AUTUMN 2013 WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE
All the LatestNews from
your XLVetsPractice...
Top tips for identifying signs of stress and fear
Fireworks and noise
phobias!
Heart diseasein dogs and cats
practicenews...
We might love watching fireworks,but sadly some of our furry companions don't like it so much(80% of pets are scared of fireworks).The loud bangs and whizzes canmake them very nervous. Some dogs(and cats) can show real phobias to fireworks. With this seasonapproaching there are a few thingsyou can do to prepare your pets forGuy Fawkes night.
If you think that your pet is one ofthe 80% or, you are worried aboutthe effects of fireworks, please contact us to discuss options on how to help your pet cope duringstressful situations.
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 ANIMALNEWSLETTER
Future OffersKeep up to date with the offers we have available by liking us on facebook www.facebook.com/paragonvets.pets orchecking our website www.paragonvet.com
www.paragonvet.com
Paragon Veterinary Group, DalstonTel: 01228 710208
Townhead Veterinary CentreTel: 01768 483789
Paragon Veterinary SurgeryTel: 01228 591005
Firework phobia
There are a number of food items thatwhilst safe and yummy for us, are highlytoxic when fed to pets.
Top of the list is chocolate. Theobromine is thetoxic ingredient, and is also related to caffeine. It cancause vomiting, tummy ache, excitability and a rapidheart rate. The dog may become wobbly and start fitting. It may also lead to kidney failure. The dangerousdose is also very low. For an average Westie 12gramsof dark chocolate is toxic; about one-third of a bar of dark chocolate.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sweets,chewing gum and as a sugar substitute in baking. It causes a rapid and severe drop in blood sugar oftenwithin two hours, even after ingesting a very smallamount. This causes vomiting, sleepiness, fitting, collapse and coma. Over a few days it can also lead to liver failure.
Grapes and their dried derivatives like raisins and sultanas can cause rapidly toxic effects in some dogs. With bloody vomiting and bloody diarrhoea as common signs and more severely kidney failure.
Peanuts and monkey nuts can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and more seriously fitting, twitching and muscle spasm.
Onions, Garlic, Chives can cause the destruction ofred blood cells known as Heinz body anaemia,Poisonous reaction can result from raw, cooked ordried onions, garlic, chives, including those included inpowdered or dehydrated forms. Avoid all foods thatcontain onions or onion variants. This includes many ofour left overs, such as curry or pasta sauces. Signs ofingestion are pale gums, rapid heart rate, weakness,bloody urine and possible kidney failure.
If you think your pet may have ingested any of the above then you should contact your vet as soon as possible, day or night, as thismay be a real emergency.
PrevalenceIt is estimated that heart problems can affect up to10% of dogs and cats in the UK. Heart diseases canbe classed as congenital (present at birth), oracquired (where the disease develops in adulthood).Around 5% of the heart cases seen in veterinarypractice are congenital, and 95% are acquired.
What is Heart Failure?The main function of the heart is to pump blood to the lungs to collect oxygen, then to deliver thisoxygenated blood to the body. Heart disease is any condition of the heart or great blood vesselswhich results in disruption of the normal heart structure or function.
Heart failure occurs when the diseased heart beginsto lose its ability to pump enough blood to meet
the needs of the body. This can lead to a build-up of fluid in the lungs, or in the abdomen, or maysometimes be responsible for a ‘collapse’.
A heart attack, which is a common consequence of heart disease in humans, should not be confusedwith heart failure. Heart failure or congestive heartfailure is a much more common consequence ofheart disease in dogs and cats.
Signs/symptoms:Heart disease in dogs and cats can cause a range of symptoms such as breathing difficulty,breathlessness, reduced energy levels, exerciseintolerance, cyanosis (where the gums become blue in colour), collapse, hind limb weakness, coughing, ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen), or even sudden death. Symptoms such as theseshould always be checked out by your vet.
Treatment of heart disease:The treatment options for heart disease are verymuch dependent on the diagnosis. Heart surgery isavailable for some specific conditions, but the vastmajority of acquired heart diseases are managedwith life-long medication such as tablets, capsulesor liquids. This field of medicine is improving all thetime, leading to longer survival times and better outcomes for patients with chronic heart disease.
by Mark Overend BVMS GP Cert (Cardio) MRCVSCain Veterinary Centre
TOXICtreats
As bonfire night approaches, we have a timely articlefrom Vicki Harrington, looking at Noise Phobiasincluding useful tips on how to help your pet during
firework season. It is estimated that heart problems can affect up to 10% of dogs and
cats in the UK, Mark Overend gives us an overview of Heart Disease, the signs to look out for and the treatment available.
