Spring is in the Air
Spring is finally here, no more frosts and no more cold windy days. Flowers will begin to bloom, the grass will begin to grow and fleas will begin to breed, that means Skin conditions will begin to flare. Make sure that your pet is on flea prevention to stop those critters crawling. Speak to us about prevention today!
Skin Conditions
Have you got an itchy pet?
Fleas certainly are a common cause of itchy cats and dogs. Warm and moist weather is the time for flea plagues especially if you stop treating over winter. BIG MISTAKE! You need to treat for fleas year round to prevent them ever being there in the first place. There are fabulous new flea (and tick) treatments that have revolutionised treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis and flea problems.
Allergic skin disease is also a major problem with dogs and cats. Instead of hay fever, dogs and cats get skin conditions. Itchy skin, smelly skin, infections, inflammation and even ear infections. However, there are new medications for the management of allergic skin conditions that have revolutionised the way we treat atopic (allergic) dogs. Cats can also be treated for these conditions. It’s just a matter of seeking help. Itching is very uncomfortable and at times painful also.
Bad skin can also lead to bad ears (ears are just an extension of skin but in a very small and poorly ventilated area) and we all know how painful that is. Unfortunately dogs and cats can have horrible ears well before they show us any signs. Smelling your pets’ ears for any bad smells/odours can give you an early indication there is a problem. Don’t ignore it as it is much better to treat sooner rather than later.
What Foods are Toxic?
| Onions Garlic Shallots Chives Leeks Mushrooms Rhubarb leaves | Panting, weakness, drooling and pale gums. Small Amounts can damage Red Blood Cells. Mushrooms can cause seizures, coma and vomiting. |
| Ham Bacon Devon Fat trimmings | Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and pancreatitis |
| Full Cream Milk Cheese Cream Cake Chocolate Raw Eggs | Diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargic, abdominal discomfort, hyperactivity and seizures Eggs may contain harmful bacteria and risk of salmonella toxicity. |
| Apricots Peaches Plums Cherries Grapes Raisins | Difficulty breathing, panting and shock, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargic |
| Almonds Macadamia Nuts Peacans Walnuts Pistachios | Upset stomach, pancreatitis, vomiting and seizures |
Snakes are starting to slither…
If you think that your pet has been bitten by a snake, stay very calm and keep your pet very still. Get your pet in the car and drive to the closest vet clinic. It’s always best to phone the clinic first and alert us, so that the veterinarian can be ready to take action as soon as you arrive at the clinic.
Signs of envenomation include
Sudden weakness followed by collapse, Shaking or twitching of the muscles, Mydriasis (Dilated pupils) Blood in urine and faeces, vomiting, Drooling and Cyanosis (Gums appear Blue)
Diagnosis
Blood samples will be collected from your pet once arrived at the clinic. Clotting times, PCV/TPP, urine analysis and kidney function tests will be performed.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the case, antivenom should be administered as soon as possible. Hospitalisation, intensive nursing care, intravenous fluids and many other supportive care methods are put in place for snake bite patients. Treatment can be very costly, which can be scary for some clients. In these cases, Pet Insurance is always a comfort for clients who have it! It is the season to be vigilant, they are around and we are seeing multiple cases. If you are concerned about your pet then please remember we are available 24 / 7 with afterhours services. Call our normal number.
