DR GOOGLE - by Kenilworth Vet

Dr Google! - THE GOOD AND EVIL OF THE INTERNET!

As veterinarians we find that more and more of our clients refer to the powers of the internet and its vast expanse of data, to find out about medicines, understand diseases and even sometimes get diagnoses for their pets. But as the old saying goes ‘don’t believe everything you read.’ The internet can be a dangerous place of misinformation, so this month we are going to quickly look at Dr Google and explain why you still need your vet!

Why search the net?

• Many clients search for information purely because they feel they need a better understanding of their pet’s condition. Time in the consulting room with your pet can be stressful and overwhelming. Not everything your vet tells you is going to sink in, so what could be easier than searching the net for information in the comfort of your own home.

•       Your pet will often get sick at the worst possible time for you financially. Many people look to the net in a desperate search  for answers, home remedies and diagnosis’.  This is possibly the worst time to take ‘advice’   from Dr Google. “If you can’t afford a vet, you can’t afford a pet” (1)  Not seeking professional veterinary help when your pet is ill can not only lead to irreversible  consequences for your pet’s health but end up costing you far more financially.

•       Every patient responds differently to treatment even for the simplest problems. Quite often medications will need to be changed or perhaps it just seems to be taking ages for your pet to respond to the treatment.  Dr Google can appear to be a cheap way to get a second opinion if a client is frustrated and feels they need to find out more information.

                                                                                      It’s a minefield out there!

So where do you search?

The biggest problem with searching for any information on the internet is that anyone can give their advice, regardless of their qualifications or experience in the field or lack thereof ! So the main problem the pet owner faces is how to determine whether the source they have found is valid and the advice given is good or bad.

We all know that there are so hundreds of contradicting opinions out there:

eggs are good for you; no they are bad etc !

Try to avoid:

Vendetta websites - There are people who use the internet to vent their issues, they may have had a bad experience with a vet, a drug or pet food and are happy to wax lyrical about the evils of the person, company, producer. These sites generally do not have your pets welfare at heart and are best avoided.

Miracle cures for sale! – any site that claims to have the cure for pets deadly disease

Buying non veterinary sanctioned medicines – When your veterinarian prescribes medication for your pet they do so with a comprehensive the knowledge of the product that will have been registered for safe use in animals.

All pet diseases are not created equal! – try to be discerning   with the information you read. Just because your pet is suffering from a disease that someone has written extensively about does not mean that your pet will react, respond in the same way to the same treatment.

The good news!

AAHA – the American Animal Hospital Association is a great place to start looking for information. Many veterinary practices have their own websites which contain a comprehensive library of articles that can be accessed by the client, covering many of the common topics from kidney failure to feeding your new kitten. Below are a couple of links with excellent information designed specifically for the client.

CALL YOUR VET! Your vet and his/her staff are your best source of information.

Or try these!
http: //www.aaha.org (pet health library)
http://www.anmldrblog.com/
https://www.wellvet.com

Kenilworth Veterinary Clinic
47 Kenilworth Road, Cape Town
kenvet@telkomsa.net
Telephone: 021-671-5018

Blocked Bladder in Male Cats

This month we are going to talk about urinary obstruciton (blocked bladder) in male cats. This is quite a common problem and can be life threatening if not treated as an emergency.

What is a blocked bladder?

A blocked bladder is caused when some kind of obstruction occurs in the urethra (the small tube that drains urine from the bladder and out of the penis) making it impossible for urine to be expelled. The bladder fills to capacity and feels like a hard tennis ball in the cat’s abdomen. Huge pressure is put on the kidneys which can be permanently damaged. The bladder can rupture due to the pressure. Complete obstruction can cause the death of a cat within 24 hours.

What causes this condition?

Due to their anatomy male cats are more likely to develop urethral obstruction than female cats. The obstruction is often caused by the formation of crystals, sand or grit, mucus, small stones and inflammatory material that have formed in the kidneys.

Some factors that are thought to influence the formation of the above are:

• cats eating an unbalanced diet 
• indoor cats
• overweight cats 
• stressed cats nervous/ highly strung cats
• cats in a multicat household
• cats that have recurring bladder infections

What are the symptoms?