In this edition of Small Talk...
Wendy Scourfield
BVetMed MRCVSAllen & Partners
Heart diseasein dogs and cats
There are a number of food items thatwhilst safe and yummy for us, are highlytoxic when fed to pets.
Top of the list is chocolate. Theobromine is thetoxic ingredient, and is also related to caffeine. It cancause vomiting, tummy ache, excitability and a rapidheart rate. The dog may become wobbly and start fitting. It may also lead to kidney failure. The dangerousdose is also very low. For an average Westie 12gramsof dark chocolate is toxic; about one-third of a bar of dark chocolate.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sweets,chewing gum and as a sugar substitute in baking. It causes a rapid and severe drop in blood sugar oftenwithin two hours, even after ingesting a very smallamount. This causes vomiting, sleepiness, fitting, collapse and coma. Over a few days it can also lead to liver failure.
Grapes and their dried derivatives like raisins and sultanas can cause rapidly toxic effects in some dogs. With bloody vomiting and bloody diarrhoea as common signs and more severely kidney failure.
Peanuts and monkey nuts can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and more seriously fitting, twitching and muscle spasm.
Onions, Garlic, Chives can cause the destruction ofred blood cells known as Heinz body anaemia,Poisonous reaction can result from raw, cooked ordried onions, garlic, chives, including those included inpowdered or dehydrated forms. Avoid all foods thatcontain onions or onion variants. This includes many ofour left overs, such as curry or pasta sauces. Signs ofingestion are pale gums, rapid heart rate, weakness,bloody urine and possible kidney failure.
If you think your pet may have ingested any of the above then you should contact your vet as soon as possible, day or night, as thismay be a real emergency.
PrevalenceIt is estimated that heart problems can affect up to10% of dogs and cats in the UK. Heart diseases canbe classed as congenital (present at birth), oracquired (where the disease develops in adulthood).Around 5% of the heart cases seen in veterinarypractice are congenital, and 95% are acquired.
What is Heart Failure?The main function of the heart is to pump blood to the lungs to collect oxygen, then to deliver thisoxygenated blood to the body. Heart disease is any condition of the heart or great blood vesselswhich results in disruption of the normal heart structure or function.
Heart failure occurs when the diseased heart beginsto lose its ability to pump enough blood to meet
the needs of the body. This can lead to a build-up of fluid in the lungs, or in the abdomen, or maysometimes be responsible for a ‘collapse’.
A heart attack, which is a common consequence of heart disease in humans, should not be confusedwith heart failure. Heart failure or congestive heartfailure is a much more common consequence ofheart disease in dogs and cats.
Signs/symptoms:Heart disease in dogs and cats can cause a range of symptoms such as breathing difficulty,breathlessness, reduced energy levels, exerciseintolerance, cyanosis (where the gums become blue in colour), collapse, hind limb weakness, coughing, ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen), or even sudden death. Symptoms such as theseshould always be checked out by your vet.
Treatment of heart disease:The treatment options for heart disease are verymuch dependent on the diagnosis. Heart surgery isavailable for some specific conditions, but the vastmajority of acquired heart diseases are managedwith life-long medication such as tablets, capsulesor liquids. This field of medicine is improving all thetime, leading to longer survival times and better outcomes for patients with chronic heart disease.
by Mark Overend BVMS GP Cert (Cardio) MRCVSCain Veterinary Centre
TOXICtreats
As bonfire night approaches, we have a timely articlefrom Vicki Harrington, looking at Noise Phobiasincluding useful tips on how to help your pet during
firework season. It is estimated that heart problems can affect up to 10% of dogs and
cats in the UK, Mark Overend gives us an overview of Heart Disease, the signs to look out for and the treatment available.
In this edition of Small Talk...
Wendy Scourfield
BVetMed MRCVSAllen & Partners
Heart diseasein dogs and cats
Signs of fear and stress include:l Cowering
l Shaking
l Hiding
l Restlessness
l Yawning
l Chewing
l Vocalisation
l Toileting in inappropriate areas
l Drooling
l Panting
l Eating or drinking excessively
l General disobedience.
l Digging in the house
l Tail chasing
l Jumping up onto you or the furniture
l Excessive grooming
Please note that some of these signs can be mistaken for your pet misbehaving, when actuallythey are scared.
