Archive for the ‘News’ Category
Make sure your pets stay worm free
by strawberrysoup on May 1st, 2012
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Does worming your pets seem like a constant battle? Unfortunately you can’t vaccinate against worms, so regular worming treatment is the only way to ensure your pets stay worm free! Until recently our main concerns regarding worms have been with
roundworms and tapeworms. However a new and serious threat to dogs is lungworm infection.
Roundworms are spaghetti-‐like in appearance and live in the small intestines. The adult worms shed thousands of tiny eggs, which pass out in the faeces and contaminate the environment. Dogs and cats are re-‐infected by unwittingly ingesting the eggs. The eggs also pose some risk to children if accidentally swallowed.
Tapeworms also live in the small intestines and shed
segments containing eggs, which pass out in the faeces. An intermediate host, such as small rodents or fleas, must then eat the eggs. Cats catch and eat small rodents and both cats and dogs swallow fleas as they groom, so re-‐infecting
themselves with tapeworms.
Lungworm – caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum, only affects dogs. Adult lungworms live in the pulmonary arteries and right ventricle of the heart. Affected dogs can show a wide range of symptoms – some severe, including coughing, fits, blood clotting problems and lethargy. However many pets may show no obvious symptoms. The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails which act as an intermediate host. Dogs sometimes eat snails, but even snail slime trails left on grass and dog toys can be infected with lungworm eggs. Feline lungworm is less common
and severe than in dogs.
The good news is that by following a few simple rules worms can be controlled: worm your pet regularly, use regular flea control, prevent dogs eating snails and slugs, and clean up faeces. Finally, please let us advise you on the best worm and flea treatments
Spring Garden Peril for Pets
by strawberrysoup on April 12th, 2012
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It’s lovely to be out and about in the garden in the spring, but beware of unwittingly introducing hazards for your pets as some of the plants and products we commonly use in our garden can be very toxic to animals.
Slug pellets commonly contain the chemical metaldehyde and are generally blue or green in colour. Metaldehyde is very toxic to pets and since many dogs will eat almost anything, slug pellets should only be used with great care, keeping pets away from areas where they are used and stored.
Cocoa shell mulch is also to be avoided if you have a dog. Many gardeners apply a thick layer of mulch to their flowerbeds in the spring and summer months. A little known, but potentially lethal hazard is the use of cocoa shell mulch. Dogs are attracted to these shells by their smell, but they contain theobromine, which is very poisonous to dogs. As a result, it is safer to use an alternative such as tree bark.
Spring bulbs are another seasonal hazard and can be fatal if dug up and eaten by your pets. Tulips and daffodils are toxic to dogs and cats; although all parts of the plant are toxic, it is the bulbs that actually contain the most toxins. Lilies are also very toxic to cats and pose a hazard in the garden and also as cut flowers.
As a general rule, when adding anything to your garden, ALWAYS read the label carefully regarding the hazards to pets.
Pet Travel Scheme Update 2012
by strawberrysoup on March 16th, 2012
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Do you fancy taking your pet with you on a foreign holiday in 2012? The good news is that taking your dog or cat abroad has become much easier since new Pet Travel Scheme rules came into force on 1st January 2012.
Since 2000, the Pet Travel Scheme has allowed pet owners to take their dogs and cats to other EU countries and approved non-EU countries without having to put their pets into quarantine.
In order to comply with the new rules you will now simply need to have your pet microchipped and subsequently vaccinated against rabies. Having completed these two steps your pet can then be issued with a Pet Passport and will be free to travel 21 days after the rabies vaccination.
There is no longer a requirement for tick treatment before re-entering the UK, although it is very important to use it when travelling abroad because of the potentially life threatening effects of tick borne diseases. You will however still need to have your pet treated by a vet against tapeworm before travelling back to the UK.
Please contact us for further advice or visit: www.defra.gov.uk
Beware – Human food that can poison your pet….
by strawberrysoup on February 24th, 2011
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Everyone has heard the message about chocolate being toxic to pets, and hopefully Easter will pass without too many canine fatalities across the UK (and yes, they do happen: it isn’t just media hype). But what about other food items that are safe for humans, yet capable of causing severe or even lethal intoxications in animals?
