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Long-haird cats are prone to hair matting.
Mats can be very irritating,as the hair is
constantly pulled tighter as the mat increases
in size.
Hair mats can be dangerous,as moisture and
humidity accumulate under the mat,which can
lead to ulcerating skin infections.
Surgery has been required in some cases.
The best way to avoid hair matting is to brush
your cat every day.
Sometimes this is not possible,or your cat may
be prone to collecting grass seeds and
prickles,or hair mats develop despite frequent
brushing.
If this is the case,then a groom and a clip
twice a year is a must.
Although your cat may look very different with
short hair,their skin will breath a lot
easier and it will take away the discomfort
and danger of hair mats fur ball.
In worm weather,cats will increase their
shedding.
Most cats will groom themselves
fastidiously,and this results in a certain
amount of hair swallowing,which can lead to
fur balls in the stomach and intestines.
The first sign of fur balls is a retch or
vomit.
Occasionally fur balls lead to intestinal
blockages,or pneumonia from hair and vomit
inhalation.
The best way to avoid and treat furballs is
frequent brushing,and a fur ball paste.
The paste is simple squeezed onto the paw,and
the cat licks it off.
The paste can be used every day if the cat is
coughing,or once a week as a prevention
measure.
If you have any questions or queries,please do
not hesitate to call your closest clinic in
your area.
This is from the Eden Veterinary clinic of NSW.
Phone Eden veterinary Clinic
(02)64961252
Pambula Village Veterinary Clinic
(02)6495 7873
Caring for Large and Small animals with
Medicine,surgery and acupuncture"
Dr.Wendy Mashado
Dr.Justin Daniel
Dr.Linden Daniel
Incontinence in Dogs
Bed wetting or inappropriate urination in
dogs can be brought about by a number of conditions.
Hormonal incontinence is a common problem in older dogs.
This condition can often be cured with hormone
replacement therapy.
Alternatively your dog could be bed wetting as a result
of pain.
Pain in the bladder and urination with the dog
seemingly unaware of what they have done.
Examples of condition causing pain include cystitis
(inflammation of the bladder,a urinary tract infection,
bladder or kidney stones,a cancer or growth in
bladder,or a partially blocked bladder.
Generalisted pain involuntary urinnation or bed wetting.
Examples of sources of abdominal pain include
constipation,gastroentiritis,pancreatitis,hepatitis,gall
stones, stomach ulcers or cancer within the abdomen.
Untreated incontinence may not only be causing your dog
ongoing pain,but the urine leaking may cause skin
infections and ulcers,and give your pet an unpleassant
smell which excludes them from the usual family
affection.
Most causes of bed wetting can be treated with a
combination of dietary modification and medication.
Sometimes surgery is reguired if there are growths or
stones formation.
If your dog has suffering from incontinence or bed
wetting,then a physical examination combined with
lab tests on your pet's urine can usually identify
the cause.
If a dog is rubbing its bottom or licking the anal
region,then it is advisable to get their anal glands
checked by a veterinarian.
Dogs have two scent glands on the inside of their anas
called 'anal glands'.
There glands are normally emptied when faeces are
evacuated,and their function is to place a scent over
the stool for other dogs torecognise.
Problems can occur when the anal glands do not get
expressed properly.
They can get blocked or even infected and burst under
the skin like an abscess.
This can have severe consequences,as the infection and
inflammation associated with the burst gland can damage
the nerves which control normal bowel movements.
Sometimes anal glands become blocked when a dog agas,and
the musles around the anus become weaker.
However,the most common reason for anal glandblockage is
inadequate fibre in the diet.
The fibre 'bulks' out the faeces so as they pass through
the anus,the glands are naturally expressed.
To help increase fibre in the diet, "Metamcil"can be
added.
One teaspoon is enough for a 20kg dog-dissolved in
waterand mixed into food.
Alternatively unprocessed bran can be added to the diet.
When anul glands are blocked,the first signs are rubbing
the bottom along the ground(Scooting),or licking the anul
region.
Anothercommon reason that pets may rub their bottom on
the ground is worms.
Areputable all worming tablets will ensure worms are not
the cause.
If your dog is rubbing its bottom or licking the anal
glands checked by a veterinarian.
