

always as simple to banish this unwanted guest;we have an article advising on how to win the

war against fleas!

In this editionof Small Talk...

Our day starts at 8.30am when most of our patients who are coming in for operations start to arrive. We often find that owners are

worried about leaving their pets and we do our best to reassure them.

A day inthe life......of a veterinary receptionist

by Anne-Marie Moffat

TOP

TIPSDental disease can take many forms but the most common problem seen in dogs and cats is periodontal disease. It begins with the accumulationof plaque (a film composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, sugar and calcium) on the tooth surface.The bacteria then cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) which leads to destruction of the periodontal ligament supporting the tooth in the jawbone. Over time the plaque becomes mineralized to form tartar which causes the gum to be lifted off the tooth surface. Eventually the tooth becomes loose and may be lost.

Signs of dental diseasel bad breath (halitosis);

l tartar or plaque on teeth near gum line;

l reluctance to chew or visible discomfort;

l dropping food from the mouth;

l difficulty swallowing;

l increased salivation possibly with blood;

l pawing or rubbing at mouth;

l weight loss.

Bacteria associated with periodontal disease can spread to other structures in the mouth or enter the blood stream and lead to damage to the heart, kidneys or liver.

Prevention and treatment ofdental diseasel Feed a good quality dry diet which will reduce

food residue on teeth (some diets have a specific kibble design, others include a chemical anti-tartar ingredient).

l Provide suitable chew toys under supervision.

l Brush your pet’s teeth using a brush and specific dog or cat toothpaste.

l Regular appointments with your veterinary surgeon and nurse to detect disease early.

l When required, teeth should be scaled and polished under anaesthetic by your veterinary surgeon.

l Chlorhexidine oral rinse or gel can be applied as an anti-plaque antiseptic.

Dental disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats and it is preventable

in many cases. It is present in 80-85% of dogs and cats over three years old.

Caring for youranimals’ teeth

Catherine Hutchison BVMS MRCVS Ardene House Vet Practice

By 9am morning surgery has begun and we neverknow how the morning is going to progress.Sometimes we have lambs and Shetland Ponies inreception along with the dogs and cats! Throughoutthe day we are busy with pet owners and farmersphoning or coming into the surgery to buy flea orworming treatments, ordering or picking up medicinesor asking for advice. There are no silly questions - ifwe can’t help we will find a nurse or vet who can.

The medicine and supplies delivery arrives just beforelunchtime and we have to check everything off and putit all away, making sure that if we ordered somethingfor a client, we have it ready for them to collect.

We like to keep the waiting room and consultingrooms clean and tidy and make sure that the shelvesare well stocked.

Emergencies can come in at any time and it’s important we remain calm and make sure they areseen as soon as possible.

The best part of being on the reception team is being able to meet the new arrivals and we usually try to grab a cuddle of the pets before they go in to see the vets.

As we are pet owners ourselves we understand how people feel when they receive sad news and we always try to comfort people and make it a littleeasier for them.

Our days are very busy and we ensurethat clients and pets are made to feelvery welcome.

Veterinary receptionist atMillcroft Veterinary Group.

Dental disease is the most common clinical conditionoccurring in adult dogs and cats and it is preventable

in many cases. In this issue we get some top tips oncaring for your animal's teeth.

Almost every pet will experience a flea infestation at one pointin their life, but whilst easy to become infected, it is not

always as simple to banish this unwanted guest;we have an article advising on how to win the

war against fleas!

In this editionof Small Talk...

Our day starts at 8.30am when most of our patients who are coming in for operations start to arrive. We often find that owners are

worried about leaving their pets and we do our best to reassure them.

A day inthe life......of a veterinary receptionist

by Anne-Marie Moffat

TOP

TIPSDental disease can take many forms but the most common problem seen in dogs and cats is periodontal disease. It begins with the accumulationof plaque (a film composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, sugar and calcium) on the tooth surface.The bacteria then cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) which leads to destruction of the periodontal ligament supporting the tooth in the jawbone. Over time the plaque becomes mineralized to form tartar which causes the gum to be lifted off the tooth surface. Eventually the tooth becomes loose and may be lost.

Signs of dental diseasel bad breath (halitosis);

l tartar or plaque on teeth near gum line;

l reluctance to chew or visible discomfort;

l dropping food from the mouth;

l difficulty swallowing;

l increased salivation possibly with blood;

l pawing or rubbing at mouth;

l weight loss.

Bacteria associated with periodontal disease can spread to other structures in the mouth or enter the blood stream and lead to damage to the heart, kidneys or liver.

Prevention and treatment ofdental diseasel Feed a good quality dry diet which will reduce

food residue on teeth (some diets have a specific kibble design, others include a chemical anti-tartar ingredient).

l Provide suitable chew toys under supervision.

l Brush your pet’s teeth using a brush and specific dog or cat toothpaste.

l Regular appointments with your veterinary surgeon and nurse to detect disease early.

l When required, teeth should be scaled and polished under anaesthetic by your veterinary surgeon.

l Chlorhexidine oral rinse or gel can be applied as an anti-plaque antiseptic.