Recently our clinic witnessed a young border terrier die as a result of the toxic effects of eating raisins. Grapes and raisins may seem innocuous, but all fruits of the Vitis vinifera (grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas) can, surprisingly, cause severe fatal renal failure in dogs. Currently the mechanism of action remains unknown, as does the “toxic dose”.
Some dogs seem able to eat large quantities without any effects, while others develop renal failure after as little as a few grapes or a small handful of raisins. Analysis of data to explain why some dogs are susceptible and others are not has to date been unsuccessful. In fact it wasn’t until 2001 that the first article was published in the USA about their potential toxicity to dogs. In the UK, there were 23 cases between 2003 and 2005. We would urge every dog owner to seek veterinary attention should their dog have eaten grapes or raisins and advise that their pet be treated intensively in an attempt to reduce any potential for onset of renal failure. Bear in mind that these fruits may find their way into many seasonal foods such as Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, stollen and mince pies, to name but a few.
Here’s a brief review of the main remaining food items to avoid giving to your pets:
Peanuts (including monkey nuts) have been reported to cause adverse effects in some pets. Most symptomatic animals develop gastrointestinal signs and in a small number of cases twitching, muscle spasm, agitation, hallucinations and occasionally convulsions can occur. Macadamia nuts also contain a toxic compound that has not yet been identified; they’ve been associated with lethargy, weakness and collapse in dogs when eaten in moderate amounts. Be aware that chocolate-coated peanuts and macadamia nuts are also to be avoided.
Allium species (onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives) can cause toxicity, even when cooked. Initially there are gastrointestinal signs followed by haemolytic anaemia from 1-5 days. Christmas foods to avoid are onion gravy and sage and onion stuffing.
Mouldy food (e.g. mouldy walnuts, bread, cheese) can contain toxins that cause rapid onset convulsions with tremors, vomiting, hyperaesthesia and rigidity.
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is found in some chewing gums, toothpastes, lozenges and medicinal products and can also be bought by the bag load to sweeten home cooking. Unfortunately although healthy for humans it can cause hypoglycaemia and liver failure in dogs.
Avocado is consumed by people all over the world, but all parts of the avocado tree and fruit contain a component called persin that can cause damage to cells in the heart and the mammary gland in birds and animals.
Hops have sometimes been eaten by dogs when they’ve had access to waste that’s been left over after home brewing; it contains a number of compounds that may be toxic. Affected dogs suffer from a syndrome known as malignant hyperthermia, with the body temperature shooting up soon after hops ingestion. Emergency treatment is as important as if a dog has overheated due to being left in a parked car on a sunny day.
Salt is safe as a seasoning agent, but when pets ingest large quantities they can be fatally poisoned. This only happens rarely: case reports include a Boxer that drank huge amounts of salty water while swimming in the sea, a group of dogs that ate play dough, and a Doberman that was given 10 teaspoonfuls of salt by her owner in an effort to make her sick after she’d eaten chocolate.
There are other foodstuffs that can cause problems. Adult pets lack the enzyme to digest lactose, so large quantities of any dairy product commonly cause diarrhoea. Raw egg whites can also upset the digestion, so should be given in moderation, if at all. The stones of many fruits (apples, pears, plums, apricots, peaches, nectarines and cherries) contain a compound that can be toxic if they’re cracked open and swallowed. Some raw vegetables (including cassava, common beans and runner beans) contain substances than can damage the digestive tract.
Finally, alcohol can be poisonous for pets, just as for humans. A couple of measures of whisky would be more than enough to cause severe poisoning to a small dog. In one bizarre case, reported in 2008, a dog in Austria suffered from alcohol poisoning after eating half a kilogram of raw yeast dough. The fermentation of yeast in the digestive tract had produced enough ethanol to cause the dog to have a blood alcohol level higher than the legal limit for driving. (By the way, raw dough is best avoided for another reason: it can expand inside the digestive tract, causing a blockage.)
