Boarding Recommendations

  

During the holiday season it is common for us all to do just that and "go on holiday!". If you are planning a trip away it is important to think about how your pet will be cared for whilst you are gone whether you own a cat or dog or both! 

There are many options available to you when selecting the right place for your pet to board that will range in price and facility. Despite the cost the most important thing to consider is "how will my pet be treated and cared for?" and "can my pet or both my pets stay at the one facility?".Therefore it is a good idea to go and have a quick look at the place or places you are interested in leaving your pet whilst you are away so that you have a better understanding of where your pet will be held and how much space they have to roam.

  

When boarding it is compulsory that all pets are up to date with vaccination and preventative care such as fleas/ticks and worming prevention; so make sure your pet has been brought up to date with all preventative care. If your pet is on any medications at the time of boarding, then this should also be advised to the boarding facility. At such a busy time of the year, boarding facilities can quickly become booked out so make sure to book well in advance if possible and be aware that sometime deposits may be required to secure your pet's reservation!.  

At CASULA VETERINARY HOSPITAL the spaces for our boarding cattery are running out fast!!! Please remember to book in advance and a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your kitty's spot! If you would like a viewing of our cattery facilities please call our clinic on (02) 9602 9863 and our staff will be more than happy to assist you! 

Swallowing Hazards

  

Every Christmas season the iconic Christmas tree is put up and decorated in a glorious fashion. As such we would like to put some light onto possible hazards that it can pose to pets.

• If a live tree is selected then one must consider watering to keep the lush green colour, this however can be problematic as some dogs and cats like to drink the tree water; the water itself is not poisonous, but some fertilizers can be poisonous to animals causing various signs of sickness.
• Ornaments and lights hung on our trees can often become fun and interesting toys for our pets. They can commonly be chewed and ingested by our dogs and cats. This can become very dangerous especially if the pet becomes electrocuted when playfully biting into the lighting wires or if ornaments are swollowed. Swollowed parts can easily become lodged in the digestive tract and causing obstruction. A lodged foreign body usually requires surgery in most cases to remove it. In addition, glass ornaments and lights commonly leave cuts and lacerations in the mouth if chewed. 
• Holiday decorations like ribbon and tinsel can also cause some problems if ingested by our cat or dog. This is more commonly seen in cats that like to play with string. This type of foreign body may cause the intestine to fold onto itself like an accordion, this in turn causes a lack of circulation to parts of the intestine and may require extensive surgical treatment. Clinical signs of foreign body obstruction include vomiting, lethargy and abdominal pain. If there is any known ingestion of foreign body, the animal should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Raisins and Friut Cakes

Christmas pudding (which contains raisins) is poisonous to your pets. Grape and raisin toxicity is well documented in dogs. Although the exact substance that causes the toxic reaction is not well understood, it has been shown that even tiny amounts of grapes or raisins can be fatally toxic for a dog. Dogs of any age, breed or gender can be affected.

One of the most serious complications in grape/raisin toxicity is acute kidney failure. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetence, abdominal pain, lethargy and passing only a small amount of urine or even complete cessation of urine.

Christmas Plants

Christmas plants are nice decor to have at home during this happy season. However, they can cause problems and intoxication in pets.  

1. Poinsettia 

• The sap of the poinsettia is an irritant. If any part of the plant is ingested by a dog / cat, the animal may show signs of oral irritation like hypersalivating, shaking his / her head and pawing at the head and mouth. The plant can also cause gastrointestinal sign like vomiting.


2. Mistletoe

• Intoxication can happen when large amount of berries are ingested by pets. Symptoms include hypersalivating, vomiting, diarrhoea, increase heart rate / breathing rate and progress to shock and death in severe cases.

3. Holly

• The red berries on holly plant is poisonous and if ingested, can cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhoea which leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Dry skin and the Itchy Pet!

With the warm and often rain filled summer months approaching, it is common for all pets to suffer from a wide variety of skin problems, due to changing weather conditions. Parasites such as fleas and flies also flourish in these conditions.

Often washing our dogs and maintaining optimum skin health (including ears) can be difficult at times and therefore it is important to use reputable "soap free" shampoos and conditioners. These will cleanse and soften the skin wihout removing essential oils needed to maintain optimum skin barriers.  Some simple signs of dry skin may include: self trauma like scratching and chewing, hair loss or dandruff. Often itching around the hind quarters such as tail base or behind the back legs can be associated with flea infestation which can cause dermatitis. Therefore, always ensure your pet is on a suitable and reliable flea prevention product such as"Frontline Plus, Advantage, Advocate, Revolution or Comfortis". 

