issue23
Save money & keep your pets healthy &
happy with our special seasonal offers(avoiding potential perils!)
Lily puts on a few stones!TACKLING
TICKSTACKLING
TICKS
Focus on our friends at Cats Protection
Welcome to the latest issue of ‘Paws’- Ark House Vets’ quarterly magazine
‘we care like you care’
Here for you, whenever you need usWe continue to work hard to ensure that we are able to see your pet quickly when needed, so we offer long opening hours and a comprehensive emergency service. Our opening hours are currently:8.00am - 8.00pm Monday to Friday &8.30am - 3.00pm on Saturdays, whilst our emergency service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Did you know that you can also book your pet’s appointment through our website: www.arkhousevets.co.ukSimply request an appointment using our easy online form and we will confirm by email. If you need an appointment within 36 hours (or just like the sound of our lovely receptionists) you can still call us on 01525 373329!
EMERGENCY SERVICEBecause we use dedicated emergency services to give your pet the best care when we’re not open we are able to provide emergency clinics in 4 locations to suit your needs.In an emergency call our normal number 01525 373329. You will be given a choice of four clinics who can help. We will connect your call to them directly.Vets Now Milton Keynes,Vets Now Luton, Beds Vets Barton,Vets Now Hemel HempsteadAll of these clinics email through any notes to us at 7am each morning so we will always know what may have happened if you need to visit them.
So it’s official - summer is here! And whilst we are all enjoying the great outdoors (or just the back garden) as much as we can, we thought it would be useful to remind you of some potential perils lurking amidst the summer fun. Find out more on page 9.
We also bring you the story of Lily, who got more than she bargained for after her habit of eating pebbles got a bit out of hand! Fortunately our wonderful team were able to take action to remove the offending items, as you will see!
And we’re pleased to be able to tell you a bit more about the work of a local charity very close to or hearts, Cats Protection. Many of our clients support this wonderful cause, either by donating money or food, or by adopting cats and kittens from their shelters. Find out more about their work on page 5.
At Ark House we are committed to keeping every pet in the very best of health, which means promoting routine preventative care as standard for every cat, dog and rabbit that we are privileged to care for. We work hard to keep our prices fair and bring you ways in which to save money - our Paws Club, the First Steps programme and our regular special offers are all ways in which we help you take the best care of your pet, whilst offering great value - find out more on pages 10 & 11.
As always, we love to hear from you with updates on our patients’ progress, news or photos of your own pets. You can speak with our reception team, give us a ring, or email at [email protected]. There are some fantastic pictures in the Gallery section of our website, but we’ve always got room for more!
With best wishes to all our friends, from Kate Semple and the team
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These behaviours are really common and part of your puppy's normal development but can be hard to cope with at home.
Let us help you manage this behaviour in a positive way.
Call us on 01525 373329
Need help with chewing?Biting?
Jumping?And the rest!
As always, our wonderful team have been very busy since the last issue of Paws, and there’s plenty of news to share with you:
• A big welcome to Lorna who joins our Front of House team - we’re delighted to have you with us!
• Huge congratulations to Vet Laura and her husband who have welcomed baby Emily into the world. Also to Vet Lara and her hubby who now have baby Rafe to keep them busy!
•We’ve been out and about doing lots of school and nursery visits - the children love hearing our stories!
•There are a number of community events coming up where Ark House will be in attendance, so do come along and say hello! •LORC show on the 12th July •Linslade Canal festival on the 25th July •Rushmere Country Fair on August 16th •Appledown Open day on the 12th September
•Vet Adele has appeared on French TV with Flying Dog Callie – they are both stars in our humble opinion!
Team News
Lorna& Jarna
Adele & Callie
Nursery Visit
•One of our sponsored Dogs for the Disabled, Tolly, was recently featured on BBC2’s The Wonder of Dogs – a fantastic charity and a wonderful dog.
•Wehaveattendedseveralcoursesandeventsinordertokeep us all up to date in matters both veterinary and not: •Front of House members Linda and Tracy, along with Vet Kate, attended the Veterinary Customer Care Congress in June •Other members of the team have attended courses on neurology, cardiology, management and advanced vascular access.
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At Ark House we’re here to help at every stage of your pet’s life, and we know that in the early days you might need a little more help and advice than usual!