The Animal Welfare Act of 2006 actually provides some guidelines on how to helpyour pet around firework season:
l Keep pets inside when fireworks are being let off.
l Close windows and doors and shut cat flaps tostop pets escaping and to help keep noise to a minimum.
l Draw the curtains.
l If the animals are used to the sounds of TV orradio, switch them on (but not too loudly) to helpblock out some firework noises and limit the suddenness and volume of the noises.
l Avoid fussing or cuddling your pet while it isscared. This only tells your pet that there is something to be scared about! Stay relaxed, act normally and praise calm behaviour.
l If responsive, encourage pets to play or do something rewarding when fireworks are being let off.
l Allow your pet to vocalise, pace or hide if it wants to.
l Ensure pets have an area where they can go tohide undisturbed, if that is what they prefer to do.Place food and water bowls nearby.
l Take your dog for a long walk during the day(before the fireworks are set off, NEVER walkdog's when fireworks are being let off!!).
l Avoid leaving your pet alone during upsettingevents. If you do leave the house, don't get angrywith your pet if you find it has been destructiveafter being left on its own.
l Don't tie up, leave your dog outside or in the carwhile fireworks are being let off.
l NEVER take your dog to a firework display.
l Ensure your pet is fitted with a microchip, so thatif they do run away they have a better chance ofbeing quickly reunited with you.
Prescription medications, supplements, herbal,pheromone and calming shirt are products availablewhich can help alleviate your pets phobia. They areintended to be used alongside measures mentionedabove. They can help your pet to concentrate on an activity they find rewarding/pleasant whilst fireworks are going off. Administration of someproducts should ideally start a few weeks before the fireworks are expected!
Small petsRabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferretsand birds also need to be treated with special careduring fireworks season. These animals are easilyfrightened. We advise owners of small animalsshould follow these precautions:
l Hutches and cages should be brought into aquiet room indoors, or into a garage or shed.
l Give your pet extra bedding to burrow into to feel safe.
l If you cannot bring your pet's hutch inside, youshould turn its enclosure around to face a wall or fence.
l Cover aviaries or hutches with thick blankets orduvets to block out the sight of fireworks anddeaden the sound of bangs. Ensure there isenough ventilation.
l In cases where the above measures do not help, speak to your vet about referral to a qualified behaviourist.
Small Talk Special Feature
Phobias are a specific fear, which an animaldoes not naturally 'get used to'. These animalswill not get better and repeated exposure to thefearful event just reinforces the problem, leadingto it getting progressively worse over time. The sooner the fear is tackled, the better! In addition, animals have very acute hearing;loud bangs and whistles may cause thempain in their ears.
Fireworks and Noise Phobiasby Vicki Harrington RVN DipCABT (COAPE) NOCNHook Norton Veterinary Group
Signs of fear and stress include:l Cowering
l Shaking
l Hiding
l Restlessness
l Yawning
l Chewing
l Vocalisation
l Toileting in inappropriate areas
l Drooling
l Panting
l Eating or drinking excessively
l General disobedience.
l Digging in the house
l Tail chasing
l Jumping up onto you or the furniture
l Excessive grooming
Please note that some of these signs can be mistaken for your pet misbehaving, when actuallythey are scared.
The Animal Welfare Act of 2006 actually provides some guidelines on how to helpyour pet around firework season:
l Keep pets inside when fireworks are being let off.
l Close windows and doors and shut cat flaps tostop pets escaping and to help keep noise to a minimum.
l Draw the curtains.
l If the animals are used to the sounds of TV orradio, switch them on (but not too loudly) to helpblock out some firework noises and limit the suddenness and volume of the noises.
l Avoid fussing or cuddling your pet while it isscared. This only tells your pet that there is something to be scared about! Stay relaxed, act normally and praise calm behaviour.
l If responsive, encourage pets to play or do something rewarding when fireworks are being let off.
l Allow your pet to vocalise, pace or hide if it wants to.
l Ensure pets have an area where they can go tohide undisturbed, if that is what they prefer to do.Place food and water bowls nearby.
l Take your dog for a long walk during the day(before the fireworks are set off, NEVER walkdog's when fireworks are being let off!!).
l Avoid leaving your pet alone during upsettingevents. If you do leave the house, don't get angrywith your pet if you find it has been destructiveafter being left on its own.
l Don't tie up, leave your dog outside or in the carwhile fireworks are being let off.
l NEVER take your dog to a firework display.
l Ensure your pet is fitted with a microchip, so thatif they do run away they have a better chance ofbeing quickly reunited with you.
