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Category: Opinion

  • Lost and found: why microchipping is a must

    Lost and found: why microchipping is a must

    Hinckley Times article
    Doogle’s plight found its way into the hallowed pages of The Hinckley Times.

    One of our cats – Doogle, a home-loving feline who rarely sets foot outside the garden – recently got himself caught under my mum’s car, only to drop out when she’d driven along a few streets and run, startled, across the fields toward the next village.

    Posters, local press coverage and Facebook shares resulted in a few potential leads on his whereabouts (we’d localised him to 2-3 miles from home) but, as a cat that doesn’t normally roam far, we never thought he’d find his own way back. The only comforting factor was the knowledge he was microchipped – should someone find him and take him to a rescue centre or vet, he’d be returned to us.

    Cats vs. dogs

    As cats tend to stray (or get lost), the advantage of microchipping them is clear, but it isn’t a legal requirement. It will, however, become law in England and Scotland for dogs to be microchipped from 6 April 2016. This change in the law means that all dogs must be chipped by 8 weeks of age and the appropriate details registered to the chip must be up to date.

    Unfortunately, while we did have Doogle microchipped, we realised we hadn’t registered our contact details with the microchip company, despite him being 18 months old and having been chipped as a kitten.

    This is something many dog owners will have to consider in line with the new law: if an owner does not keep the dog’s information up to date on a relevant database, or the dog is unchipped, a notice may be served giving 21 days in which to rectify the situation. If they still fail to comply, a fine of up to £500 can be issued or the dog may be seized and microchipped.

    Raising awareness

    Doogle
    Doogle managed to make his way home without the aid of microchip technology, but not all pets are so lucky.

    Ignorance is no excuse, so we must make clients aware of the new regulations, and in some cases, the exemptions:

    • Working dogs that have their tails docked in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 are allowed an extended time limit of 12 weeks before they must be chipped (this applies to England and Wales only – tail docking is entirely banned in Scotland).
    • Implantation can also be delayed if a vet believes it could adversely affect a dog’s health. In these cases, the vet must certify this is the case and state the expiry of the exemption, by which time a chip must be inserted.

    The introduction of the law will help trace inherited defects, tackle puppy farming and promote responsible dog ownership, not to mention the peace of mind that chipping gives owners should their pets be lost or stolen.

    Much to our disbelief, Doogle managed to find his own way home two weeks after he first went missing, so we never relied on his microchip for him to be returned, but we can now appreciate the relief of knowing it’s there (with the correct details registered) if he ever disappears again.

  • Spaying bitches at time of mastectomy

    Spaying bitches at time of mastectomy

    spay
    Spay image: Jackie Morrison.

    It is advisable to always spay a bitch having a mastectomy.

    Approximately 50% of malignant mammary tumours in the dog have receptors for either oestrogen or progesterone. This means the presence of these female hormones promotes the growth of these tumours.

    Benign tumours also have female hormone receptors and can also be stimulated by hormonal cycling of the female dog. This means spaying is important, even if a tumour has already developed.

    In one study, bitches spayed at the time of mammary tumour removal (or two years prior) lived 45% longer than those that remained unspayed.

  • Tyzzer’s disease in rodents

    Tyzzer’s disease in rodents

    mouse
    Image ©iStockphoto.com/EmiSta

    Tyzzer’s disease is caused by Clostridium piliforme and can cause severe disease in many animal species.

    Transmission is mainly through the fecal-oral route.

    It is mostly seen in mice, but infected mice often do not exhibit clinical symptoms. Mice become carriers of the disease and spread the pathogen to other mice and other animal species.

    Different mouse strains differ in their susceptibility to the pathogen.

    Tyzzer’s disease can occasionally infect rats and should be considered as a possible cause in cases of diarrhoea and sudden death in this species.

    The prognosis for affected individuals is very poor. Infection causes necrotic lesions in the liver, digestive organs and heart.

  • Barking up the right tree – with Trusty Paws

    Barking up the right tree – with Trusty Paws

    Originally a charity set up by veterinary students for the homeless hounds of Glasgow in October 2014, Trusty Paws has become incredibly successful and has received a huge amount of public support.