Cats, although sometimes more sensitive for their size, are less commonly poisoned than dogs: they’re more fastidious in their eating habits. Dogs, especially some breeds (you know who I mean, Labrador-owners) can have unstoppable appetites, with no discernible “off-switch”, which makes them particularly prone to problems.
Wildlife Unit Opening Soon
by admin on November 30th, 2010
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We are delighted to announce that the new Wildlife Unit, commissioned and designed by WADARS (Worthing & District Animal Rescue Service) and generously paid for by The Body Shop, is soon to open. Many of you will know that each year members of the public bring in numerous wild birds and mammals needing urgent medical attention and rehabilitation. This new stand-alone facility will provide us with substantial dedicated premises incorporating specialist features that will enable us to provide greater breadth of care for these animals/birds until they are either released back into the wild or passed on to specialist facilities for more involved nursing care.
Róisín Dickinson Joins the Team
by admin on November 30th, 2010
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A warm welcome to Róisín Dickinson who joined the practice in December 2010. Róisín, who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2008, has spent the past two years in a predominantly companion animal practice in Dorset. She has a particular interest in small animal internal medicine and intends to study for the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice.
Claire Bradley Joins the Team
by admin on November 30th, 2010
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A warm welcome to Claire Bradley who joined Fitzalan House in October 2010. Claire graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London and joins us after a short period with the World Veterinary Service in Samos. She owns four guinea pigs and is keenly interested in the medicine and surgery of exotic species.
Farewell to Rachel and Iain
by admin on November 30th, 2010
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We bid a fond farewell to Rachel and Iain Morris who depart in October 2010 after 7 years with the practice. They have been instrumental in many significant advancements over that period and have provided our clients and their pets with an exemplary level of service and care. We extend them our very best wishes as they seek to spend a more significant amount of time enjoying their big passion, windsurfing, in exotic locations around the world.
September 2010 is “Pet Smile Month”
by admin on September 3rd, 2010
Category: News, Special Offers, Tags:
During September 2010 Fitzalan House is participating in National Pet Smile Month. Owners are invited to receive a complimentary “Pet Smile Check-Up” – a free check on their pet’s oral health. In addition they can also receive a Goody Bag containing samples of special dental diets and chews which are proven to reduce the amount of dog’s dental disease.
Vets are very worried about the state of pets’ teeth in the UK. It is estimated that 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three urgently need dental treatment. Many loving pet owners do not realise the extent of their pet’s disease and are unaware of the importance of tooth brushing, daily oral hygiene chews and the special dental diets, which can help avoid the problems.
Dental disease is a welfare issue. “Dog’s breath” is the very least of the worries. Oral pain is a feature – but often goes unnoticed because pets carry on eating. As periodontal disease progresses, bacteria spreads from the mouth through the blood stream to affect other organs such as the kidneys and heart valves. In addition little showers of bacteria are carried into the lungs with every breath.
Dental disease is rightly regarded as a whole body problem and one that needs more attention. To highlight this very serious issue we are donating our time to examine pets’ mouths free of charge during September. There will also be demonstrations of tooth brushing and the use of oral chews and special diets.
Please telephone us on 01903-713806 to arrange a Pet Smile Check-Up at your earliest convenience.
Healthy Mouth
Unhealthy Mouth
New Weekend Opening Hours
by admin on August 6th, 2010
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From 1st September our Littlehampton surgery will be open for consultations by appointment during the following hours:
Saturday: 08.30 – 6.00pm
Sunday: 10.00 – 4.00pm
Normal weekday prices apply during opening hours
Routine appointments such as vaccinations, anal glands and nail clipping are welcome in addition to pets requiring urgent medical attention
Please note that from 1st September the Angmering branch will not open on Saturday mornings. We apologise for any inconvenience but hope you will find the extended hours at Littlehampton with plentiful weekend parking an adequate compensation
24 hour Emergency Service always available when closed on 01903 – 713806
Littlehampton – Angmering – Arundel – East Preston
Giving pets the same care we want ourselves