Prescription medications, supplements, herbal,pheromone and calming shirt are products availablewhich can help alleviate your pets phobia. They areintended to be used alongside measures mentionedabove. They can help your pet to concentrate on an activity they find rewarding/pleasant whilst fireworks are going off. Administration of someproducts should ideally start a few weeks before the fireworks are expected!
Small petsRabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferretsand birds also need to be treated with special careduring fireworks season. These animals are easilyfrightened. We advise owners of small animalsshould follow these precautions:
l Hutches and cages should be brought into aquiet room indoors, or into a garage or shed.
l Give your pet extra bedding to burrow into to feel safe.
l If you cannot bring your pet's hutch inside, youshould turn its enclosure around to face a wall or fence.
l Cover aviaries or hutches with thick blankets orduvets to block out the sight of fireworks anddeaden the sound of bangs. Ensure there isenough ventilation.
l In cases where the above measures do not help, speak to your vet about referral to a qualified behaviourist.
Small Talk Special Feature
Phobias are a specific fear, which an animaldoes not naturally 'get used to'. These animalswill not get better and repeated exposure to thefearful event just reinforces the problem, leadingto it getting progressively worse over time. The sooner the fear is tackled, the better! In addition, animals have very acute hearing;loud bangs and whistles may cause thempain in their ears.
Fireworks and Noise Phobiasby Vicki Harrington RVN DipCABT (COAPE) NOCNHook Norton Veterinary Group
Send your completed entry to: Small Talk Competition No.6 XLVets, Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JF
Name
Please tick your preferred competition prize:
Address
Postcode
Telephone Number
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
Dog Toy Cat Toy Rabbit or Guinea Pig Toy
One of these great prizes...
Prizes kindly supplied by NVS Ltd
All the words listed can be found in the grid with the exception of one. Which one is it?
The closing date for entries is
November 22nd2013
Circle all the words as you find them, there will be oneword which isn’t in the grid. Fill in your answer below!
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Arthritisby Stuart Brown BVSc MRCVS Glenthorne Veterinary Group
Inflammation is usually a response to degenerativeprocesses or due to damage to the joint, for exampletrauma or fractures. Regardless of the underlyingcause the outcome is the same; osteoarthritis resultsin pain in the joint, swelling and stiffness, and in thelater stages it is not unusual to see deformity develop.If there is an obvious underlying cause (for exampleruptured cranial cruciate ligament) then treatment ofthat cause can lessen the signs or even completelyalleviate them all together. For this reason, early intervention and correction of the cause is indicated.
However, it is a simple fact of life that osteoarthritis iscommon in older patients particularly when there arecomplicating factors such as obesity. Arthritis is notthe preserve of large breed dogs alone though.Indeed it is very common to see older cats with quitesevere deforming arthritis.
There is no single ideal treatment for osteoarthritis,although in many cases therapy focuses on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),with other regimes added to suit the patient.Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy can be extremelyuseful for reducing the stiffness of inflamed joints and restoring normal range of movement, often in conjunction with a NSAID.
There are many different NSAID products available,all with slightly different pharmacological propertiesand it is not unusual to find that one works better insome patients than others. These products are generally given orally on a daily basis (although one is given just once a month!). They are absorbedquickly so the response is usually rapid.
There is much evidence to support the use of theseproducts on a long-term basis; pain is reduced considerably compared with patients given intermittent or short-term courses of the medications.The range of movement available to the patient isgreatly enhanced allowing greater freedom to exercisethus improving fitness and crucially helping weightmanagement. When compared to the human patient,safety is much greater too! There is little evidence ofcumulative side effects or toxicity particularly to theliver, kidneys and gastrointestinal system.
Side effects from this class of drugs are typically seen within the first few days of a course and includeinappetence, vomiting or diarrhoea, although thesewill usually resolve within a few days of stoppingadministration. If any of these adverse effects areseen, and particularly if blood is present you shouldstop medication and notify your vet.
Arthritis literally means inflammation of the joint.