    The Trusty Paws Clinic logo

    This success has allowed the charity to run monthly clinics at the Simon Community Scotland drop-in centre, providing free health checks, vaccinations, microchipping, and flea and worming treatment for the pets of the homeless.

    Essential supplies, such as food, coats and harnesses for the dogs, are also given out at these clinics for those in need.

    Branching out

    The success of the Glasgow clinics has led to a branch of the charity opening in London, with the first clinic taking place in November 2015.

    Run by fourth year RVC students, the clinics take place at the West London Day Centre in Marylebone, which also provides other services for the homeless.

    The expansion of the charity is excellent news for the pets of the homeless, for whom we can continue to provide the veterinary care they deserve.

    In at the deep end

    The Glasgow clinics are organised by the student committee, but health checks are conducted by other fourth year student volunteers. Last week I had the chance to get involved and, under the supervision of a volunteer vet, conducted my first full consultation that didn’t involve actors in a communication skills class.

    My patient, Bruno, wasn’t particularly well. The owner said he was not himself (he certainly looked depressed), had lost a significant amount of weight since his last visit and had a slow heart rate, in addition to some evident skin issues.

    The vet suspected Cushing’s disease, so we referred him to the local Pets’n’Vets branch that undertakes any secondary veterinary care Trusty Paws patients require. They have conducted blood tests, paid for by the charity, and have confirmed the diagnosis.

    Offering support

    While a little daunting to be thrown straight into a full consultation, I thoroughly enjoyed helping out at the clinic and would certainly encourage other students (whether in Glasgow or London) to do so in the future.

    The clients are extremely appreciative and evidently love their pets dearly, so it’s easy to see the benefits of such a charity to everyone involved.

    • If you can’t get directly involved, but wish to offer financial support, donations can be made via PayPal.
    • Alternatively, the charity has two Amazon wishlists (one for Glasgow, one for London), enabling supporters to purchase specific products that each clinic requires.
  • Interrupted labour in queens

    Interrupted labour in queens

    kitten
    Interrupted labour can last from 24-36 hours. Image: mari_d/Fotolia.

    Interrupted labour is common enough in queens, especially primagravida and domestic breeds, as to be a normal occurrence.

    The interruption, which may last as long as 24 or even 36 hours, may be triggered by a disturbance or may be attributable to no changes at all.

    After one or more kittens have been born, the queen will stop contracting and rest, suckling the kittens already born. She will remain bright and often take food and water.

    After this period of rest the queen will recommence contractions and the remainder of the litter should be born normally and easily.

  • When to start treating dogs for epilepsy

    When to start treating dogs for epilepsy

    beagle
    Many dogs have only a single seizure.

    Starting treatment for epilepsy in dogs is slightly controversial as the adverse effects of medication, and the fact that most dogs will be on treatment for life, puts many owners off.

    Many dogs will only seizure once, and never again.

    I was taught to advocate treatment after the second seizure episode, once other organic causes have been ruled out.

    Experimental evidence and a single study in dogs suggest that early treatment offers better long-term control of the seizures as compared to animals that are allowed to have numerous seizures prior to the onset of treatment.

  • Mouth rinses for cats

    Most effective are the chlorhexidine based rinses.

    Say "Aaaah"
    Say “Aaaah”

    Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic which reduces inflammation and bleeding of the gums and freshens the breath. It has no known side effects.

    Chlorhexidine acetate is antibacterial, but there are some reports of staining of the teeth after prolonged usage.

    Rinses may also help reduce plaque and calculus formation. They can be added to the drinking water or some come with handy applicators, enabling direct application to the mouth.

    When bleeding and inflammation subside, the rinse should be stopped.

    Ideally, daily brushing with cat toothpaste is the gold standard for ongoing dental care.

  • Phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease

    Phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease

    Cat Drinking from tap
    Diagnosing CKD before the appearance of clinical signs is difficult, as no symptoms will be seen until approximately 70% of renal function is lost. However, common signs include increased thirst (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria).

    The overall aim is to maintain the phosphate concentration in the lower end of normal range: <1.45mmol/l.

    IRIS (International Renal Interest Society) specify exact targets for each stage of CKD (two months post-start of treatment).

