LOVED PETS

In Memory Of Sheba

Hi folks.

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= Medical Information   1 = General information     & = Stories

FROM THE VET >>> Sterilization     Worming     Fleas

MEDICAL INFORMATION

    For any one who has a doggie with hip or Knee joint problems there is now a new drug available from the Vet  (METACAM) .  It is an Oral given liquid. It is the only one I have tried that actually worked. His last treatment was in July 99 and he still walks pretty good and can jump into the 4WD without any help. (Its not cheap though). (LEE the EDITOR AWVP au)

If any of your pets have a ongoing skin problem then try Selsun shampoo. It works on humans and also works on pets. The vet used to have it but as the cost got too high they do not any longer. You can get it at your local supermarket. Selsun Blue is the same. (GRAHAM au)

    Should you notice your dog especially pups suddenly go off their food and vomit after eating then it is most likely that they have a TWISTED BOWL. Take them to the vet and ask them to be checked for this. Surgery will be needed to correct this condition. If left they will die. (TONY uk)

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    From the Mirrabooka Veterinary Hospital

Some facts about fleas and flea control

Fleas are biting insects which infest the hair and skin of animals but more particularly, are capable of surviving in the animal's living area for long periods of time. The flea cycle involves adults, eggs and larvae and all stages can survive away from the dog/cat for at least some months and under ideal conditions for very much longer. It is sometimes stated that even adult fleas are only on your host animal for about 20% of the time and the rest of the time they spend in the animal's environment; the carpet, garden, on your pets bed.

For this reason finding just a few fleas on your animal indicates that a much larger population of fleas is actually being supported.

The major problem with fleas is the irritation they cause and which in many cases, is exacerbated by a flea bite allergy syndrome which can become extremely severe. In addition, fleas can transmit tapeworms to dogs and cats. In the case of dogs which are allergic to flea bites, even one or a few fleas can initiate the allergic reaction which in most cases starts over the rump area, causing extreme irritation, loss of hair and thickening of the skin.

Successful treatment depends on complete elimination of the flea population, not just on the animal but in the animal's environment. A major cause of control breakdown in many cases is because of reinfestation from neighbour's dogs or cats and this, of course, is very difficult to control. Control of flea allergy dermatitis ( a consequence of flea bite allergy syndrome ) is complex and difficult and may involve utilization of drugs such as cortisone which may have side effects. Accordingly, the major method of controlling flea allergy dermatitis and other conditions caused by fleas is to control the flea population. 

Because all stages of the flea life cycle can remain alive in the animal's environment for long periods of time, you will need to attempt to break the flea life cycle in some way. Several modern flea control remedies are designed to prevent either the maturation of flea larvae or to prevent the hatching of flea eggs. These are extremely useful and very safe methods of flea control and in most cases are more effective than simply using sprays, powders or flea collars which simply kill the fleas once they have hopped onto your pet. However insecticides, in many cases, may be needed to supplement the use of the more sophisticated control measures as the latter usually takes some months before they show maximum effect.

It is important that you ask your veterinarian for advice in the use of all flea control remedies because flea control is not a simple matter and different preparations need to be used in quite different ways. Your veterinarian is the only person who is really qualified to give you advice on fleas and their control.

Ask your Veterinarian about fleas and their control

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    From the Mirrabooka Veterinary Hospital

STERILIZATION OF YOUR DOG OR CAT

Sterilization of your pet has many advantages. It removes the sexual urge to roam in search of a mate, reduces the number of unwanted pregnancies and cuts down the total number of stray and unwanted puppies and kittens. Sterilization tends to reduce fighting, spraying and night prowling so common to the male cat.

In sterilized females, infections of the uterus cannot occur and there is less chance of breast cancer developing.

What is sterilization ?

Sterilization of the female involves an ovariohysterectomy. This is the proper medical term for "speying" or "neutering" the female animal and consists of complete removal of both ovaries and the uterus. Although it is a common procedure, ovariohysterectomy is abdominal surgery involving a general anesthetic and sterile operating technique.

Sterilization of the male involves removal of the male sex glands, the testicles.

This operation is performed under general anesthetic and the testicles are removed through incisions in the scrotum using sterile operating technique.

When should my pet be sterilized ?

Consult your vet about the best time for this operation. Usually it is best to operate at about 5 - 6 months of age in kittens and puppies but a pet is never too old to be sterilized.

Will it make my pet fat and lazy?

Not necessarily. The amount of exercise, the diet and inheritance factors of your pet have much more influence on the weight of your pet.

Will it change my pet's personality ?

Only for the better. Sterilized animals still make good guard dogs as well.

Shouldn't my pet have a litter first?

No. It makes no difference whether your pet has a litter first. Some parents feel children should see a litter born as part of a learning experience. It is beneficial for children to see young animals born and watch them develop, but if the litter ends up in the animal pound, children may be more impressed by the low value adults sometimes place on life.

Don't Just ask anyone about sterilization - ask your vet

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    From the Mirrabooka Veterinary Hospital

The most common intestinal worms that can cause illness in dogs and cats in Western Australia are roundworms, bookworms and tapeworms. In some cases, infected pets may provide a source of infection for their owners.

These are the most common intestinal worms found in puppies and kittens.

The worms may cause weight loss, a "pot-bellied" appearance, diarrhoea and vomiting and occasionally adult worms may be vomited or passed in the stool. Young pets usually acquire worms from their environment or from their mothers. Roundworm eggs are shed in the infected pet's stool and a diagnosis is made by examining a fresh sample under the microscope.

The main symptoms of hookworm infestation are diarrhoea which may be blood stained and weight loss. Occasionally, blood loss may be severe resulting in anaemia and weakness. Like roundworms, hookworm eggs are passed in the infected pet's stool and a diagnosis can be made by examining a fresh sample under the microscope.

(c) Tapeworm

The tapeworm is a parasite with a characteristic "flat" shape. The head of the tapeworm attaches to the intestine and segments of its body are shed and passed in the stool. Tapeworm infestation may produce diarrhoea, poor coat condition and weight loss. Diagnosis may be made by finding worm segments in your pet's stool or clinging to the hair around the anal region. They may appear as white to yellow

(d) Heartworm - see Heartworm information leaflet.

Most ordinary worm tablets do not protect against heartworm and special tablets are required after advice from your veterinarian. It is dangerous or can be fatal to commence heartworm treatment before a veterinarian blood tests your dog.

Effective and safe preparations are available for treatment of these worms from your local veterinarian.

(a) Because a pregnant cat or dog can be a source or infection for their young, it is advisable to worm them. Your veterinarian can recommend preparations that are safe for pregnant and nursing pets.

(b) The young puppy or kitten should be wormed for round and hookworm every         2 - 3 weeks from 2 - 4 weeks of age until they are at least 16 weeks old. Treatment of tapeworm should be carried out at 3 months.

(c) Adult dogs and cats should be wormed every 3 - 6 months. Treatment for tapeworms should include destroying the parasites already infesting your pet and controlling re-infestation by eliminating the intermediate hosts.

(d) Any adult dog in contact with young of their species have a greater risk of contracting intestinal worms, and should be treated at the same time as the puppies or kittens.

(e) Heartworm prevention - see Heartworm information leaflet        obtainable from your local Vet.

    Vets Never seem to tell the reason why it is dangerous to give your pet heartworm tablets without first testing. Well in short the reason is because if they already have heartworm and you give them the tablet then the Worms die and the body cannot cope and clear all the Debris. This can cause blockage to the heart and the kid will die of heart attack. (Heartworm stays in the blood system)   (EDITOR AWVP au)

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