The scheme was set up over 30 years ago in an attempt to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in the dog population of Great Britain. It involves X-raying the dogs hips and submitting the films to the BVA (British Veterinary Association) hip scoring panel. Each hip is then scored on 9 different parameters and each parameter is given a score of 0 to 6, 0 being perfect and 6 awful. A total score is then given for each hip. The results are then sent to the Kennel Club and are entered onto the dogs pedigree certificate. They are also included in the vast data base enabling a mean score for each breed to be calculated.

What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia literally means abnormally shaped hips. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint and the ball should fit tightly into the socket. If it is a loose fit the dog is dysplastic. The condition is genetic, although a number of genes are involved, and it is also developmental in that all pups are born with normal hips and the condition develops during the first few months of life. This is thought to be due to laxity in that the ball is not forced firmly into the socket during the growth period. Hip dysplasia leads to hip osteoarthritis, seen occasionally in the juvenile but commonly in the adult. Osteoarthritis is a progressive destructive condition where new bone is deposited around the joint and the joint surfaces wear out. It is irreversible. The degree of the severity of hip dysplasia correlates to the age at which the osteoarthritis develops.

What are the aims of the scheme?

The aims of the scheme are to identify which dogs will develop osteoarthritis and to advise the owners on which animals are suitable for breeding. In many of the popular larger breeds all individuals will have a degree of hip dysplasia and so the advice is given to breed from the dogs with a score well under the breed mean.

Does the scheme work?

Unfortunately, the answer is not very well for a number of reasons, the main one being that the positioning of the dog does not measure hip laxity. However the scheme is excellent in identifying dogs that should not be bred from, that is dogs with a high score or any dog that already has radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. The scheme fails in that a proportion of dogs with low scores will also have lax hips and this population of dogs will develop osteoarthritis and are unsuitable for breeding. It is mainly for this reason that breed mean scores have hardly improved over the life of the scheme. The PennHIP breed improvement scheme (see below) addresses this issue.

How do I get my dog hip scored?

Breeders come from all over the country to have their dogs X-rayed by Tom Gilding at the Nantwich Veterinary Hospital. The reason for this is that Tom is very experienced and guarantees to take a high quality X-ray with good positioning and he will also express his opinion on the likely score. Generally the owners will wait for perhaps only half an hour and, using modern sedatives, the dog will recover rapidly and walk out of the hospital.

All dogs have to be over one year of age.

Common Symptoms of Illness

• Red inner eyelids
• Matter ‘stuck’ on the surface or in the corners of the eye
• Cloudiness within the eyeball
• A dull eye surface
• The ‘third eyelid’ coming across the eye
• Excessive tearing or unusual discharges
• Tear-stained fur around the eyes

Eye Tests used to Diagnose Eye Problems

• Fluorescein stain to identify the presence of corneal ulcers
• Schirmer Tear Test to determine the level of tear production
• Ocular pressure to detect glaucoma
• Slit lamp biomicroscopy to examine the eye surface
• Ophthalmoscope to see into the eye

Common Eye Conditions & Symptoms

• Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the membrane that covers both the inner lining of the eyelid and the white of the eye. It may be caused by infections, allergies, inadequate tear production or irritation.
• Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (”Dry eye”) occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears. This results in recurrent or chronic conjunctivitis – persistently sore eyes – and, if left untreated, may eventually lead to blindness. Certain breeds, such as West Highland White Terriers, Cavalier King Charles and Cocker Spaniels, seem to be more prone to this problem, though any dog may be affected.
• Corneal Ulceration can occur when the shiny surface of the cornea is scratched or damaged.
• Epiphora. If your dog’s eye constantly ‘weeps’, or if the fur around it appears ‘stained’, the normal tear flow may be blocked.
• Cataracts & Glaucoma. Dogs, just like humans, can have these serious eye diseases. Cataracts cloud the lens inside the eye and are the most common cause of canine blindness. A hereditary condition in some breeds, early examination by your veterinary surgeon is important, as such animals should not be bred. Glaucoma stems from too much pressure being exerted upon the eye’s interior as a result of a decrease in the amount of fluid draining from it.