Dental disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats and it is preventable

in many cases. It is present in 80-85% of dogs and cats over three years old.

Caring for youranimals’ teeth

Catherine Hutchison BVMS MRCVS Ardene House Vet Practice

Almost every pet will experience an infestation ofthis tiny insect at one point in their life, but whilsteasy to become infected, it is not always as simpleto banish this unwanted guest.

Fleas could easily win a place in the long jumpstakes, with an ability to leap an astonishing 150times their own body length. This allows them tohop from the surrounding environment, onto yourpets with ease. Once cosily settled into your pet’sfur coat, a female flea will bite and start to suckblood. In order to support and nourish the 50 eggsshe can lay daily, a female must drink up to 15 timesher own bodyweight in blood every single day.Couple this with flea’s saliva being reported as one of the most irritant substances on the planetand you have one very bothersome problem on your hands. Quite impressive for an insect only 1mm long!

What many people don’t realise is that adultfleas, those which you can see scurrying

around on your pet, only make up 5% of the total flea population within a

household. The remaining 95% offleas are in the form of eggs,

developing larvae and pupaewhich have dropped from yourpet’s coat into your home. Asobering thought is that typically

by the time you notice a pet hasfleas, the adults visible are thosewhich have hatched from eggslaid 2 months previously in the

home! By this time the juvenile stages can be found all around you - on sofas, in bedding, hiddendeep in carpet pile - but they are so small and light-phobic you can’t actually see them.Nevertheless, treating the environment to protectyour pet from re-infestation is becoming an important strategy in winning the war against fleas.

Historically fleas were a seasonal issue, with problems usually experienced only during thebalmy summer months. However, modern homesare putting paid to this, especially with the dawningof the age of central heating. Keeping our homeswarm and toasty during the winter months not only makes us happy, but actually encourages fleas to remain active and continue developingthrough, what used to be, their hibernation period.Months free of fleas are therefore becoming a thing of the past.

So what is the best way tokeep fleas at bay? As these parasites can cause distress and discomfort to your pets, it is important to protectthese special family members directly. This is commonly achieved through use of topical spot-ontreatments; your vet will be able to recommend themost suitable choice for your animal. With fleasbecoming ever present in the home domain, it isimportant to continue this treatment all year round.

Whilst this will protect your pet, you may still fall victim to irritating flea bites, especially around yourankles, for many more months due to fleas stillhatching within your home. The best way toachieve total flea protection is therefore to treatyour house as well as your pet. This can beachieved through using safe, effective householdtreatment sprays. These are applied directly tohome surroundings where juvenile fleas develop,helping to make your sofa and carpets a flea-freezone for your family all year around.

Following these simple tips for success, you’llsoon be saying fleas - what fleas?

Small Talk Special Feature

HOW TO WIN THE WARAGAINST FLEASKindly supplied by Norbrook Laboratories Limited

…And the gold medal for the most commonand aggravating external parasite of dogsand cats goes to - Fleas!

Almost every pet will experience an infestation ofthis tiny insect at one point in their life, but whilsteasy to become infected, it is not always as simpleto banish this unwanted guest.

Fleas could easily win a place in the long jumpstakes, with an ability to leap an astonishing 150times their own body length. This allows them tohop from the surrounding environment, onto yourpets with ease. Once cosily settled into your pet’sfur coat, a female flea will bite and start to suckblood. In order to support and nourish the 50 eggsshe can lay daily, a female must drink up to 15 timesher own bodyweight in blood every single day.Couple this with flea’s saliva being reported as one of the most irritant substances on the planetand you have one very bothersome problem on your hands. Quite impressive for an insect only 1mm long!

What many people don’t realise is that adultfleas, those which you can see scurrying

around on your pet, only make up 5% of the total flea population within a

household. The remaining 95% offleas are in the form of eggs,

developing larvae and pupaewhich have dropped from yourpet’s coat into your home. Asobering thought is that typically

by the time you notice a pet hasfleas, the adults visible are thosewhich have hatched from eggslaid 2 months previously in the

home! By this time the juvenile stages can be found all around you - on sofas, in bedding, hiddendeep in carpet pile - but they are so small and light-phobic you can’t actually see them.Nevertheless, treating the environment to protectyour pet from re-infestation is becoming an important strategy in winning the war against fleas.

Historically fleas were a seasonal issue, with problems usually experienced only during thebalmy summer months. However, modern homesare putting paid to this, especially with the dawningof the age of central heating. Keeping our homeswarm and toasty during the winter months not only makes us happy, but actually encourages fleas to remain active and continue developingthrough, what used to be, their hibernation period.Months free of fleas are therefore becoming a thing of the past.

So what is the best way tokeep fleas at bay? As these parasites can cause distress and discomfort to your pets, it is important to protectthese special family members directly. This is commonly achieved through use of topical spot-ontreatments; your vet will be able to recommend themost suitable choice for your animal. With fleasbecoming ever present in the home domain, it isimportant to continue this treatment all year round.