Depending on how long and how severe the obstruction has become your cat will show the following symptoms:

• frequent trips to the litter tray
• no urine in the litter tray when you know they’ve been in there
• meowing and/or straining while in the litter box (many owners mistake this for a sign of constipation)
• excessive licking their penis
• loss of appetite
• sudden onset excessive drinking
• vomiting
• abdominal pain – reluctance to be picked up or handled
• hiding away
• eventually collapse
• death

If you notice any of these symptoms you should make an appointment with your vet immediately:

How is this condition treated?

Cats that have a urinary obstruction need immediate emergency treatment.

Once your vet has examined your cat and established that there is an obstruction, your cat will need to be hospitalised, sedated or given a general anaesthetic so that a urinary catheter can be placed into the urethra. The catheter enables the vet to flush out the urethra thus removing any obstruction. This is an extremely delicate procedure. Your vet may need to give your cat intravenous fluids to help support the kidneys.Once the obstruction has been removed the urinary catheter may be left in the cat temporarily until your vet is happy that the cat is able to urinate freely on its own. Daily flushing of the bladder may be needed to remove debris that may cause further obstruction.

A microscopic evaluation of the urine will be done to determine what was causing the obstruction ie if it was inflammatory material, gravely calculi or tiny stones. If it is the latter the vet may wish to take an xray of the bladder to see if there are more stones and may try to determine the type of stone (calculi) .All of this information will enable your vet to treat your cat most effectively.

In some cases the bladder will repeatedly block despite medical treatment, in these instances your vet may recommend a surgical procedure called a perineal urethrostomy, which is a surgical widening of the urethra to allow small crystals, mucus plugs and even small stones to be passed with the urine.

Depending on the initial cause and extent of damage caused by the blockage the long term prognosis for these cats is usually good. Particularly beneficial is the use of prescription diets specially formulated to the reduce the risk of crystal formation. Ask your vet for more information.

Kenilworth Vet

Gastroesophageal reflux in dogs - Kenilworth Vet

Last month we looked at vomiting in the dog and when we need to be concerned. After a bit of feedback we have been asked to talk about Gastroesophageal reflux which although not often diagnosed can also cause ‘vomiting’.

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

 

WHAT IS IT?

RELUX OESOPHAGITIS , GERD OR ACID REFLUX – is a condition seen in both cats and dogs.

As the name suggests gastroesophageal reflux is the involuntary regurgitation of stomach or intestinal fluids into the oesophagus, the tube that connects our stomach to our throat. As these fluids are involved in the breakdown of food, they contain acid, pepsin and bile as well as other caustic substances that can cause damage and inflammation to the delicate mucosal lining of the oesophagus (oesophagitis).

GERD is seen in both dogs and cats. Young animals with congenital defects such as hiatal hernias are more likely to suffer from this condition.

Regurgitation is quite different from vomiting. In vomiting the body is actively trying to expel the unwanted substance. You will see your dog or cat preparing to vomit, however regurgitation is spontaneous and simply just happens.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

·        regurgitaion of undigested food

·        fluid or mucus

·        excessive salivation

·        weight loss or loss of appetite

·         gulping or swallowing

·         persistent cough

There are many other serious conditions that could be causing similar symptoms. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms it would be advisable to seek veterinary help.

HOW WILL MY VET DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM?

If your vet suspects oesophageal reflux he may wish to perform blood tests, take xrays or refer you to a specialist who can perform a procedure called an oesophagoscopy which involves moving an internal camera through the oesophagus to look for inflammation or changes in the mucosal lining.

The results of these tests will be enable your vet to give a more accurate diagnosis.

WHAT ABOUT TREATMENT?

Most cases once diagnosed can be treated

successfully at home. A change of diet may

be required with medications to coat and

soothe the oesophagus lining. If infection is present antibiotics may be also be indicated.

Anne Makin

Kenilworth Vet - Harfield Village

Cruciate ligament injury in the dog – what does it mean?

Kenilworth Vet

Cruciate injuries are one of the most common reasons for hind leg lameness and pain in the dog. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgical repair is usually required in order to stabilize the joint and reduce further damage. Your vet will probably have a preferred technique that he or she has used with success in which to do this.