How to Administer Eye Drops

• In some cases you may need to muzzle your dog.
• Remove any discharge from around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
• See the instructions on the bottle for dosage. Shake if necessary.
• Use one hand to hold the bottle between thumb and index finger and place the other under your dog’s jaw to support the head.
• Tilt the head back and, to prevent blinking, use your free fingers to hold the eyelids open.
• Hold the bottle close to the eye but DON’T touch the eye’s surface.
• Squeeze the drops onto the eye and once the drops are in, release the head.
• Your dog will blink, spreading the medication over the eye’s surface.

How to Apply Eye Ointment

• In some cases you may need to muzzle your dog.
• Remove any discharge from around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
• Check the instructions on the tube for dosage.
• Gently pull back upper and lower eyelids.
• Holding the tube parallel to the lower eyelid, squeeze the ointment on to its edge. DON’T let the tube touch the eye’s surface.
• Lightly massage upper and lower eyelids together to spread the medication.
• Release the head. Let your dog blink.

Ask yourself: will my cat or dog be comfortable and happy on a trip? Some animals simply prefer to stay at home and a ‘homesick’, possibly motion-sick pet will ruin everyone’s trip. In such a case it’s probably wiser to leave your pet with a friend, relative or hire a ‘petsitter’. If that is not possible, you might consider boarding them at a clean, well-run kennel or cattery.

Plan ahead

If you do decide to take your pet along, you must take as much care with the preparation of your pet’s trip as your own. If you plan to travel by plane, bus, train or boat, find out if your pet will be welcome and what kind of reservations and transport arrangements must be made. If you’ll be staying at hotels or campsites, you must check if animals are allowed or if kennel facilities are available. If you’re staying with friends or family, make sure your pet is also invited.

Travelling abroad with your pet

Check the DEFRA website for the latest information on requirements for travelling for pets from the UK.

Travelling by plane

• Contact the airline with which you wish to fly well in advance – each has its own regulations and reservations for your pet will be necessary.
• Be sure to ask about the airline’s rules for pet crates or carriers.
• Try to book a direct flight or one with a minimum of stops.
• The airline may allow your pet in the passenger cabin if your crate or carrier can fit under the seat in front of you. If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, be at the airport early, place them in a travel crate yourself and pick them up promptly when you land.

Travelling by car

• If your dog is not used to being in a car, take him/her for a few short rides before your trip. If you also have a cat it will probably be safer and more comfortable in a carrier.
• Pets should NEVER be allowed to put their heads outside the window when riding in a car. It is dangerous for you, your dog and potentially other road users.
• If you’re taking a long drive plan ‘snacks’, exercise and rest stops about every two hours.
• Always allow good provision of water.
• Give the main meal at the end of the day. Dry food is more convenient but if your pet needs canned food, dispose of any unused portions if they cannot be refrigerated.
• It is not recommended to leave your dog or cat in a parked car for a prolonged period of time. If you must leave your pet in a parked car, lock all doors and open windows enough to provide good ventilation, without allowing them enough room to jump out or get their head caught. Remember, on hot days, the temperature in a parked car can rise to dangerous levels in just minutes and your pet could die of heat stroke.

Travelling by bus and train

Not all bus/rail companies allow you to travel with your pet, so phone ahead for information.

Wherever you go

• Ensure your pet ALWAYS wears a collar with identification.
• Pack their favourite food, toys, dishes, cool water and a lead.
• Have your pet examined and vaccinated, if necessary, by your veterinary surgeon before a long trip.
• If your pet must travel in a crate or carrier, make sure it is strong, large enough for them to stand up and turn around, has a place for food and water, is well ventilated, has a leak-proof bottom and closes securely.
• If you are planning a trip abroad with your pet, contact the practice and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for advice, as the health and vaccination regulations of different destinations vary greatly. Click here to find out more on the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
• Consider whether there may be special health risks where your pet is travelling to- our vets will be able to advise on any additional precautions that you need to take.

Ticks are small spider-like acarids and fleas are insects, but these two tiny creatures have at least one thing in common – they are both parasites that feed on your dog’s blood and can cause a lot of discomfort and more serious health problems.