FREE health checks - Is your puppy, kitten or rabbit less than 8 weeks old? They might be too young for his or her vaccinations, but we’d love to see them anyway! Bring your newest family member along for a FREE veterinary health check and plenty of advice – our friendly team are always on hand with handy tips to help settle your new pet into the family and keep them happy and healthy!
Simply call reception on 01525 373329 to arrange a convenient time to drop by.Online advice You’ll find lots of help and advice for your new pet on our website,
www.arkhousevets.co.uk. You can download a simple check list with tips, ideas and a list of key health care needs for your new bundle of joy!
Also see details of our new First Steps packages on page 6, we can help you to get your furry friend on the right track, right at the beginning,
and will save you money in the process!4
I have beenreserved...please
consider one of myfriends.
Luton, Dunstable and District Cats Protection is operated by a small but dedicated group of volunteers in the area covered by LU1 to LU7 postcodes,
as well as parts of MK45 (SouthoftheA507,Westoning,FlitwickandBarton-le-Clay)
Cats Protection- Luton, Dunstable & District Branch
At Cats Protection, we have a network of volunteer fosterers throughout South Bedfordshire who care for cats in their own homes, either in a purpose-built cat pen in the garden or in a spare room within their home.
Each cat receives a very high standard of care whilst with us - we never overcrowd cat pens or mix cats from different households together. On admission, every cat and kitten is vet checked, fully vaccinated, neutered (if old enough) micro-chipped and treated for fleas and worms. Cats Protection will never put a healthy cat to sleep, there is always a new home for every cat – sadly some just take longer than others to find it!
neutering - the only effective long-term solution. Our wonderful volunteers raise awareness and funds at various community events, come rain or shine! It costs lots of money each day to keep a cat at one of our foster homes: in addition to all the basics such as food, litter, heating, we have to pay for all the medical bills, plus flea treatments, blood tests when necessary, neutering, micro-chipping, and vaccinations. In total, our costs are well over £150 per
cat, which is why we rely so heavily on the kindness and generosity of local people.
For more information
about what we do, to adopt a cat, or to
volunteer, please visit our website www.luton.cats.org.
uk/luton or call the branch on 0345 371 2746. Thank you!
It’s our aim to help as many unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens as possible by rehabilitating and re-homing them to permanent, loving new homes. We rescue and re-home cats for various reasons: people move and leave their cat behind or the owner dies, sometimes cats are found wandering or injured and sometimes they are just given up when people can’t cope anymore.
The work of our volunteers is extremely varied; besides rehoming we offer information and advice about responsible cat ownership, promoting and assisting families on low incomes with the cost of
www.luton.cats.org.uk/luton 5
Lily’s X-ray
Lily is an 8 year old English Springer Spaniel who came in to see us recently because her mum was worried that she was lethargic at home and a bit uncomfortable. She’d had a bit of diarrhoea with a little blood as well but wasn’t being sick.
When she didn’t improve with mild pain relief, Lily was x-rayed - we were concerned as she has eaten stones in the past, resulting in her having to undergo surgery. And lo and behold there were lots of stones visible in her stomach and possibly one in her intestine too.
Lily puts on a few stones!!
T hose stones weren’t going to pass through so we had to open up her stomach under anaesthetic and remove them. Luckily Lily recovered really well and is back to her old self now. She is under strict instructions to not eat any more stones!!
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Little Paws First Steps for your puppy, kitten or bunnyGetting a new bundle of fun is so exciting and just as you want to do
what’s best for your little one, so do we!Our new First Steps packages help you to get your furry friend on the
right track, right at the beginning, and will save you money in the process!
Puppy First Steps includes:
• Vaccination course • Flea treatment • Worming treatment • Microchip • Barking Heads puppy food • Health check at seven months • Advice, vouchers and recommendat ions plus a gorgeous bandana
And with all this for just £60, you’ll enjoy savings of more than £22 too!
Kitten First Steps includes:
• Vaccination course • Flea treatment • Worming treatment • Microchip • Miaowing Heads kitten food • Health check at six months • Advice, vouchers, recommendations plus a fabulous cat nip mini cushion
And with all this for just £60, you’ll also enjoy savings of £29!
Baby Bunny First Steps includes:
• Vaccination against Myxomatosis & VHD • Supa Rabbit Excel 2kg • Health check at six months old • Advice, vouchers and recommendations!
And with all this for £30, you’ll also besaving £10!