Here is a straightforward explanation as to the function of the cruciate ligaments, why they sometimes rupture and the medical procedures that are usually used to correct the injury.

WHERE ARE THEY? WHAT DO THEY DO?

• the cruciate ligaments are two crossing ligaments that are situated inside the knee joint         (see diagram)

• their main function is stability of the joint; they restrict certain movements in the joint i.e.: hyperextension and internal rotation - movements that are beyond normal range

WHY DO THEY TEAR?

• normal aging causes degeneration of the ligaments

• breed deformities

• medical conditions that cause degeneration of ligament tissue

• direct trauma ‘sports injury’ is rare  

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CRUCIATE INJURY?

Symptoms can vary tremendously from sudden severe lameness to mild or moderate lameness. You may notice the following:

• difficulty getting up

• trouble jumping into the car

• decreased activity level

• decreased muscle on the affected hind leg

• sits with leg ‘out’

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO TREAT THIS CONDITION?

If the cruciate ligaments have partly torn or have completely ruptured the knee joint is no longer stable. The collateral ligaments are put under pressure and can tear causing further instability. Progressive degenerative changes such as osteoarthrtis occur within and around the joint, which can result in pain, discomfort and lameness in the patient.

Methods of Repair.

There are a variety of methods that can be used to stabilize the stifle (knee) joint after cruciate injury. TPLO or Tibial Plateau Levelling Operation and TTA Tibial Tubersoity Advancement are usually performed on very large breeds and often by a specialist surgeon.

The two below are more common techniques performed in general practice.

Extracapsular Stabilization

This involves the placement of a non-absorbable suture material being placed around the fabella. A hole is drilled in the tibial crest and the suture is passed through this hole and secured. (See diag) This method only provides temporary stabilisation and relies on the body to create scar tissue to ultimately stabilize the joint.  The suture material usually loosens with time and can break. the recovery period for this type of surgery can be anything from 3-5 months.

Cruciate injuries should not be ignored, if not dealt with timeously they can result in rapid degeneration of the joint and severe arthritis. So although it can come as a shock to know your dog needs surgery rest assured that your vet has your dog’s long-term well being at heart.

Tight Rope Technique

This is one of the latest procedures for treating this injury. A hole is drilled in the femur and a second in the tibia. A special ‘prosthetic ligament’ is then passed through the holes and secured. This method

of stabilization mimics a normal cruciate ligament, giving stability but allowing normal range of movement in the joint. Recovery from this type of surgery can be anything from 1 – 4 months.

Cruciate injuries should not be ignored, if not dealt with timeously they can result in rapid degeneration of the joint and severe arthritis. So although it can come as a shock to know your dog needs surgery rest assured that your vet has your dog’s long-term well being at heart.

Kenilworth Vet - Harfield Village

Renal Faliure in Cats

Is your cat drinking large amounts of water, has a dull coat is sleeping a lot and looks like a piece of biltong?!! Well it may have kidney failure.
Kidney failure (renal failure) is one of the most common diseases we see in middle to ageing cats, so this month we are going to explore the ins and
outs of this condition.

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE KIDNEY?           
In order to understand the seriousness of renal failure we need to look at the essential part the kidneys play in the maintenance of a healthy body.
The kidneys help to control your cat's blood pressure and remove toxic waste products from the body. The kidney is the body's filtration system. Each kidney contains hundreds of thousands of tiny filtration units called 'nephrons'. Nephrons are responsible for removing unwanted waste products
from the blood. After leaving the kidneys, about 95% of the total fluid volume of blood filtered (ie: clean blood) returns to the circulatory system, while the remaining 5%, containing waste products, is passed as urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

HOW DOES IT ALL GO WRONG?
When something happens to disrupt the complex filtration system of the kidneys, toxic waste begins to build up in the cat's blood stream. A disruption in the balance of waste, minerals and electrolytes such as urea, potassium and sodium in the blood stream can have a serious effect on the
normal functioning of other vital organs.
Unfortunately, the kidneys are vulnerable to many disorders that can lead to feline renal dysfunction, particular when a cat reaches middle age.