Flea bites may go unnoticed on some pets, cause slight irritation in others and produce extensive itching, red lesions, hair loss and even ulcers in those animals with flea allergy dermatitis, which is the result of extreme sensitivity to flea saliva. Severe flea infestations can cause anaemia, especially in puppies. Fleas can transmit several diseases, as well as tapeworm. Ticks are also “vectors” or carriers of a number of diseases.

About Fleas

Adult fleas are wingless insects, generally smaller than a sesame seed, who feed on the blood of animals. Their proportionately enlarged back pair of legs gives them an extraordinary jumping ability. Hanging on to your pet’s fur with their claws, their needle-like mouth parts bite through the skin to suck up blood.

If one flea finds your dog an attractive food source, you can be sure that other fleas will, too! Females lay 30-50 eggs per day. These eggs will drop to the ground within 8 hours and, as soon as 2 days later, flea larvae will hatch and hide in dark places on the ground, in carpets or upholstery. After about a week of feeding on adult flea droppings, crumbs, flakes of skin, etc., the larvae spin cocoons to become pupae. The pupae can remain in this stage for very long periods of time. The cycle continues when, as soon as a week or so later, the pupae develop into adult fleas and emerge from their cocoons when they sense that a dog or cat, or other animal host, is near. The cycle – which can take as little as 12 days or as long as 180 days – can then begin again.

About Ticks…

Ticks are wingless creatures that live exclusively on the blood of animals for three of the four stages of their life cycle. They are equipped with an apparatus called Haller’s organ which senses heat, carbon dioxide and other stimuli to allow the ticks to locate the presence of an animal food source. Once found, they crawl on and embed their mouth parts into the animal’s skin and proceed to suck up its blood.

You should inspect your pet regularly for ticks, especially if they have been outside in areas where there are woods or tall grasses. A thorough combing within 4 to 6 hours of exposure to such environments can help prevent ticks from attaching themselves to feast on your pet. Should you find a tick, it should be removed immediately, as the longer it is attached to its host, the greater the chance for disease. Do not touch the tick with your bare hands. Removal requires considerable care. If in doubt, our vets and nurses will demonstrate the correct technique. Never pull the tick off or attempt to burn or damage the tick- you will almost certainly leave parts of the tick behind which can lead to further problems. Topical tick treatments may kill the tick but in some cases they may sometimes still remain attached. For larger ticks it may be best to physically remove them. Wear gloves and use a purpose-designed device such as a tick hook to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible. Careful rotation will persuade the tick to dislodge without leaving its mouthparts behind. To dispose of the tick, wrap it in several tissues and flush it down the toilet.

Controlling Fleas & Ticks

The best way to control flea problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Fortunately, developments in veterinary parasite control in recent years have made the twofold goal of eliminating fleas on pets and preventing further infestations much easier to achieve. Available for both dogs and cats, new insecticides and insect growth regulators in easy-to-use topical or oral forms not only eliminate any existing fleas, but also work long-term to prevent future infestations. This is accomplished either by killing the parasites before they can reproduce or by preventing their eggs from developing into normal adult fleas. Consult us for advice about the proper product for your pet. Furthermore, thorough daily vacuuming of high-traffic areas and frequent washing of your pet’s bedding will also go a long way in reducing the flea population in your home.

Some of the same types of topical or oral products used to control flea infestation are also effective against ticks. Such treatments should be combined with daily examinations and tick removal for those pets, especially dogs, who are frequently outdoors in areas with high tick populations. Ask us for information about the situation in your locality.

When a parasite picks your pet for a meal

If, despite your best efforts at control, you find that fleas or ticks have crawled (or jumped) on board your pet, you will have to use a product that will kill and/or repel the parasites. These include once-a-month topical treatments or sprays, and, to combat fleas, oral or injectable medication. Once again, you should ask our vets and nurses for advice about what the most appropriate product for your pet is. And remember, it is perfectly normal to see live fleas or ticks on a pet immediately after a topical treatment, spray, shampoo, collar, etc. is applied. Many believe that this means the product is not working, but the fleas or ticks have to fully absorb the product before they will be kiilled, which may take from a few hours to a few days.