Don’t forget that you’ll find lots more advice and information on new puppies and kittens on our website, arkhousevets.co.uk
• Annualsupplyofwormingtreatments• Topicalfleatreatmentsallyearround• Vaccinationsandboosters o Fordogs:Distemper,Hepatitis, Parvovirus,Parainfluenzaand Leptospirosis o Forcats:Flu,Enteritis&Leukaemia o ForRabbits:Myxomatosis&Viral HaemorrhagicDisease
the smart way to keep your pet & your purse healthy in 2015 and beyond...
AtArk House Vets, we know that prevention is always better than cure. Andwe understand thatsometimeswhenallthoseessentialtreatmentsandvaccinationsaredueatonce,thecostcanbesignificant.
That’swhywecreatedourPaws Club;helpingyoukeepyourpetsinthebestofhealthwhilstalsokeepingcostsmanageable.Soit’sbetterforyourpet,andbetterforyou!
Youcanfindoutmuchmoreonlineatwww.arkhousevets.co.uk/about-us/paws-club oraskatreceptionformoredetails.
Wha
t’s in
clud
ed?
PLUS£1
discount
per
month
for
every
additional
pet
registered
• Afantastic10%discountonallotherproducts and services at Ark House Vets• Fullclinicalcheck-upstwiceayear, maintaininggoodgeneralhealthand highlightinganyproblemsearly• Specialistdietaryadvice• OptionalAccidentalInjuryCover• Extendedpaymentschemefor high-costtreatments• ConvenientmonthlypaymentsbyDirectDebit
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Did you know that you can now save money with Ark House online on a wide range of foods and accessories,
as well as having your purchases delivered?...perfect for those heavy bags of food!
Why not visit www.arkhousevets.co.uk and take a look today?
Ticks are tiny parasites that belong to the spider family. They normally feed on sheep, cattle and wildlife but, because they can’t
tell the difference, they often end up on our pets
and even on us!
Ticks bite to feed and this can cause local irritation and infection. More serious though is the risk of spreading Lyme disease - recent research has shown that the number of ticks carrying Lyme disease in the UK is much higher than previously thought, and that at least 15% of dogs have ticks, often without the owner’s knowledge.
Lyme disease in dogs can present with quite vague signs (see below) and blood tests are needed to accurately diagnose the condition. Treatment is with a month’s course of a specific antibiotic.
What are they, should I worry and what can I do?!
Lyme disease can also affect humans and often presents with a characteristic ‘bulls eye’ rash. This is a serious disease and you should seek medical advice if you are concerned.
In parts of Europe, the threat from ticks and tick-borne disease is even greater, and if you are taking your pet abroad through the Pets Travel Scheme you must ensure your pets are fully protected against ticks whilst you are away.
Possible signs of Lyme disease include: •Lethargy •Hightemperature •Swollenjoints •Enlargedlymphnodes •Reluctancetoeat/reducedappetite
What can I do to protectmy dog or cat?
1) Use a regular tablet or spot-on treatment against ticks. Do feel free to ask us for advice about which product to use, and please be aware that supermarket bought tick dog spot-ons can be fatal to cats.
2) Check your pet for ticks after a walk and remove any you find.
3) Use a tick remover to remove attached ticks – call us if you would like us to help!
4) If your pet becomes ill, please call for advice.
TACKLING TICKSTACKLING TICKS
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We love the summer - well most of us. But this time of year can also present some potential hazards. Here’s our handy checklist to help you avoid any extra pet-related dramas:
Fleas and TicksWarmer weather means more of these critters to irritate and cause health problems. Make sure your pets are protected - there are effective tablets and spot ons now available, so please feel free to talk to us about what works for you.
(avoiding potential perils!)
FlystrikeA real problem for bunnies in the warmer weather, as flies lay eggs on soiled and wet fur. Check your bunnies’ bottoms twice daily and use ‘Rearguard’ to prevent any maggots developing to a dangerous stage.
Heatstroke Humans sweat when we get hot, but pets can only sweat from their paws and even then, not much. Dogs lose heat primarily through panting, cats are less likely to exercise in the heat and will nap in the shade. It’s important therefore not to let your pet overheat:1. Never leave your pet in a car or caravan - even in the shade. The vehicle will quickly become an oven.2. Avoid exercising your dog in the heat of the day. It’s better to walk them early or late at night during hot weather.3. Always provide shade in your garden if your pet is outside with you4. Fans and ice water to drink can help to cool down pets in hot weather.