The most common causes are:
* genetic predisposition - breed predisposition
* acquired renal dysfunction

Most cases presented in practice have what is termed acquired renal failure. This is broken down into two stages:
* Acute renal failure
* Chronic renal failure

Acute Renal Failure
As the name suggests acute renal failure has a relatively sudden onset with the owner becoming aware of symptoms quickly.

Acute renal failure is usually caused by some kind of blockage that either:
* interferes with the blood flow to the kidneys
* interferes with the flow of urine from it.

It is also possible for a cat to develop acute renal failure if it has eaten something that is toxic such as certain pesticides or cleaning fluids but as cats are usually discerning eaters so this is rare. The inappropriate administration of human medications, particularly ibuprofen, can cause severe, acute renal failure.
 
Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic renal failure usually occurs in older cats and the onset is much longer over months, even years. Renal failure is classified as chronic when 75% of the kidney tissue has been destroyed and replaced with scar tissue.

The cause of chronic renal failure is unclear. However, it is thought that it is a natural progression for many common conditions including:
* advanced dental disease
* kidney infections
* obstructions (i.e.: blocked bladder)
 
What are the symptoms of Kidney Failure?
The most common symptom that you will see is excessive water drinking and urinating. Your cat may begin lose its appetite and lose weight, become dehydrated and or have bouts of vomiting. If you suspect something is abnormal - take your cat for a check up.
 
What will your vet do?
The first thing your Vet will probably do is run a series of blood and urine tests. This really is the only way to determine how efficiently the kidneys are working. Your vet may do the tests in the practice or may have to send the samples off to an outside lab. The blood tests will show what
percentages of waste products are circulating in the blood. The urine tests, among other things, will determine how well the kidneys are able to concentrate the urine. Your vet may need to take x rays or do an ultra sound examination. With the results of these tests your vet will be able to establish the extent of the kidney damage and form a treatment plan.
 
How will my vet treat my cat?
The first thing your vet will probably do is to put your cat on a drip. In acute and chronic renal failure it is important to try to correct the fluid and electrolyte balance as quickly as possible.
In acute renal failure, if possible, your vet will try to establish the cause of the renal failure and will treat your cat accordingly. When diagnosed and treated early cats with acute renal failure have a good
prognosis and should be able to recover fully.
Cats suffering from chronic renal failure will never recover from the loss of renal function. Treatment is usually palliative and aimed at maintaining a good quality of life for the cat for as long as possible.
It is important to adjust your cat's diet in order to help reduce the work load of the kidney and your vet may well suggest the use of prescription diets specifically formulated for cats suffering from  renal failure. These diets are an excellent addition to the treatment plan. If you have any concerns regarding your cat's health make an appointment with your Vet!

- Article by Kenilworth Vet

CAT FLU

Kenilworth Vet

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection

‘Cat flu’ or ‘snuffles’ as it is sometimes called is a very common illness in cats. Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the severity of the infection and also the type of virus causing the infection.

Most cases of ‘cat flu’ are caused by infection with the following viruses:

• feline calicivirus (FCV)

• feline herpes virus (FHV, or FHV-1 also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus)

Although these two viruses are responsible for about 90% of upper respiratory infections, there are other organisms that can contribute to the infection:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (may be a cause of sneezing, nasal discharge and sometimes coughing )

• Chlamydophila felis (this is mainly a cause of ocular disease – conjunctivitis

The incubation period of cat flu is around 2-10days

How will you know if your cat has ‘flu’?

The first signs of infection are usually:

•             sneezing

•             runny eyes

•             loss of appetite

•             lethargy                                                                                  

•             fever

Your cat may look as if it has a cold            

As the infection progresses bacterial infections may take hold which can lead to:

•             coughing

•             conjunctivitis

•             the development of ulcers in the mouth and eyes

•             depression

•             dehydration

•             pneumonia

 

Kittens, young cats and cats whose immune systems are compromised such as very old cats or those suffering from FIV, FeLV or other illnesses, are more likely to develop serious complications due to secondary bacterial infections which can lead to death.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

Feline Respiratory disease is highly contagious virus is found in the saliva, tears and nasal discharges of infected cats and can survive in the environment for up to 10 days. Your cat will be susceptible to infection if:

•             it comes into contact with an infected cat

•             comes into contact with a carrier cat

•             if you have been in contact with an infected cat the virus can be carried home to your cat on your clothes and other objects such as food bowls.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

If you your cat is showing any of the above signs a trip to your vet is first priority.