Facts about Fleas

• Worldwide, there are about 3,000 different types of fleas, but the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the most common to be found on cats and dogs.
• Adult fleas can jump 600 times an hour. Each jump, in terms of the flea’s size, is the equivalent of a person clearing a 50-storey building.
• The record jump for a flea (usually 2-8 mm long) is 33 cm.
• In just 30 days, 25 adult female fleas can multiply to 250,000 fleas.

Facts about Ticks

• A female tick can lay up to 3,000 eggs.
• Except for eggs, ticks need a blood meal to progress to the next stage of their life cycle.
• Some ticks can live for more than a year without a meal.
• In very rare cases, toxins secreted by ticks found abroad can cause paralysis.

You’ve anticipated the new arrival by ‘puppy proofing’ your home and had lots of fun choosing the bed, blanket, toys and other supplies they will need. This frisky little creature is sure to bring you much joy. In return, you can make a major contribution to your pet’s longevity, happiness and quality of life by providing him/her with good nutrition, loving attention in a safe, clean environment and regular checkups at your veterinary practice.

Neutering your puppy

Many veterinary surgeons believe that neutering not only helps solve the serious problem of unwanted pet overpopulation but also makes for friendlier, easier-to-live-with pets. Spayed female dogs are more relaxed, while neutered males are less likely to roam, ‘spray’ or urine-mark their territory, or fight with other males. Plus, sterilisation has health benefits – it helps to minimize the risk of cancers of the reproductive organs and the mammary glands in females and reduces the incidence of prostate and testicular cancer problems in males

Spaying removes the uterus and ovaries of a female dog, often around the age of six months. A major surgical procedure, it is performed under general anaesthesia. Complications are rare and recovery normally is complete within two weeks.

Castration, also carried out under general anaesthesia, removes the testicles of a male dog through an incision at the base of the scrotum. Usually performed when the puppy is about six months old, it necessitates only a brief hospital stay. Full recovery takes about seven to ten days.

Your puppy’s basic health check

Your new puppy should visit a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. The first visit will include:

• A thorough physical examination to determine his/her state of health.
• Check for parasites. (fleas, ticks, lice, ear mites, worms).
• Initial vaccination and/or a discussion of the types of vaccinations your puppy needs and when they should be scheduled.
• Discussion about whether your puppy should be neutered and when.

This first health check will give our vets the information needed to advise you on your puppy’s immediate diet and care.

Make your puppy feel at home

Show your puppy the special places where he/she can eat, sleep and go to the toilet and, since they’re probably quite overwhelmed, give them some quiet time to adjust to the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the new home. If there are young children in the home, make sure that they are taught that a puppy is not a toy but a living creature who must be treated with gentleness and respect. As early as 8 weeks old, your puppy is capable of learning specific lessons – so start home training and teaching simple obedience commands the day you bring them home. Our vets and nurses can suggest the best training methods and, if you wish, recommend a good obedience school.

Your pup will find learning fun and easy and, with your positive reinforcement, should remember lessons well!

It’s also the most widespread infectious disease of dogs in Britain today. And of the 65,000 dogs who were diagnosed with the condition last year¹ , most had picked it up in parks, streets, classes, shows…in fact, all sorts of situations that had nothing whatsoever to do with kennels².

Is kennel cough a risk in my area?

Since 2008, UK vets have been sharing data to monitor the incidence and outbreaks of pet disease in the UK. It’s called the CICADA Survey, and you can see all its findings here.

This map from the survey shows the most recent data on Kennel Cough. As you can see, it remains widespread throughout the country.

So is my dog protected against kennel cough?

Protection against kennel cough is NOT NORMALLY included in your pet’s routine annual vaccinations.

However, it can be added relatively easily – just a small drop of liquid applied to one nostril. This simple ‘intranasal’ vaccine only takes seconds to administer, and yet it will protect your dog for at least a year.

