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Online Newsletters
Gawler South
Small Animal Hospital produces quarterly newsletters which are freely
available to all of our clients. Contained within these newsletters are
both updates of GSSAH and its staff as well as articles regarding the
general healthcare of cats and dogs. These newsletters are also
seasonally relevant, with important diseases and risks being discussed
when they are most threatening to animals.
These
Newsletters can be accessed online.
Autumn
Newsletter 2006
In this Issue
GSSAH GOSSIP
After a very hectic summer period at the Hospital, mainly due to the
very nasty Parvo infection outbreak in South Australia, things have
settled down to a steady pace again. We are very happy to welcome our
new Veterinarian to the Team, Dr Ashleigh Long. Ash was brought up in
country Victoria and studied at Melbourne University. She graduated at
the end of 2005 and joined us in January. She has fitted into the day to
day routine very quickly and with her excellent PR skills and great
compassion for the animals has become very popular with our clients.
Ashleigh has a special interest in Emergency Care and Medicine and
particularly adores our feline patients. Welcome Ash – great to have you
on board and Shelley particularly is pleased that you are taking some of
the load off her shoulders!!
Lainie has joined us on a permanent part-time basis and is enjoying the
regular hours as a Veterinary Nurse (in between looking after the
Cozzitorto boys and riding her horse). Erin has taken some time off from
her very busy Wags 2 Whiskers grooming business (see article elsewhere
in Newsletter) to help us out on a causal basis – thanks Erin – your
help is much appreciated. Charne had a couple of wonderful days on a
Houseboat with husband Carl, Nat & Paul and Lainie & Jason and also
enjoyed a trip to the South East to see her parents, Drew and Jen. Nat
and Beck can often be spotted riding around the paddocks of Concordia –
as it turns out , Beck is a very good rider and is really enjoying being
back in the saddle again. Rachie is now a fully qualified Veterinary
Nurse – congratulations Rachie – and her house is progressing well. She
and Ben are hoping to move in sometime in May as long as the subbies
keep turning up at the building site. Janey has had a few enjoyable (but
nerve wrecking) weekends watching fiancé Mark compete in some Motocross
competitions and is also enjoying her horse riding exploits.
Chris and Shelley have finally got kids back to School/Uni but are
enjoying having Lizzie at home these days. Chris has had a few enjoyable
days out in the boat doing a spot of fishing and Shelley is enjoying
some serious dressage training lately.
WAGS 2 WHISKERS
Erin Hutchings
(Fully Qualified Veterinary Nurse) operates this mobile clipping and
grooming service. She offers basic clipping, flea and worm prevention,
care for skin allergies, nail trimming, bathing and turbo drying.
We are very happy to recommend Erin’s services and she can be contacted
on 0421 647 303
WHY CHOOSE A
ONCE A YEAR HEARTWORM PREVENTION?
- Single injection for 12 months protection
- Suitable for all breeds from 6 months of age – we normally recommend
the first injection is given when the dog stops growing (12
monthsonwards)
- No more daily or monthly dosing
- Conveniently given at Annual Vaccinations
- Safe for all dogs
If you have any queries regarding this option, don’t hesitate to contact
one of our staff members.
BONNIE VENNING – DOG OF THE
MONTH
What a sweet beautiful dog!! Bonnie is a 12 year old Black and Tan
female Kelpie and came to us with pain in her hindquarters and spine.
Her owner was also concerned about her recent behaviour – she noticed
that she lacked energy, was drinking more water than usual and her eyes
were ‘turning milky’. Because of Bonnie’s age and her very responsible
owner, we performed routine screening blood tests (see article elsewhere
in Newsletter). In her blood, Bonnie’s glucose levels were abnormally
high and combined with a routine urine test which also showed high
levels of glucose, a diagnosis of Diabetes was made. Bonnie’s Mum made
the decision to treat her with Insulin twice daily so Bonnie was
admitted to the Hospital to start the stabilization process. Some dogs
can be stabilized on Insulin very quickly and others are a little
trickier – Unfortunately Bonnie fits into the last category and has had
numerous trips to see us for series of blood tests. What a brilliant
patient – she accepts everything without complaint and even goes outside
to the loo without a lead – a perfect little lady. Bonnie will
eventually get stabilized on the Insulin but the daily treatment of
Diabetic dogs is not for every owner – it takes time, commitment and
patience – but I am sure that the members of the Venning household would
agree that it is a very worthwhile process.
Gorgeous dog and a very compliant and co-operative owner – a medical
case that makes our job really enjoyable!!!