Do not be tempted to treat your cat with your own flu remedies!

Many of these contain aspirin or acetaminophen, which are toxic in cats!

What will the vet do?

Although viruses are the cause of feline upper respiratory disease, bacterial infections will take advantage of your cats challenged immune system and can be detrimental to your cat’s recovery. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your vet will probably prescribe symptomatic treatments such as antibiotics, eye ointments, nebulization to help relieve blocked nasal passages and fluid therapy.

Good nursing care is essential for these patients. Cats with ‘cat flu’ become depressed easily, are very reluctant to eat as they have blocked noses or ulcerated mouths. Encouraging them to eat by feeding soft, slightly warmed, aromatic food is extremely important as poor nutrition hinders the healing process. It is important to keep the eyes and nose free of discharges and to keeping the cat warm and comfortable.

Many cats that have recovered from feline upper respiratory disease  become carriers of the virus. These cats often show no symptoms of the illness but continue to shed the virus in saliva, tears and nasal  discharge and are therefore a source of infection to other cats. Some will show signs of being carriers when put in a stressful environment such as a cattery. However, most cats will eventually eliminate the virus from their systems.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

Vaccinating your cat is the most effective way of controlling this disease.

Although vaccination cannot always prevent mild infections from occurring it is essential in preventing the development of severe disease.

Kenilworth Vet - Harfield Village 

Nausea and vomiting dog

This month we are going to talk about some of the causes of vomiting in your dog and when you need to take action and get help.

WHY IS MY DOG VOMITING?

It is not unusual for a dog to vomit every now and again. He may have eaten something revolting he found in the garden or just have finished his food too quickly. However, vomiting can also be an indication of a more serious condition that requires veterinary attention. If your dog vomits more than a couple of times in one day, seems lethargic and disinterested in food, you should seek veterinary attention.

CAUSES OF SUDDEN OR ACUTE VOMITING.

There are numerous reasons why your dog may suddenly start to vomit. Vomiting can be related to gastrointestinal and systemic disorders such as:

·       bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract

·       food intolerance, diet change

·       ingestion of a foreign object eg: bones, toys, stones or toxic substances

·       intestinal parasites

·       acute liver failure

·       pancreatitis

·       colitis

·       viral infections eg; parvovirus

·       heatstroke

·       diabetes

The list of causes is almost endless but you can help your vet make a differential diagnosis by giving as much information as you can.

E.g;

How often is your dog vomiting ? Is it before or after food?

Is your dog still eating?

Does your dog also have diarrhoea or is he constipated?

What does the stool look like?

Have you seen blood in the vomit or diarrhoea?

Is your dog still active or lethargic

Is your dog drinking more/less?

Has he lost weight?

WHAT CAN YOUR VET DO?

Once your vet has got a good medical history from you, he will do a thorough examination of your pet. It may be necessary to collect blood, urine and/or faecal samples in order to run diagnostic tests.

Your vet may also want to take x rays or do ultrasound to rule out foreign bodies etc. In this way your vet will be able to make the most informed diagnosis possible.

TREATMENT

Treatment will depend very much on the vet’s findings and the severity of the vomiting. Simple cases should respond quickly, a course of antibiotics, diet change and drugs to help control the vomiting may be all that is required to put your pet back on the road to health. However, in serious cases eg; those complicated by an underlying systemic disease, may require hospitalisation. Vomiting dogs, particularly the very young and very old, can become dehydrated quickly, putting extra pressure on vital organs. Fluid therapy via an intra venous drip may be needed in order to rehydrate him.

In conclusion, if your dog is vomiting don’t ignore it and if you are concerned your vet is there to help.

Kenilworth Vet

Dental Care for Pets - Kenilworth Vet

Looking after your pets’ teeth is just as important as looking after your own and yet many pet owners neglect this essential

part of their pets health. This month we are going to look again at dental care and why it is so important .