And you don’t just catch it in kennels

Despite the name, most cases are NOT caught in kennels. On the contrary, your pet is more likely to encounter the disease in common circumstances such as:

• The park
• The street
• At dog shows
• In training classes
• From next door’s pet…

What is kennel cough and what are the clinical signs?

Kennel cough – also known as infectious bronchitis – is a complex respiratory infection, caused mainly by a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica and the Parainfluenza virus.

Once your dog has been exposed to infection, it will generally take 5-7 days before signs of disease are seen. Kennel cough usually causes a dry, hacking cough, runny nose and sometimes sneezing. The gagging cough and retching associated with this disease are upsetting for your dog and you.

Depending on its severity, the signs of infection can last from a few days to several weeks. However, even after the coughing has stopped your dog can remain infectious for up to three months.

If my dog catches kennel cough, can I treat it?

Unfortunately, by the time your dog has started coughing, the disease will already have damaged its respiratory system.

Therapies such as anti-inflammatory drugs and cough suppressants are often only minimally effective and should only be used under strict veterinary supervision.

Kennel cough is caused by both bacteria and viruses, so antibiotics can sometimes help reduce disease severity. Often, though, they have little impact on symptoms.

As with any serious disease, prevention is always better than cure. Effective intranasal vaccines are available against the most significant causes and can be administered routinely alongside your pet’s normal annual boosters.

With your help, your pets can have healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives. You simply need to provide them with a few things:

• A nutritious diet
• Chew treats
• Regular brushing at home
• Yearly dental checkups by a veterinary surgeon

Good dental health begins with the proper diet

The wrong kinds of food can lead to dental disease in pets. Feeding your dog a dry food rather than a moist, canned one will, through its mild abrasive action on the teeth, help remove the bacterial plaque that can harden into tartar. Dry food also provides adequate chewing exercise and gum stimulation. Avoid giving your pet sweets and table scraps as they may also increase plaque and tartar formation. Our vets and nurses may recommend the use of special dry foods designed to reduce plaque and tartar build-up, especially if your pet is prone to dental problems due to breed or individual genetic history.

Brushing your pet’s teeth

Dogs need to have their teeth brushed in order to eliminate the dental plaque that can cause tooth decay and the formation of tartar, which can lead to gum disease. You should begin a regular, daily brushing routine when your puppy is between six and eight weeks of age. Even older dogs can be trained to accept having their teeth brushed. You simply need to introduce the activity gradually and make the experience a positive one for your pet. Reassure and praise them profusely throughout the process and reward them with a very special treat when it’s finished.

Phase 1

Start by dipping a finger in beef paste. Rub this finger gently over your pet’s gums and one or two teeth. Repeat until your pet seems fairly comfortable with this activity.

Phase 2

Gradually, introduce a gauze-covered finger and gently scrub the teeth with a circular motion.

Phase 3

Then, you can begin to use a toothbrush, either an ultra-soft model designed for people or a special pet tooth-brush or finger brush, which is a rubber finger covering with a small brush built in at its tip.

Phase 4

Finally, once your pet is used to brushing, introduce the use of pet toothpaste in liquid or paste form. Most of these contain chlorhexidine or stannous fluoride – ask our vets and nurses for their recommendations. Don’t use human toothpaste, as it can upset your pet’s stomach. Our vets and nurses may also advise the use of an antiseptic spray or rinse after brushing.

Don’t forget a yearly dental checkup

Doing your best to ensure that your dog receives the proper diet and regular brushing at home will help maintain teeth and gums in top condition. To provide optimum dental care at home, you need to start with a clean bill of dental health. That’s where our vets and nurses come in.

They will give your pet a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity to determine whether there are any underlying problems and, especially important, tartar build-up. Brushing removes plaque but not tartar, so if your pet’s teeth do have tartar, our vets will have to remove it with a professional clean and polish, usually accomplished under anaesthesia. After the tartar has been removed from above and below the gum line, our veterinary nurses will provide you with instructions for home care and follow-up.