INTRA-VENOUS
FLUIDS GIVEN DURING SURGERY
There is now strong evidence to suggest that intra-venous fluids given
to older dogs undergoing routine anaesthetics can speed up the recovery
time and reduce the possibility of post-operative complications. It does
add to the cost of the procedure, but it many situations this can be
deemed to be very worthwhile. In our complicated and high risk
operations, fluid therapy is given routinely, however this option is now
being offered on a regular basis for our older patients, if considered
appropriate.
If you have any queries about fluid therapy for your pet during surgery
please speak to one our Veterinarians.
SCREENING BLOOD TESTS
We are also recommending screening blood tests for our older patients to
determine how ‘well’ the pet is. It can be quite comforting for an owner
to know that their pet does not have kidney or liver disease or other
‘old age ‘problems at the time of examination. If the results do detect
an abnormality, even though the pet may appear fit and well, then early
intervention programmes, such dietary changes, can be instigated to help
to slow down the disease process, and maintain a good quality of life
for the animal for as long as possible.
We do recommend annual health checks (these coincide with annual
vaccinations) – early prevention and detection of problems is the key to
a long and happy life for your pet.
OLD DOG BEHAVIOUR – COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME (CDS)
Old dogs do become senile!! This is a syndrome associated with brain
aging. It is caused by physical and chemical changes that effect brain
function in older dogs. Dogs with CDS may show signs of confusion and
/or various other behaviour changes that are not a normal part of aging.
Pet owners often describe their dogs as less responsive, forgetful or
confused. Other symptoms include: altered or decreased interaction with
the family, disorientation (wanders aimlessly, appears lost or confused,
stares into space etc), loss of house training and changes in activity
levels to name but a few. There is a medication available that will help
to control the clinical signs associated with CDS, which in most dogs is
given once daily, in the mornings. Response will vary from dog to dog,
but is usually worth trying if a case of CDS is diagnosed. If your older
dog has a change of behaviour, please discuss this with your consulting
veterinarian.
Winter
Newsletter 2005
In this
Issue
I guess no one
is complaining about the lack of rain but it certainly came in a rush.
It is lovely to see some green countryside again and our horses seem to
enjoy behaving like mudlarks. Apologies for the lateness of the
newsletter – should be more accurately named the mid-winter one –
however, the Arnolds have been very busy doing some packing and
organizing (see GSSAH gossip) and unfortunately things like newsletters
have been put on the bottom of the list.
GSSAH GOSSIP
The big news is that our wonderful Vet from Scotland, Dr. Catriona
McHardy (Cat), will be leaving us is August to go back to her home
country, catch up with all her family and many friends and try the scuba
diving in European waters. We will all be so sorry to see her leave –
Cat has been a superb member of our Team – always calm, kind and
compassionate – a brilliant Veterinary Surgeon and a fantastic friend to
us all – WE WILL ALL MISS YOU HEAPS!! Just remember that will always be
a job for you at Gawler South, so don’t forget us.
The other news is that Chris & Shelley are off on a holiday before Cat
leaves – quite a long one actually – for the whole of July!! They are
taking the family for an interlude in Italy before a short trip to
Turkey and home via Singapore. Chris’s grandfather was in the Light
Horse in World War 1 and also fought in Gallipoli, so the Arnold’s are
really looking forward to visiting this historical site. They are also
very keen to have a real break away from work and rest their weary souls
– the last few years have taken their toll due to the business changes,
renovations, broken legs etc. and are very grateful that they can leave
the Hospital in such capable hands. Cat and Beck will steer the helm
with our fantastic Nurses will provide their invaluable support.
Cat recently took the opportunity to have a diving holiday in Bali
before she moves back to the Northern Hemisphere and really enjoyed the
experience. Beck is having a few days off doing some major garden
renovations with partner, Glen and Nat is on the sick list while she is
recovering from an operation to remove the plate from her once broken
leg.
I must take this opportunity to welcome Lainie Cozzitorto back to Gawler
South after a 3 year absence while she was having babies (2 gorgeous
boys, Angus and Adam). Lainie fitted back into work very easily – it is
hard to believe that she ever left – and we really appreciate the help
she has given to us while other girls have been away.
WELCOME BACK LAINIE – WONDERFUL TO HAVE YOU AS PART OF THE TEAM ONCE
AGAIN!!
Rachie had a very enjoyable weekend playing Touch Rugby for South
Australia. Unfortunately, the South Aussie girls weren’t able to beat
the Sandgropers, but they really played some very good games and it is
always an honour to represent your State.