Some dogs need to have their anal glands expressed every
2-3 months to ensure they don't become blocked or infected.
Please ring your closest clinic in your area.
Chewing Puppies
When you catch your pup chewing your sneaker or valued
item,replace it with an appropriate chew toy and praise
them when they take interest.
Chewing in puppies is normal behaviour-they
explore,learn,and discover texture and tastes.
They will also chew or mouth other pups or dogs,
and this is intinctive training for 'in the wild'hunting.
Chewing soothes painfulfor 'in the wild' hunting.
Chewing soothes painful teeth and gums as adult teeth
erupt.
However we must teach puppies appropriate chewing to
avoid an adult dog that chews destructively,or worse
still,bites humans.
Aim to discourage inappropriate chewing of shoes,garden
equipment etc.
When you catch your pup chewing your sneaker or valued
item,replace it with an appropriate chew toy and praise
them when they take interest.
Make it clear what is okay to chew,and be consistent.
Good chewing toys include denta-bones,rarhide chews or
pigs ears.
Never give cooked bones or wood,as these can splinter and
cause internal blockages.
A raw marrow shank bone is also good for teeth and gums.
If a pup is teething tie a knot in an old tea towel,wet
and freeze it-this numbsthe gums and relieves pain during
teething.
It is not acceptable for pups to chew or even mouth humans-
even if they do it gently.
When you catch your pup doing this,grab their muzzle and
yell a loud "no!",then ignore them a pat and reassurance.
Thisis incredibly important,as an excited dog often does
not know its own strength,and a playful 'mouth'can turn
into an infected bite or lacerration.
Be consistent,all the family must follow the same training
methods.
Food treats(eg liver treats)are huge motivators for pups
and can help reinforce behaviour which adult dog.
Please contact your closest vet clinic in your area.
Arthritis in dogs
How do you know if your dog has arthritis? Do they have more trouble with stairs or jumping into cars? Do they take a while to get themselves into a standing position on a cold morning?
Is there “hobbling” after an exercise session? Are they “wobbly” in the back legs? Is there less enthusiasm for ball exercise or play? Does one or both of the back legs look “skinny”?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then there is a fair chance your dog has arthritis or joint condition that your vet can help with.
Arthritis affects one in five dogs.
There are many causes and forms, but most simply explained,
arthritis is a loss of the smooth cartilage which coats bone in
the joint surfaces.
If this cartilage layer gets too thin or worn away, then the rough, irregular bone underneath become exposed causing a grinding in the joint. This in turn causes inflammation, pain and
often growth of bony spur, increasing the pain severely.
Often there is no cure for arthritis, but we can greatly slow the
progression of the disease through medication and some times
surgery.
Treatment is most effective if started early after signs are seen.
Treatment can vary from natural therapies, to nutritional supplements, to drugs which increase joint fluid and decrease
joint inflammation, to acupuncture, to special exercise regimes.
Starting your dog on an arthritis treatment program will often make them seem years younger with energy and a renewed vitality for life.
More importantly though, treatment can mean that you have your dog for many more years in a happier, more pain free state.
For any questions or concerns, Place call your closest vet clinic.
Deer and Dog ticks
Tick + brown Snake
Tick Advice
We have many patients in hospital with tick paralysis
requiring Intensive care in the last two weeks.
Tragically, not all have survived.
Tick Paralysis is so deadly Because it affects so many
bodily systems.
It stops the heart expanding properly, causing a backlog
Of pressure behind the heart and subsequent leaking of fluid
Into the lungs (pulmonary oedema). This can cause animals to
down.
It can alter heart rhythm causing heart attacks.
It can paralyze the muscles of the ‘‘food pipe’’ (esophagus)
So that the animal cannot push saliva from the throat down
the stomach.
The result is the saliva can overflow into the lungs,
causing pneumonia and/or airway blockage.
Finally, it can cause aweakness in the body’s muscles ,so that movement, and even Breathing can become extremely
difficult.
Signs of tick paralysis in dogs and cats can include a wobbliness Or inability to walk, a change in voice,
retching,coughing,vomiting, or laboured breathing.
Some animals will get all of these symptoms, while others
will only Get one or two.
If you see any of these symptoms, search for tick and call your vet (even if your animal is receiving tick prevention) – saving an animal with tick paralysis can be very difficult
as the symptoms get worse.