A few tips:

• Chew treats, including rawhide chews for dogs, can help remove plaque, and provide stimulation for the gums.
• Watch out for wood – throwing sticks for dogs can result in splinters and gum damage.
• Don’t let your pet chew on hard materials like cooked bones or stones. They can wear down, even break teeth, damage gums and lead to infection or be swallowed and lead to blockages

A few statistics:

Puppies develop their deciduous teeth at 2 weeks of age, with their 42 permanent teeth starting to appear at 3 months.

One of the most important things you can do to give your dog a long and healthy life is to ensure that he/she is vaccinated against common and serious canine infectious diseases. Your dog’s mother gave her puppy immunity from disease for the first few weeks of existence by providing disease-fighting antibodies in her milk. After that period it’s up to you, with the help and advice of your veterinary surgeon, to provide that protection.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines contain small quantities of altered or “killed” viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate your dog’s immune system to produce disease-fighting cells and proteins – or antibodies – to protect against disease.

When should my dog be vaccinated?

The immunity that a puppy has at birth only lasts for a few weeks. It is then time to begin vaccination. The first vaccination is usually given in two doses, the first dose at around the age of 6-8 weeks and the second about 3-4 weeks later. Thereafter, your dog will require annual ‘booster’ vaccinations for the rest of his/her life to maintain protection. Above all, follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinary surgeon – if there is too long an interval between vaccinations, your dog may no longer be fully protected.

Your pet should be protected against those diseases which are most common, highly contagious and which cause serious illness or death. Such diseases include Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Infectious Tracheobronchitis (also known as kennel cough). Rabies may also be essential if your dog is travelling abroad – check with the practice and with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA):

Other vaccinations may be recommended, based on your veterinary surgeon’s evaluation of the risks posed by your dog’s particular environment and lifestyle.

Click here to see more extensive information on pet vaccination from the Future of Vaccination website.

Other vaccinations may be recommended, based on your veterinary surgeon’s evaluation of the risks posed by your dog’s particular environment and lifestyle.

Canine Parvovirus

Very contagious, debilitating and widespread, the disease caused by this virus emerged in many parts of the world only in 1978. Spread through infected faeces, the highly resistant virus can remain in the environment for many months. Symptoms include high fever, listlessness, vomiting and blood-stained diarrhoea. Vaccination is the only certain method of preventing this potentially fatal disease, which is most severe in young pups and elderly dogs.

Canine Distemper

Very contagious, debilitating and widespread, the disease caused by this virus emerged in many parts of the world only in 1978. Spread through infected faeces, the highly resistant virus can remain in the environment for many months. Symptoms include high fever, listlessness, vomiting and blood-stained diarrhoea. Vaccination is the only certain method of preventing this potentially fatal disease, which is most severe in young pups and elderly dogs.

Canine Distemper

Vaccination against this often fatal, hard-to-treat disease is essential. Though very rare in the UK thanks to vaccination the disease is still widespread in some parts of the world and continued vigilance with vaccination is needed to prevent the UK dog population from becoming susceptible to the disease. Highly contagious, it is spread by discharges from the noses and eyes of infected dogs. Symptoms can include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhoea and vomiting; convulsions and paralysis may occur in the disease’s final stages. Sometimes the disease is also known as hardpad on account of the thickened fissured footpads that develop as a result of infection over time. The distemper virus attacks many organs, including the nervous system, which may be permanently damaged, even if the dog recovers.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Caused by canine adenovirus type I, this disease is transmitted among dogs by contact with secretions, such as saliva, infected urine or faeces. The virus commonly attacks the liver, and also potentially causes eye damage. The course of this disease can range from mild to fatal. Vaccination remains the best protection. A second virus, canine adenovirus 2 contributes as one of the possible causes of infectious tracheobronchitis (or kennel cough).

Leptospirosis

The most common form of this bacteria is widespread in rats and spread in their urine into the environment where it survives well in damp conditions and in water courses, ponds and lakes. It can occur so suddenly that there is little chance of effective antibiotic therapy. Dogs infected acutely with this disease can suffer liver or kidney damage that will need a long period of treatment if they are to fully recover. Just as much a concern is the lower grade disease which may go undiagnosed. It is also a disease that can infect and prove fatal in humans so maintaining the best protection by vaccinating annually specifically against this disease is highly advisable.