At Casula Veterinary Hospital and Elizabeth Drive Animal Hospital, we recommend that usingveterinary registered skin care products are always a better choice as they focus primarily on cleansing and moisturising the skin and coat in dogs and cats. Such brands highly recommended include: VIRBAC and DERMCARE who offer a variety of oatmeal based, soap free products that can clean, moisten and protect the skin and coat from nature's harsh weather conditions. These brands also make medicated products that aid those pets who suffer from itchy skin due to specific skin conditions that can be diagnosed by the veterinarian.

Winter Warmers

This winter is all about keeping warm and looking 

fabulous so who said we can't pass this style onto our furry friends. Introducing the WeatherBeeta Dog Rug fashion line. Not only are these beautiful coats affordable but they will keep your dog warm through the day and night and help to relieve discomfort associated with those chilly nights. They come in many styles and colours to suit any size, so why not check one out today at www.weatherbeeta.com.au/range/dog-rugs.html.

To order one today please call our clinic. In house samples are available.

In addition to looking gorgeous this winter, dealing with the cold is a problem all pets face even with all that fur. Ensure you support your pet through this time by always providing them with a warm and dry place to sleep such as a kennel with padding and warm blankets. Cats also need warm covered resting spots; cat cubby houses are a great way to meet your cat's needs.

As seen above dog coats are great to keep your pet protected from harsh winds and cold day or night. Undercover resting spots are important for protection from harsh sun or rain. 

Joint Support and Supplements

Joint support and Supplementation is the key in helping your pet win the battle againstarthritis and joint damage. As mentioned in our previous segment, arthritis is a manageable condition. Therefore, in this segment we would like to discuss with you some useful hints.

1. Diet and Weight Control: Feeding the appropriate amount of food to you pet daily is crucial, do not overfeed your pet with fatty treats and always refer to your diet's recommended feeding guide to avoid excess weight gain. Weight management can decrease the stress acting on joints. Weight management is indeed one of the most important elements in osteoarthritis management.    

2. Excersise: High impact excercise such as running and jumping should be discouraged. Low impact excersise such as swimming and leash walking is recommended to maintain joint strength and mobility. Other forms may include: muscle/ joint massage, physiotherapy or hydrotherapy.

3. Dietary Supplementation: Use of products containing Omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine/ chondroitin sulphate, green lipped mussel extract, antioxidants (Vitamin E and C, selenium and zinc) or high in EPA/ DHA. Such products containing elements that have proven to have anti-inflammatory properties and aid in joint health and mobility. Examples of pet product include "Glyde / Sashas blend" which is a powder supplement placed onto the pet's food, Sea Flex treats for dogs and cats, and commercial joint diets such as Royal Canin Mobility or Hill's prescription diet j/d.

4. Environmental Control: Ensure your pet always has a warm and comfortable place to sleep especially at night, away from harsh cold winds and moisture. Good padding is important to prevent excessive pressure being placed on the joints.

5. Chondroprotectants: Pentosan polysulphate is a drug containing an active ingredient which can help protecting the articular cartilages of joints. It improves the joint fluid quality and increases the amount of fluid which provides cushioning and lubrication, thus protecting the joints from further cartilage damage. Treatment involves 4 weekly injections given as a course.

6. Pain Relief Medications: All pain relief medications are prescription only and long term use can potentially cause side effects on organ functions. Therefore, blood test prior to, and periodically during, the course would be essential.  For more information about these medications please speak to our vets. 

We hope that this information has helped you in this common problem. If you found that your furry friend at home require some help in managing arthritic pain, please do not hesitate to call and make an appointment with our vets so that we can tailor-made a protocol suitable for him/her.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic (long term) pain in aging dogs and cats. It is a progressive and degenerative disorder of the joints causing pain and inflammation.  Osteoarthritis is generally caused over time as a result of long term abnormal stress being placed on the joints. Predisposing factors include: age related degeneration, being overweight, from an old injury, or poor development of the joint. Arthritis can affect cats and dogs of various size, age and breed. However, there is a greater incidence of osteoarthritis in older dogs as well as larger breeds, for example, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Great Danes and St. Bernards. The most common clincal signs of osteoarthritis include: Stiffness in the legs, reduced activity, reluctance to walk or play, difficulty rising from a resting position, trouble climbing stairs or jumping into the car, resting more than usual, limping, licking or chewing at the joints and personality change that may include aggression or a defensive reaction when touched.    Diagnosis of osteoarthritis should be done by a veterinarian and will require a physical examination and possibly other tests such as radiography or joint fluid analysis. Though arthritis cannot be cured, it can be managed with an aim to reduce or alleviate pain/discomfort and slow down further degeneration. The level of severity will of course affect the success of treatment so if you think your pet may be suffering from arthritis, please speak to one of our veterinarians.

Rabbit Care and Husbandry

While the Easter Bunnies are hopping around, let's go through a few health and husbandry issues to help keeping your rabbits healthy and happy. 