Preventing tick paralysis is something we urge for cats and
dogs.
Choice of prevention (collars, tablets, spot-ons, spays)is something best discussed with a vet or nurse – as the product you use should be tailored for things such as pet’s breed, size, fur density,frequency of swimming or bathing,
and place of residence.
Even with prevention, a daily, through tick search of your
pet is essential.
Please contact your closest vet in you aera.
Snake bite animals
Sign of snake bite.
The three main toxins contained in a snake’s venom stop blood from clotting,
Break down muscle and cause paralysis
Paralysis usually starts mildly as a back leg weakness.
This weakness will progress forwards to the front legs, and then the head, until the animal is lying on its side. In time, the paralysis can stop the ability to breath, causing death.
Paralysis may occur quite slowly in cats.
Some cats will not show signs of weakness for a day or two after being bitten.
Some times “drunken” wobbly walk can be the only initial sign.
Alternatively, you may find your cat lying flat out, not able to lift its head,
With slow shallow breathing.
Dogs are much more sensitive to snake venom than cats.
They can develop wobbliness, collapse, drooling, staggering and occasionally vomiting
very soon after being bitten, although it may take several hours after a bite for the first
signs to appear.
Horses may be found standing still or lying down, reluctant to move with mild muscle
tremoring.
Occasionally they will suffer sudden death.
Treatment for snake bite:
If you have seen your pet bitten on the leg, then apply a stretch bandage to the leg until
you can see a vet.
This can slow down venom absorption into the body.
However, most pets are bitten around the head, neck or body, in which case there are no advantages to bandaging.
Treatment for snake bite includes giving anti-shock therapy, ant venom, and fluid therapy
To stop kidney failure from the by-products necessary, and hospitalization for monitoring
and care.
The chances of saving a cat with snake bite are good. Ninety per cent of cats which
receive ant venom and full treatment will survive snake bite.
If there is any suspicion that your dog has been bitten, it is a critical emergency.
Some dogs do not even survive the trip to the clinic.
Even with veterinary treatment, a proportion of dogs will still die.
Prompt, early treatment gives the only chance of survival.
Horses rarely die, even if they are given no treatment, although muscle and kidney damage without treatment can be severe.
What to do when pets are poisoned
Poisoning we commonly see on the South Coast include
Strychnine, 1080, snail bait, rat bait, occasioning such as recreational drug ingestion and heavy metal poisoning such as lead.
Ingestion of poison will cause similar signs for 1080, snail
bait and strychnine.
Signs your pet may display include vomiting, shaking, and tremoring, rigid or uncontrolled convulsions, excess salivation, and or sudden diarrhoea.
Rat bait poison does not show until several days after ingestion, but causes bleeding internally, into the joints or under the skin.
Some signs of rat poison include pale gums, shortness of breath, depression, or reluctance to move or exercise. Remember that pets can also get rat bait poisoning. Remember that pets can also get rat bait poisoning from eating mice, rats or birds which have died from rat bait. Recreation drug ingestion can be extremely dangerous in pets, as they are much more sensitive to these compounds than humans.
If you suspect or know your pet has been poisoned within the last half-hour the best thing you can do is make them vomit. The easiest way to do this is to force them to swallow washing soda crystals, which are available from most supermarkets.
Break up crystals to a sensible size, and pet it over the back of the tongue, then hold the mouth shut while massaging the underside of the throat.
You may have to give your pet a crystal every two minutes until vomiting is brought on.
If you don’t have washing soda crystals, then you can use ordinary laundry washing powder.
To use washing powder, mix a cupped hand of powder with a small amount of water and kneed it into a soggy ball. Wait until the heat has gone out of the ball, break off a sensible sized portion for your pet’s size, and force them to swallow it as described.
Once again, this may need to be repeated every two minutes to achieve vomiting.
Keep your pet in a quiet, warm, stress free environment until further help or advice is available.
Many poisons will require some veterinary attention, even if vomiting is successfully induced straight after ingestion. Please call your vet as soon as possible for further advice if there is any suspicion of poison ingestion.
There will be more about how to care for your animals.
Once a fortnight.
Please email me with any misstakes when readings this, or
any other work I have done. Kind Regards Paulene