Canine Tracheobronchitis (“Kennel Cough”)

Just as with contagious human respiratory disease, kennel cough is easily transmitted from one dog to another, so vaccination is imperative if your pet will come into contact with other dogs in situations such as obedience training, the groomers, boarding at a kennel, neighbours pets or even just playing in the park. The disease is caused by various airborne bacteria and viruses, Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the main causes of this disease and with the most common viral cause, parainfluenza, can be protected against with a separate intra-nasal vaccine administered as drops up the nose. The first sign of infection noticeable is a dry, hacking cough that sounds as if an object has got stuck in the throat.

Rabies

This incurable and fatal viral disease affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. It is spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals through bites or any break in the skin. Though not present in the UK, this disease occurs widely throughout many other countries of the world and is required if you pet is due to travel outside the UK.

How Effective is vaccination?

Like any drug treatment or surgical procedure, vaccinations cannot be 100% guaranteed. However, used in conjunction with proper nutrition and good hygiene, vaccination is clearly your pet’s best defence against disease. Plus, when you consider what treating a serious illness can cost you and your beloved dog in terms of both money and distress, prevention through vaccination is extremely cost-effective.

If your dog doesn’t jump to greet you on your return home each evening, there may be a good reason – osteoarthritis. A chronic, degenerative joint disease that makes movement difficult and painful, osteoarthritis mainly strikes pets in their middle and senior years. However, younger animals can also be affected. In fact, studies show that approximately 20% of dogs have the condition in some form and, even though they are less prone, cats can also suffer from it.

It can be heartbreaking to see your once lively, always active best friend begin to limp, or notice his or her obvious pain or stiffness when moving around. There is no cure for osteoarthritis. However, if it is treated promptly, there is a great deal that you and your veterinary surgeon can do to decrease your pet’s discomfort and increase his or her mobility.

Early warning signs of osteoarthritis

• Difficulty in walking, climbing stairs.
• An overall decrease in activity, especially play.
• Resting more than usual.
• Slowness in getting up from a lying position.
• For dogs, “bunny hopping” with the hind legs, rather than running normally.
• Slow or stiff movements upon waking, after a rest, or in cold weather.
• Beginning to limp.
• Swollen joint(s) that is/are warm to the touch and have a limited or painful range of movement.
• Licking at a joint.
• Personality change – your pet no longer likes to be touched or played with.

If you notice any of the signs above, don’t just think that your pet is “slowing down with age”. Bring him or her to see us! The faster osteoarthritis is first diagnosed and treated, the better your pet’s quality of life will be.

What causes osteoarthritis?

There are many causes, but practically all can be grouped into two main categories:

1. Abnormal stress on normal joints

An injury that damages a joint.

“Wear and tear”: joints are subjected to repeated loads or stress.

Obesity: an excessive load is put on joints.

2. Normal stress on abnormal joints

Developmental defects that alter the shape or stability of a joint.

Poor limb configuration: bow legs or knock knees can cause an uneven load on a joint.

Genetic predisposition: some breeds of dogs are just more prone to osteoarthritis than others.

Hip dysplasia: Normal stresses on a dysplastic (malformed) joint will lead to arthritis.

Whatever the specific cause, stress on a joint can begin a destructive cycle of inflammation of the joint area and damage to the cartilage that leads to pain for your pet.

How is osteoarthritis treated?

Weight control Dogs or cats that suffer from chronic pain caused by conditions like osteoarthritis often become inactive, which can result in obesity. Controlling your pet’s weight will lighten the load on arthritic joints and make it less difficult to move around. Just as for humans, weight loss for animals involves both a well-balanced, calorie-reduced diet and regular exercise. Ask your veterinary surgeon for advice on the proper diet for your dog or cat.

Exercise is essential because it contributes to strengthening the muscles that support joints. Daily, moderate amounts of low-impact exercise also improves joint mobility and can help get a lethargic, arthritic pet active again. Dogs will benefit from such activities as walking and swimming; cats can profit from play that keeps them moving without excessive jumping. Consult your veterinary surgeon about what amount and type of exercise would be best for your pet. Also, be aware that your dog or cat’s osteoarthritic pain may be more severe at certain times than others. If this is the case, let your pet take a break from his or her exercise routine for a few days, until the painful flare-up subsides.