K H E A R T O X I CY N S O V I F B K QQ F K U D N O I S EM K R M O H D T G ZC H O C O L A T E WN G W W S E H I K RH Q E J R R C H D VW R R T P F W U S LP Z I Y P A K I E TQ B F L X B L Z I U
FIREWORKSNOISE
HEARTTREATS
ARTHRITISCHOCOLATE
TOXIC
MISSING WORD
Send your completed entry to: Small Talk Competition No.6 XLVets, Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JF
Name
Please tick your preferred competition prize:
Address
Postcode
Telephone Number
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
Dog Toy Cat Toy Rabbit or Guinea Pig Toy
One of these great prizes...
Prizes kindly supplied by NVS Ltd
All the words listed can be found in the grid with the exception of one. Which one is it?
The closing date for entries is
November 22nd2013
Circle all the words as you find them, there will be oneword which isn’t in the grid. Fill in your answer below!
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Arthritisby Stuart Brown BVSc MRCVS Glenthorne Veterinary Group
Inflammation is usually a response to degenerativeprocesses or due to damage to the joint, for exampletrauma or fractures. Regardless of the underlyingcause the outcome is the same; osteoarthritis resultsin pain in the joint, swelling and stiffness, and in thelater stages it is not unusual to see deformity develop.If there is an obvious underlying cause (for exampleruptured cranial cruciate ligament) then treatment ofthat cause can lessen the signs or even completelyalleviate them all together. For this reason, early intervention and correction of the cause is indicated.
However, it is a simple fact of life that osteoarthritis iscommon in older patients particularly when there arecomplicating factors such as obesity. Arthritis is notthe preserve of large breed dogs alone though.Indeed it is very common to see older cats with quitesevere deforming arthritis.
There is no single ideal treatment for osteoarthritis,although in many cases therapy focuses on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),with other regimes added to suit the patient.Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy can be extremelyuseful for reducing the stiffness of inflamed joints and restoring normal range of movement, often in conjunction with a NSAID.
There are many different NSAID products available,all with slightly different pharmacological propertiesand it is not unusual to find that one works better insome patients than others. These products are generally given orally on a daily basis (although one is given just once a month!). They are absorbedquickly so the response is usually rapid.
There is much evidence to support the use of theseproducts on a long-term basis; pain is reduced considerably compared with patients given intermittent or short-term courses of the medications.The range of movement available to the patient isgreatly enhanced allowing greater freedom to exercisethus improving fitness and crucially helping weightmanagement. When compared to the human patient,safety is much greater too! There is little evidence ofcumulative side effects or toxicity particularly to theliver, kidneys and gastrointestinal system.
Side effects from this class of drugs are typically seen within the first few days of a course and includeinappetence, vomiting or diarrhoea, although thesewill usually resolve within a few days of stoppingadministration. If any of these adverse effects areseen, and particularly if blood is present you shouldstop medication and notify your vet.
Arthritis literally means inflammation of the joint.
K H E A R T O X I CY N S O V I F B K QQ F K U D N O I S EM K R M O H D T G ZC H O C O L A T E WN G W W S E H I K RH Q E J R R C H D VW R R T P F W U S LP Z I Y P A K I E TQ B F L X B L Z I U
FIREWORKSNOISE
HEARTTREATS
ARTHRITISCHOCOLATE
TOXIC
MISSING WORD
AUTUMN 2013 WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE
All the LatestNews from
your XLVetsPractice...
Top tips for identifying signs of stress and fear
Fireworks and noise
phobias!
Heart diseasein dogs and cats
practicenews...
We might love watching fireworks,but sadly some of our furry companions don't like it so much(80% of pets are scared of fireworks).The loud bangs and whizzes canmake them very nervous. Some dogs(and cats) can show real phobias to fireworks. With this seasonapproaching there are a few thingsyou can do to prepare your pets forGuy Fawkes night.
If you think that your pet is one ofthe 80% or, you are worried aboutthe effects of fireworks, please contact us to discuss options on how to help your pet cope duringstressful situations.
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 ANIMALNEWSLETTER
Future OffersKeep up to date with the offers we have available by liking us on facebook www.facebook.com/paragonvets.pets orchecking our website www.paragonvet.com
www.paragonvet.com
Paragon Veterinary Group, DalstonTel: 01228 710208
Townhead Veterinary CentreTel: 01768 483789
Paragon Veterinary SurgeryTel: 01228 591005
Firework phobia