Whilst this will protect your pet, you may still fall victim to irritating flea bites, especially around yourankles, for many more months due to fleas stillhatching within your home. The best way toachieve total flea protection is therefore to treatyour house as well as your pet. This can beachieved through using safe, effective householdtreatment sprays. These are applied directly tohome surroundings where juvenile fleas develop,helping to make your sofa and carpets a flea-freezone for your family all year around.

Following these simple tips for success, you’llsoon be saying fleas - what fleas?

Small Talk Special Feature

HOW TO WIN THE WARAGAINST FLEASKindly supplied by Norbrook Laboratories Limited

…And the gold medal for the most commonand aggravating external parasite of dogsand cats goes to - Fleas!

One of these great prizes...

Prizes kindly supplied by NVS Ltd

Bundithe Boxerby Danielle Priestley DVM MRCVS St Boniface Veterinary Clinic

Bundi's owner was surprised to be told to bring herstraight down to the surgery as a twisted stomachwas suspected and that emergency surgery may berequired to treat this life threatening condition.

On arrival, Bundi had very pale gums, an increasedheart rate, a swollen and painful abdomen and wasvery flat and lethargic. Our working diagnosis wasstill a twisted stomach at this point. It is also knownas a gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). Bundi was inshock and our priority was to stabilise her by placingher on a drip with a line into both front legs. We thenconfirmed our diagnosis with x-rays.

Sometimes it is possible to decompress the stomach by placing a tube from the mouth, downthe oesophagus and into the stomach.Unfortunately this was not the case for Bundi and soshe had to undergo emergency surgery to untwistand empty the stomach. The stomach was thenattached to the body wall to prevent it rotating again.Dogs with this condition are always compromisedprior to surgery and therefore anaesthesia can becomplicated and fraught with risk, but fortunatelyBundi remained stable throughout.

Although it took several days, Bundi's appetitebegan to return and she steadily improved, getting brighter every time she came in for her post-operative checks. She is now fully recoveredand back to her old self.

Large breed, deep chested dogs are predisposed to GDVs, but as was the case for Bundi, quite oftenthere seems to be no inciting cause.Prevention is not always possible,but is based around avoiding feeding around periods of exerciseand slowing down the speed with which food is eaten as far as is possible.

Bundi is a 6 year old Boxer who came to us as an emergency late one evening. Her owner called our out of hours vet describing Bundi as having a swollen stomach, panting and trying to vomit.

Find the differences between

the two pictures below but

how many can you spot?

Number of differences:

Send your completed entry to: Small Talk Competition No.8 XLVets, Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JF

Name

Please tick your preferred competition prize:

Address

Postcode

Telephone Number

Email

XLVets Practice Name

I do not wish to receive further information from XLVets I would like to receive further information from XLVets by e-mail

The closing date for entries is

July 11th2014

Dog Toy Cat Toy Rabbit or Guinea Pig Toy

One of these great prizes...

Prizes kindly supplied by NVS Ltd

Bundithe Boxerby Danielle Priestley DVM MRCVS St Boniface Veterinary Clinic

Bundi's owner was surprised to be told to bring herstraight down to the surgery as a twisted stomachwas suspected and that emergency surgery may berequired to treat this life threatening condition.

On arrival, Bundi had very pale gums, an increasedheart rate, a swollen and painful abdomen and wasvery flat and lethargic. Our working diagnosis wasstill a twisted stomach at this point. It is also knownas a gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). Bundi was inshock and our priority was to stabilise her by placingher on a drip with a line into both front legs. We thenconfirmed our diagnosis with x-rays.

Sometimes it is possible to decompress the stomach by placing a tube from the mouth, downthe oesophagus and into the stomach.Unfortunately this was not the case for Bundi and soshe had to undergo emergency surgery to untwistand empty the stomach. The stomach was thenattached to the body wall to prevent it rotating again.Dogs with this condition are always compromisedprior to surgery and therefore anaesthesia can becomplicated and fraught with risk, but fortunatelyBundi remained stable throughout.

Although it took several days, Bundi's appetitebegan to return and she steadily improved, getting brighter every time she came in for her post-operative checks. She is now fully recoveredand back to her old self.

Large breed, deep chested dogs are predisposed to GDVs, but as was the case for Bundi, quite oftenthere seems to be no inciting cause.Prevention is not always possible,but is based around avoiding feeding around periods of exerciseand slowing down the speed with which food is eaten as far as is possible.

Bundi is a 6 year old Boxer who came to us as an emergency late one evening. Her owner called our out of hours vet describing Bundi as having a swollen stomach, panting and trying to vomit.

Find the differences between

the two pictures below but

how many can you spot?

Number of differences:

Send your completed entry to: Small Talk Competition No.8 XLVets, Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JF

Name

Please tick your preferred competition prize:

Address

Postcode

Telephone Number

Email

XLVets Practice Name

I do not wish to receive further information from XLVets I would like to receive further information from XLVets by e-mail

The closing date for entries is

July 11th2014

Dog Toy Cat Toy Rabbit or Guinea Pig Toy