Anti-inflammatory drugs combat inflammation in the joints, thus relieving pain, increasing mobility.As joint pain may vary according to the amount of exercise, the weather or season, or for other, unknown factors, your veterinary surgeon may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) as treatment. Newer NSAID drugs are proving to be especially effective in reducing inflammation and pain to improve mobility without the significant side effects – including gastrointestinal problems – previously associated with NSAID use. Ask our vets for more information.

In addition to the above, our vets may also suggest physical therapy, cold or hot packs and baths, massage or acupuncture as well as glucosamine/chondroitin diet supplements as an aid to maintaining joint health. In occasional cases surgery may also be considered to be indicated to achieve the best outcome.

What’s the outlook for a pet with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis may progress very slowly (over several years) or very quickly (you might notice a major change in just a few weeks or months). It all depends on your pet’s age, his or her activity level, the joints involved and the underlying cause. Some pets’ pain and loss of mobility can be kept to a minimum for long periods of time with a simple regimen of weight control, moderate, regular exercise and the occasional use of anti-inflammatory drugs if flare-ups occur. For others, severe damage to the joints may occur rapidly and require long-term medication and other therapy. In either case, our veterinary surgeons can determine the best course of treatment for your pet’s particular condition. There is no reason why, with your loving attention and committed care, as well as our veterinary surgeon’s guidance, your osteoarthritic pet cannot have a happy, healthy and comfortable life for many years to come.

Clean, odour-free, pale pink colour and a minimal accumulation of wax are indications of healthy ears. Check your pet’s ears regularly.

Signs of Ear Disease

• Unpleasant odour
• Excessive scratching and pawing of the ear and head
• Sensitivity to touch, often resulting in pain
• Constant tilting/shaking of the head to one side
• Black or yellowish discharge
• Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal
• Changes in behaviour like listlessness, depression or irritability
• Accumulation of dark brown wax
• Loss of balance or hearing and disorientation
• Bleeding or discharge resembling coffee grinds
• Ear Disease

Ear Disease

Some breeds are more susceptible than others, including dogs with pendulous ears or dogs with hairy inner ear flaps. Dogs with allergies are also at risk.

Otitis Externa, Infection of the external ear canal and Otitis Media, infection of the middle ear, are usually caused by bacteria or yeast. Other possibilities include accumulation of wax, matted hair, debris or a foreign object lodged in the ear canal. When seeking treatment, act quickly. If your dog has an ear infection, he/she will be in considerable discomfort. Medicated ear drops contain a variety of ingredients. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections while antifungals are administered for yeast. An anti-inflammatory will help pain and calm inflammation. Ear infections can also be indicative of other underling problems such as allergies, hormonal abnormalities or hereditary factors. Your veterinary surgeon will determine this during your visit and suggest the best course of action.

Ear Mites are common parasites that are highly contagious, often spread from pet to pet. Excessive itching is the most common sign. Ear mites create dark, crumbly debris that look like coffee grinds.

Haematoma of the Ear Flap means blood has accumulated in the ear flap (pinna). This may be due to an underlying inflammatory ot itchy condition either related to the ear or elsewhere on the body Fleas are always an important consideration in such cases.

Deafness usually brought on by age, trauma, loud noise or infection, can also be hereditary or congenital. Unfortunately, once diagnosed in pets, clinical deafness is a lifelong condition.

Prevention

Ear cleaning solution used on an appropriate basis can be helpful in keeping your dog’s ears healthy.

How to Administer Ear Drops or Ointment to Dogs

• Clean the external ear thoroughly with a moistened cotton ball (using a veterinary-recommended solution- not water!).
• Gently pull the ear flap over the head and drop the medication into the lowest opening of the ear canal.
• Gently massage the ear area to help work the medication deeper into the ear canal. If there is enough medication in the ear, you will just begin to hear a ‘squishing’ noise as you massage.