As humans we are able to brush our teeth as often as we like. We know that by doing this we are removing bacteria that can build up on the teeth causing tooth decay and gum disease.   

     

The same thing applies to your pets teeth but because most of us don’t brush our dogs teeth bacteria is always present.

How tartar builds up:

When bacteria dies it becomes calcified and forms a hard substance called tartar or calculus on the teeth.

Once this foundation has been laid down calculus can continue to build up on itself eventually forming a hard covering on the teeth. It pushes the gum away from the tooth opening up areas for infection:

This results in:

gingivitis - inflammation of the gums

The gums look very red and bleed easily. As the gum becomes infected and inflamed it loses its ability to protect the tooth. This exposes the root cavity to more infection. Eventually the tissue surrounding the tooth is destroyed and the bony socket holding the tooth erodes away, teeth can become loose or can even become ankalosed – fixed in a bony mass.

Dental disease can have serious side effects on your pets’ health,  the presence of bacteria can lead to systemic infection causing:

• lack of appetite –reluctance to eat
• general ill health
• heart problems – bacterial endocarditis

Your pet can have severe dental problems and appear to show no symptoms. The amount of dental pain an animal suffers is not fully understood but your pets’ health will still be affected.

What can you do?

Although there are finger toothbrushes and special toothpastes available we don’t expect everyone to suddenly start brushing their pets teeth! However, there are lots of things that can improve your pets dental hygiene.

i) chews and pellets can help to remove tartar. There are even dental chews available designed to do this

ii) get your vet to check your pets teeth even if you are going to visit for something else.

ii) be aware- if you notice your pet has bad breath , salivates more or doesn’t seem to be so keen to eat.

NB : Cats can be particularly intolerant to teeth brushing and suspicious of dental treats!

What can we do?

The Vet will normally check your pet

thoroughly when you visit for your pets

annual booster vaccination. This is often

the time we pick up problems that the owner may not be aware of, depending on the severity of the problem we can do various procedures :

Dental Scale and Polish

If there is just a build-up of tartar on the teeth we can clean and polish them. Just the same as a your visit to the dental hygienist!

Extractions

Teeth that have been compromised can be extracted and your pet will be treated with antibiotics if necessary.

In severe cases a patient may need to be referred to a dental specialist.

It is important to note that almost all dental procedures are performed under general anaesthetic.

So keep your pets’ mouth healthy  !

smile!

Kenilworth Vet

Harfield Village

Lumps and Bumps: Part One

Finding a lump on your dog can be a scary thing so we are going to look at which ones should you worry about and which ones can you ignore!

Lumps and Bumps: Part One

Benign Tumours of the skin.

There are many different types of tumours that occur in the dog. So we are going start this month by looking at the most common benign tumours that occur in the skin.

Warts

As in humans, a virus (papilloma virus) is responsible for the formation of warts in the dog. They are generally single growths on the skin, in young dogs specifically around the mouth, genitals and eyes.

They generally are not a problem unless they cause irritation or the dog interferes with them causing bleeding. Surgical removal is the usual treatment.

Sebaceous cysts

A Sebaceous cyst occurs when a pore or hair follicle in your dog’s skin gets clogged. Each pore and hair follicle has oil glands which produce ‘sebu’, the oil that gives your dog a healthy, glossy coat. When the pore clogs up this material becomes trapped and causes a cyst to develop. 

Pores and hair follicles can get clogged for many different reasons including infection, scar tissue being present or the consistency of the ‘sebu ‘being too thick. Sebaceous cysts do not normally cause any problems but if they increase in size rapidly or seem to be irritating your dog, it would be wise to visit your Vet. 

Do not be tempted to squeeze your dog’s sebaceous cyst!

Lypomas

These are fatty lumps, which are often seen, in obese dogs. They are usually well-defined tumours and do not spread to other tissues. 

However, a lipoma should be monitored as they can grow very big, making surgical removal extremely difficult.