    CKD Stage 1:  0.81-1.20
    CKD Stage 2:  0.81-1.45
    CKD Stage 3:  0.81-1.61
    CKD Stage 4:  0.81-1.94

    For all cats with CKD, the vet and owner should aim to:

    • increase the cat’s fluid intake
    • manage the diet with renal diet and/or phosphate binders
    • restrict phosphorous, which will improve quality and quality of life
    • use anti-hypertensive treatment if cats have increased blood pressure
    • consider ACE inhibitors in cats with proteinuria (UPC>0.4)
    • employ symptomatic treatment of any other complications
  • Festive threats to four-legged family members

    Festive threats to four-legged family members

    Now well into December, and getting ever closer to Christmas, there will be an abundance of “goodies” around the house that are not so good for the four-legged family members.

    Image: © Freeimages/s22k.
    Jordan advises colleagues to ensure clients keep an eye on their pets during the festivities. Image: © Freeimages/s22k.

    Most owners are aware of the dangers of chocolate and so are likely to rush down to the vet on Boxing Day when their Labrador has broken into the tin of Heroes – but what other festive dangers are there that owners are not so clued up on?

    Pudding

    The festive favourite Christmas pudding, while enjoyable for us, can be lethal for pets. It is the raisins, currants and sultanas that may lurk within that are poisonous.

    While the mechanism of toxicity is poorly understood, we know it can cause acute kidney failure in dogs.

    The treatment protocol for poisoning by raisins, etc, is similar to general suspected poisoning with an unknown agent: give an emetic (to make the animal vomit), an adsorbent (for example, activated charcoal) and supportive care (IV fluids) to protect the kidneys for a few days.

    Antifreeze

    Ethylene glycol, more commonly known as antifreeze, is extremely toxic to pets, with consumption of tiny amounts resulting in crystal formation in the kidneys, and so acute renal failure. Antifreeze smells and tastes sweet, so pets are often attracted to it. For this reason, it is best for owners to ensure it is kept in a secure container, well away from pets.

    Early symptoms include neurological signs, such as wobbliness, twitching, seizures and depression. As the poisoning progresses, the animal will have cardiac and respiratory signs, such as increased heart and respiratory rate. It’s vitally important owners look out for these signs if their pets have had any possible access to antifreeze (for example, if they’ve got into the garage or if a cat has been missing for a few days and potentially been locked in someone’s shed).

    The antidote for ethylene glycol poisoning is ethanol, because it replaces ethylene glycol as a substrate for the enzyme that breaks it down into toxic products. More specifically, lab-grade ethanol is best.

    Sweetener

    Xylitol is a sugar-free sweeter that is used in chewing gum, cakes and sweets, particularly diabetic foods. Xylitol causes insulin release in the body, resulting in hypoglycaemia and, later, liver damage.

    Symptoms include vomiting and signs of hypoglycaemia: lethargy, weakness, collapse and, if it progresses, seizures and coma. Unlike ethylene glycol, there isn’t a specific antidote, but supportive care, including fluids and liver protectants, is vital. The prognosis for xylitol toxicity is good if the animal’s hypoglycaemia is corrected quickly, so it is essential for owners that suspect this to contact their vet immediately. If you’re trying to determine whether xylitol is in a product, it is often listed as a food additive, code E967.

    Decorations?

    And don’t forget the potential foreign body too – if the cat has been playing with the tinsel and managed to swallow some or the dog has ingested a few tasty looking baubles.

    Enjoy the festive season, but advise owners to keep an eye on their pets this Christmas.

  • Hyperthyroidism and UTIs

    Cystocentesis
    Image courtesy Sarah Caney.

    Cats with hyperthyroidism are more vulnerable to bacterial UTIs. One study reported bacterial lower UTIs were diagnosed in 12% of hyperthyroid cats.

    Bacterial UTIs are clinically “silent” in a high proportion of older cats, with no haematuria, dysuria, or other signs to indicate their presence.

    Where possible, bacterial culture of cystocentesis-obtained urine samples (right) is recommended in hyperthyroid cats at time of diagnosis and periodically thereafter, especially if indicated by clinical signs or previous history.

    Urine bacteriology twice yearly is a good idea.