Please click on the newsletter or article to bring it up in a new window
Summer 2009 Newsletter (2MB PDF file)
Information about pre-anaesthetic blood tests
Winter 2010 Newsletter (2MB PDF file)
Spring 2010 Newsletter (2MB PDF file)
Summer 2010 Newsletter (2MB PDF file)
Autumn 2011 Newsletter (2MB PDF file)
Winter 2011 Newsletter (3MB PDF file)
Winter aches and pains (June 2010)
As the weather gets colder, our joints get stiffer, and the same goes for our cats and dogs. Many people do not recognize pain in their pet as they may not be crying or whining. However many animals are suffering from osteoarthritis (arthritis) and show more subtle signs of pain such as slowing down, circling for long periods before lying down and difficulty in rising. Other signs can include limping or licking of one or more feet or joints. Arthritis is not limited to old animals alone. Age is a leading cause but other factors including larger breed dogs, excess weight and previous injuries which can increase the chance of your pet suffering from arthritis. Cats may show increased sleeping time, reluctance to climb into the litter tray and poor grooming habits as they lose their flexibility.
The good news is that we have many ways to improve your pet’s comfort and reduce their pain. Some of the more simple solutions to keeping your pet comfortable through winter include providing raised beds out of drafty spots, heat pads/blankets and moderate regular exercise. Maintaining a healthy body weight and regular gentle exercise is also extremely important.
In addition, there are special foods and food additives that can help treat osteoarthritis. These include complete dry foods aimed at promoting muscle tone and relieving joint pain, as well as liquid and powder supplements that can be added to your pet’s normal food.
Of course, medications can be life altering for many animals. Treatment can be aimed at reducing pain and swelling with anti-inflammatory pain relievers. In addition, for dogs we can give a course of injections that actually stimulate the body’s own mechanisms to heal damaged joints. For cats, there is a registered syrup that comes with an easy dose syringe which gives fast and effective pain-relief. NEVER administer human pain-killers or anti-inflammatories to your pet as many can do harm or may even be fatal to your dog or cat.
It is also worth noting that other diseases including heart failure, anaemia, liver problems and even some cancers can present with very similar signs to arthritis, so if your pet is slowing down or looking stiff it is advisable to make an appointment with your vet, where all available treatment options can be discussed.