 

Cutaneous histiocytoma

This is a very common tumour that is seen mostly in young dogs of any breed although Boxers and Bull Terriers seem to be more susceptible. The tumour involves the Langerhans cells which form part of the bodies immune system, identifying foreign materials that may cause a threat to the body such as pollens, viruses, bacteria etc. It is then dispatched to other immune system cells, which react to protect the body.

Although theses tumours can be fast growing they often disappear by themselves after a few months or can be successfully removed surgically.

What should you do if you find a lump on your dog?

If you find a lump on your dog you should get your Vet to check it out. Your vet can perform a needle aspirate, which will allow him/her to look at the cells of the tumour under the microscope and determine what type of tumour it is. Your vet will then be able to advise what the best course of action should be. If your vet is concerned that the lump may be cancerous he/she may suggest that a biopsy be taken, this sample of the tumour can then be examined by an expert histopathologist.

Most of the tumours described above can be successfully removed surgically. But even if your vet decides no treatment is necessary it is advisable to keep a close eye on your pet’s lump, as things can change over time. Harmless lumps can become ulcerated or begin to cause discomfort.

Next month we are going to look at the baddies, the malignant tumours that can occur in your dog.

Kenilworth Vet

The Time To Say Goodbye

Kenilworth Vet

Euthanasia is never an easy decision but it isn’t one you have to make alone.

A few weeks ago we had to put our 15-year-old cat ‘Tugger’ to sleep. He had become seriously ill and was deteriorating fast. We couldn’t do any more to help him and although it was a traumatic decision to make, we knew euthanasia was the right one.

Euthanasia is a difficult subject particularly as it usually crops up when we are in a fragile emotional state. In this article I hope to show you that although it is possibly one of the toughest decisions you will ever make, it can also be the ultimate gift of friendship and compassion that you can bestow upon your pet.

Why Euthanasia?

There are many reasons why an owner may consider euthanasia. The most common one being that your pet is no longer able to live a happy, healthy, pain free life. This may be because of:

Serious injury or illness

• Your pet may be suffering from an injury or illness that cannot be treated or that it will not recover from adequately in order to live a normal life.

• The treatment of your pet’s condition may be beyond your reach financially.

• Your pet may no longer be responding to medication your Veterinarian has prescribed and is in pain or has lost mobility.

Old Age

Old age is not a reason to put your pet to sleep. However, certain conditions that accompany ageing may be.

• When your pet can no longer enjoy the things it used to and appears to be experiencing more pain than pleasure  i.e.:  on walks, playing etc,            

• When your pet is no longer responsive to you and/or is unable to maintain itself hygienically

• When your pet no longer has a decent quality of life.       

 

Behavioral Issues

Inappropriate behavior can most often than not be sorted out either with the help of medication from your Vet or the assistance of a reputable animal behaviorist. However, there are some issues that can’t be solved such as severe aggression where an animal puts people or other animals at risk.

When do I know the time is right?

This is the most common question we are asked, particularly by owners who have pets with deteriorating conditions.  If you have started to think about euthanasia then your instincts are telling you things are not going to get better for your pet. Try asking yourself the following:

• how keen is your pet to eat?

• how responsive is your pet to you when you call or stroke it?

• how mobile is your pet? Is movement a source of pain and discomfort?

• does your pet experience pain when being handled

• does you pet pant constantly or drink large quantities of water?

• is your pet losing body weight and condition?

• is your pet happy, does it have a good quality of life?

Remember this isn’t a decision you need to make alone; speak to your family members and don’t forget your Vet. Your Vet, apart from having experience, will probably have known your pet for some time and will be able to help and advise you. Try not to be selfish! Don’t let your pet suffer unnecessarily. They deserve more from you.

What Happens Next?

When you have come to your decision the next step is to organize things. Some Veterinarian’s will do a house visit to euthanase a pet but this can sometimes be more traumatic for everyone including your pet. So think carefully before choosing this option. Here is a list of things to consider:

• Find out when your Vet practice is quiet. Choose either the first or last appointment of a consulting session. You won’t have to wait and you won’t have to face crowds of people in the waiting room.

• Book a double appointment so you have time to spend with your pet.

• Don’t go alone. Try to take someone with you who can be supportive and drive you home if necessary.