1. Vaccinations 

Rabbits can be vaccinated against calicivirus at 10 - 12 weeks of age and annually with a booster. 

2. Handling

When handling a rabbit, the hindlegs and spine should be supported because they have very strong hindlegs and they can potentially damage their spine if they suddenly kick out. 

3. Biological facts

i. Weight - 900g to 6kg (depending on breed)

ii. Sexual maturity - 4 -7 months for males and 4 -9 months for females (dwarf breeds younger)

iii. Puberty: ~12 weeks so separate sexes at 10 weeks of age!

iv. Average life span: 6-8 years

4. Housing - the hutch should provide:

- shelter from extremes of temperature, wind and rain

- ventilation to minimize risk of exposure to fleas / mosquitoes

- hide / sleeping area

- run to allow free movement and exposure to natural light

- no wire flooring

- sufficient hay / straw for bedding that is changed regularly

- litter tray / corner for toileting

5. Exercise

- must have daily exercise outside of hutch for at least 4 hours, preferably outdoors with exposure of unfiltered light

6. Nutrition

- grass and hay should be available at all times 

- range of vegetables: leafy green vegetables like spinach leaves, bok choy, broccoli, herbs, sprouts, carrots and lettuce mixes

- fruits are offered occasionally or as a treat

- feed limited quantities, if any, pelleted food

- avoid rabbit mixes 

Pet Boarding / Minding Service

We would be able to help looking after your pet while you're away. At Casula Veterinary Hospital, we have a cattery which would enable to us to board your cat safely and securely. We would also be available to board small breed dogs in our kennel. Please click HERE to view our cattery information brochure.  Your pets would be looked after by our trained and qualified vet nurses during their stay and immediate veterinary attention and treatment would be available onsite if required. Therefore, our fully equipped hospital and trained staff would enable us to look after animals that require long term daily medication during boarding.  All the boarding animals would be fed twice daily with Royal Canin Diet.  We would require all boarding animals to be up to date with their annual vaccinations (minimum of C5 for dogs and F3 for cats), if you are unsure of your pet's vaccination status, please call and speak to one of our friendly nurses who can advise you on that.  For your large breed doggy friend, there are a few options with boarding / minding service 1. Adelar Pet Motel in Leppington, 9606 5955 2. Hanrob in Heathcote, 8508 3222 3. Don't Fret Pet - Pet Minding Service, 1300 307 021

Travelling with Pets

Here are some useful tips if you are thinking of travelling with your pets during the Easter break:

  

1. Planning your trip

- Means of transport and duration - air vs road

- Pets friendly accomodation

- Shopping for handy gadgets for your pet: water bottles, food & treats, toys, carry box, car harness, car seat covers, collar & leash, pet tags etc

- Training your pet to get used to the car eg fitting car harnesses on

- Plan your route and try to locate the nearest vet along the way just in case for any emergency

- Vet visit for a general health check and discussion:

i. to ensure animal is fit healthy for travel;

ii. to ensure using correct product to protect from tick paralysis esp visitation to the coastal areas,

iii. to see whether any medication (eg. sedation / anti-nausea) would make the trip more pleasant and less stressful to your pet

iv. get your animal microchipped as it is probably quite difficult for him/ her to find its way home if he /she gets lost

2. During your trip 

-  NEVER leave your pet in a car unattended as they can suffer from heatstroke and die

-  Stopping every coule of hours for a toilet break and a drink of water 

-  Rules and regulations

i. Police can fine a driver and issue dermit points if an animal is causing the driver to be not in full control of the vehicle, or if they are driving with an animal on their lap. The penalties are 3 demerit points and $344.

ii. The RSPCA can also issue fines under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act. If an animal is injured because it was unrestrained, owners face up to 6 months' jail and fines of up to $5500.  

Chocolate Toxicity

"A friendly reminder not to feed your pets chocolate".

 With the Easter season soon upon us, and the Easter bunny stocking up on yummy chocolate eggs it is important to remember that although these delicious treats are fine for us to eat, they are not ok for our pets at home; be it a dog, cat, bird or any other small animal such as a rabbit. Chocolate "dark, milk and white" contains a compound called "theobromine" which is a diuretic and a heart stimulant. As a heart stimulant and diuretic; chocolate if consumed will cause your pet to have many complications: excessive amounts of urine will be passed resulting in unusual thirst, vomiting and diarrhoea are commonly seen and most dangerously the heart will beat at an increased rate with possibly permanent heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Chocolate consumption can cause death in our pets even if a small amount is eaten, it's important therefore to remember that this means all forms of chocolate including cake, ice-cream, biscuits or any product that contains cocoa. To prevent chocolate toxicity in your pet always keep your sweets away from your pet's reach, do not leave chocolate products unattended with your pet and always seek veterinary attention if you feel your pet may have consumed a chocolate product.