Grass seedsThese little blighters are great at getting into your dog’s feet and ears on a walk. Being very sharp at one end, they are able to travel through a pet’s body tissues and cause significant damage, so always check your dog’s feet and ears after walks.
Harvest mites (Trombiculae) The larvae are tiny 0.2mm orange/yellow insects that can cause significant skin disease in susceptible animals, usually in late summer. Keep an eye out for the tell tale orange/yellow colour and contact us for advice if you think your pet is affected.
‘we care like you care’9
Recommend a friendand get £5 OFF your next treatment!*
We always like to welcome new faces to Ark House, so when you recommend a friend, we’ll give you
both a £5 voucher to spend in the practice! Once your friend registers with us, we’ll give you a £5 voucher and they will also receive the same discount off their first transaction.
Ask at reception for further details, or your friend can fill in their details quickly and simply online at
www.arkhousevets.co.uk mentioning your name on the registration form.
If you’re travelling abroad with your pet, by law they must meet a number of requirements:
• Have a valid Pets Passport signed by a Vet • Be microchipped • Have been vaccinated against rabies at least three weeks before.
Before setting off on your foreign holidays with your pet, we recommend that you:
• Pop into the practice and get your pet’s microchip checked • Ensure you have not run out of space in your passport – if you need a new one it will involve one of our Official Veterinarians scanning your pet and filling out new paperwork, all of which can take time and potentially delay your departure. • Check the rabies vaccination is current – the passport indicates the date it runs out. • Ensure you have tick protection for your pet for the whole time you are away. Ticks in Europe carry dangerous diseases that we don’t have in the UK. Always check your pet for ticks after walks and remove any you find with a tick remover. • Make sure you understand the rules about coming back into the UK and seeing a Vet beforehand for tapeworm treatment. See Defra’s website for more information and current requirements.
Travelling abroad with your pet
Depending on where you are going, in addition to tick treatment, you may need Sandfly protection against Leishmania and also Heartworm protection. These diseases are not present in the UK but are found in southern Europe and cause significant disease. Talk to your vet for specific advice.
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Summer Offers
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or ‘Dry Eye’ can affect all dogs and is caused by a lack of tears. However some breeds of dog are more than twice as likely to suffer with dry eye: •WestHighlandWhiteTerrier • LhasaApso •Shih-Tzu •CockerSpaniel •CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel •EnglishBulldog
FREEDry Eye
screeningduring July
To take advantage of this special offer and to book
your appointment call
01525 373329
Take advantage of our special offer this
July and have a FREE quick, easy and pain-free screening test for
your pet.
Terms & conditions - only one voucher per offer, photocopies not
accepted
Chronic renal failure, sometimes referred to as kidney disease, is one of the most common conditions
affecting older cats. It can occur in younger cats, but is most commonly seen in middle to old-aged cats, becoming increasingly
common with age. It has been estimated that around one in five cats aged over 15 years has renal failure. In most cases, chronic renal failure is progressive over time, with gradual advancement and worsening of the disease. The rate of progression varies considerably between individuals. Appropriate support (dietary management) and treatment can both increase the quality of life of affected cats and prolong life by slowing down the advancement of the disease. Cats with renal disease are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, so this is measured and managed if elevatedInitial signs can be quite vague – a reduced appetite, lethargy, weight loss and often thirst and more urine production. Diagnosis is confirmed with urine and blood tests to measure any build up of toxins and check the ability of the kidney to concentrate urine. Our Kidney Clinics support clients and pets that are dealing with renal disease - providing regular weight, urine and blood pressure checks, support with food choices and general advice to ensure that cats with renal disease are living life to the full.
FOCUS
on Kidney
Clinics
You can book an appointment at the Kidney Clinic by calling 01525 373329 or visit our website www.arkhousevets.co.uk
Supporting your cat through
Kidney Disease
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22HockliffeStreet,LeightonBuzzard,Bedfordshire, LU7 1HJ
Tel: 01525 373329Fax: 01525 852354
Email: [email protected]
Surgery hoursMonday to Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm
Saturday 8.30am - 3.00pm
Out of hours emergenciesIn an emergency call our normal number 01525 373329.
You will be given a choice of four clinics who can help. We will connect your call to them directly.
Vets Now Milton KeynesVets Now LutonBeds Vets BartonVets Now Hemel Hempstead
All of these clinics email through any notes to us at 7am each morning so we will always know what may have happened if you need to visit them.
www.arkhousevets.co.uk
issue23