• Decide if you want your pet to be buried or cremated, whether you want ashes returned or not and how much each option costs. Do this beforehand so that you can tell the receptionist when you book your appointment.

• Most decent practises will not ask you to pay at the time of the appointment but you will have to settle your account at some point and returning to the practice can be upsetting. Organise an EFT or pay in advance to avoid the any further stress.

How is it done?

Euthanasia is carried out when an animal is given an intravenous injection containing an overdose of a drug that is similar to those used to induce general anaesthesia. The chemical stops heart and brain activity causing instant loss of consciousness the animal passes from this deep sleep into death without any experience of pain. This happens in seconds.

Death is something that is hard to come to terms with but sometimes we are forced to consider not only our own mortality but that of our pets. Certain things may happen after your pet is put to sleep that can be distressing. It is important to remember your pet is no longer able to experience pain; these are normal processes that the body undergoes after death.

• agonal gasps - your pet may appear to ‘carry on breathing’ . This is caused by a reflex of the diaphragm and is not a conscious act.

• shakes and shivers are common and are also reflexes as the muscles are deprived of oxygen

•  your pet may whimper or cry as the injection is administered.

This is a rare side effect of the drug and is not a conscious act, your pet is not in pain. 

After they have gone

Give yourself time to grieve.  I am sure you felt it was a privilege to have your pet in your life. Whether your pet was with you through thick and thin or was just a brief but important feature in your life.  They were always there for you; they never answered back, gave so much and asked for so little. Our pets are a huge comfort to us and losing them can be devastating.  Those around you may not understand how you feel, it is important to find a family member or friend who is supportive. Remember that staff members at your Veterinary practice are always there to listen with a compassionate ear. 

Should I Get Another Pet?

There are so many reasons why each of us are pet owners. The decision to get another pet after the loss of a loved one can be difficult. You will never replace the pet you have lost. No two animals are ever the same, they each have their own funny behaviours and traits. Getting another companion animal is not a betrayal of the pet you have lost. It merely shows that you have enough compassion and love to climb on the roller coaster and ride it again! 

Kenilworth Vet - Harfield Village

VET VISIT ETIQUETTE

Taking your pet to the vet can be stressful – for you, your pet and your vet!

So here are a few tips for an easier visit to your favourite vet!

Bring your cat in a carrier!

• If your cat hates going into a cat box try taking the cat carrier out the day before or leave it out so your cat is familiar with it, put in a favourite blanket or toy to make it comfortable and inviting. Or try spraying calming products such as Feliway in or around the box.
• Make sure you have a cat carrier or other carrier that is secure and won't fall apart when you pick it up!
• Keep the carrier cover with a blanket and strap it into the car with the seat belt so that the cat isn't thrown around on the journey to the vet.

Bring your dog in on a lead

• Your dog may be very well behaved and obedient but we really need you to have your dog on a lead in our waiting room.
• Keep your dog under control -  particularly if there are other patients waiting

Make an appointment 

• Unless it's a real emergency, walk in appointments not only add stress to the veterinarian and staff on duty but is disrespectful to those clients who have scheduled their visit

Try to be on time 

• If you are going to be late for an appointment try to call us and let us know so that we can reschedule.

 PLEASE

• Don't answer your cell phone in the consulting room!

Don't be aggressive with our staff

• We understand that having a sick pet is traumatic and many pet owners feel guilt or anger that their pet is seriously ill. 
• Please remember that our staff are experienced and there to help. 
• We all want the same outcome -  a healthy pet!

Tell your vet everything you know

• If your pet has been vomiting for 1 day or 6 days, if you have been giving medication at home, if you fed a whole lot of bones - tell your vet. 
• We need to know what is really going on with your pet to make a good diagnosis.

Don't be afraid to talk money 

• We know you want the best for you pet and so do we. We also understand that disasters can happen at tough times when you are least prepared financially. 
• Don't tell your vet to do 'everything he can' to save your pet then throw your hands up in the air when you get the bill! 
• Discuss the cost of various treatments regimes and possible payment plans with your vet. 
• That way everyone is on the same page and you can get the best treatment for your pet.

Build a positive relationship - Trust your vet!

Kenilworth Veterinary Clinic

www.harfield-village.co.za

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