Charnie has
been very busy looking after her new Burmese Kitten, Wesley, who is an
absolutely gorgeous little boy. Fortunately, Foxy, the other member of
the Britton feline family (a very matronly brown girl) is starting to
accept the new addition and they have been spotted snuggling together
already!!
Ree has been very busy with her family and had a lovely weekend down at
Victor with Dave to celebrate their 10th Wedding Anniversary. Jane has
been enjoying her horses and recently had a great weekend away with
fiancé, Mark – we haven’t heard about a date yet!!??.
AUGUST WILL BE DENTAL MONTH
It is hard to believe that it is nearly 12 months since the last
Dental Month but that seems to be life these days – it goes by very
quickly.
Dental Month is
promotional period run by the staff at Gawler to promote the awareness
of good dental care in our pets. There will be a display in the Waiting
Room showing various products available and lots of information about
caring for your pet’s teeth.
Bad teeth cause a lot of health problems for your pet – and can reduce
life expectancy significantly - prevention is far better than cure!
Raw (uncooked) bones including lamb flaps and large marrow bones (larger
dogs) and chicken necks or wings (large and small dogs ) given at least
once a week are very beneficial to your pet’s teeth – and yes, cats can
also be given bones to chew.
***PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO ASK OUR STAFF ABOUT FEEDING BONES TO YOUR
PETS***
SANDY MANNO – PATIENT OF THE MONTH
Dear Sandy – what a little hero – and the nicest dog you could ever
imagine.
Sandy was
minding her business in her own garden about 3 weeks ago when a stray
dog jumped the fence and viciously attacked her. She was literally torn
to shreds, with massive wounds all over her body. She was immediately
admitted to Hospital, put on a drip, given massive doses of antibiotics
and pain relief and we all started praying. Somehow Sandy survived the
next 24 hours, already displaying her remarkably positive attitude, and
the decision was made by the Vets to go to surgery to stitch her wounds.
Under anaesthetic, it was revealed that the wounds were horrendous and
the situation looked extremely grim. However, her family obviously new a
lot about her character and supported the decision to give her a chance.
Over the next
couple weeks, the wounds started to heal and Sandy started to feel
better. Never once has she growled or snapped, she always can give a wag
of her tail and takes all the treatment with such calmness and
resolution.
The wounds will
heal – eventually - but, Sandy, we do thank you and your family for your
patience and persistence. We have all learnt something about taking on
the ‘difficult cases’ and not to give up too early. You and your family
have truly earnt a place in our hearts – SANDY YOU ARE A TRULY
REMARKABLE DOG AND AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL THE CANINES OF THE WORLD.
TETANUS
We have had 3 cases of tetanus in dogs in the last 3 months – all
have survived and all have not had a significant skin wound. (One had a
small grasseed abscess and the others had no visible wounds.
What is tetanus?
It is a disease caused by the toxin released from the germinating spores
of the bacteria, Clostridium tetanii.
How do our pets get tetanus?
Dogs occasionally get tetanus and cats very rarely. The symptoms can
develop a few days to a few months after the tetanus spores enter the
wound (a puncture, a fracture or surgery). The wound does not have to be
large for tetanus to develop and the break in the skin or mucous
membrane may not be noticed by the owner.
What are the signs my pet would have with tetanus?
These are very variable – they can vary from a mild rigidity of the
muscles nearest the wound with the possibility of a stiffness of the
legs, a stilted gait, mild weakness and incoordination to a generalized
disease involving convulsions, difficulty breathing & eating, excessive
salivation and even death.
Many dogs develop a characteristic facial expression which aids
diagnosis.
Is there a treatment?
When a dog or cat is diagnosed with tetanus, the treatment is
diverse. Tetanus anti-toxin and tenus toxoid is used combined with
antibiotics and supportive treatment to make the animal comfortable.
This is generally successful but the potential to lose the patient is
always there.
What can be done to prevent tetanus?
Dogs and cats that are treated at the Hospital for skin wounds or
those that require surgery are routinely given antibiotics to prevent
tetanus.
Dogs can be
vaccinated against tetanus and this is probably a good idea for dogs in
high risk situations e.g. working dogs that are prone wounds. The
injection is painful, often forms a lump and 2 are required. 99% of dogs
that get wounds do not develop tetanus so it is hard for us to recommend
that all dogs should be vaccinated.
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT TETANUS IN YOUR DOG OR CAT, PLEASE DON’T
HESITATE TO DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH ONE OF OUR VETERINARIANS.
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