Happy Veterinary Nurse Day!

Friday the 13th usually brings to mind some spooky, scary themes… But not today. Because Friday the 13th of October is celebrated worldwide as Veterinary Nurse Day! It is a special day for us at Pet Doctor and all veterinary clinics across Adelaide. It is a way for us to thank all the wonderful staff. These nurses are the people who take care of animals from all walks of life, with love, compassion and comfort.

Our vet nurses are most often the first point of contact when visiting our clinic. They help you when it comes to any questions or concerns you have about your cats, dogs and pocket pets to ensure they are always happy, healthy and well taken care of.

So happy veterinary nurse day! Thank you to all of our amazing staff and nurses! Here are some photos of the team celebrating this special day.

Itchy Dogs

With the weather warming up we’re getting into Itch Season, the worst time of year for itchy dogs. If your dog is scratching, licking or gnawing it could be a sign they’re suffering from uncomfortable itch. During warmer months certain “triggers” in the environment can start an allergy or worsen an existing skin condition. These include pollen, fleas, mites and dust.

And it’s more common than you might think. One in three dogs seen by a vet have an itch problem¹.

We have recently introduced the latest breakthrough treatment for itch – a steroid-free treatment that relieves itch faster and safer^2,3 . So, if you notice your dog showing any signs of uncomfortable itch, such as scratching, licking or gnawing, bring them in for a consultation and we can see if they’d benefit from this new steroid-free option.

Pet Doctor Vet is proud to offer this special introductory offer:

Buy 3 doses of Simparica and get 1 dose FREE!*

“A flea, tick, mange and mite monthly chew, that works fast and lasts. Simple.”

For more information, make an appointment with our friendly Woodville or West Lakes clinic – or click here to download the Paw Club Care Loyalty Program app by Zoetis, free from the App Store.

(Copy and images via Orchard / Zoetis. References: 1. Apoquel Tracking Study Australia, Kynetec, July 2017 | 2. Fleck T et al. Comparison of the janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, oclacitinib, and prednisolone in canine models of pruritus (abstract). Vet Dermatol 2012; 23 (Suppl. 1): 38. | 3. Internal Zoetis study. Study report 5962C – 85-08-364. Data on file, 2012.)

Happy Pet Dental Health Month!

The initiative by the Australian Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) is an annual celebration of healthy smiles and the well being of our pets. It also provides vets an opportunity to discuss your pet’s dental health! And gives pet owners a friendly reminder about the importance of dental checks.

This year’s theme is “Healthy Set, Happy Pet.” But what is a healthy set? And how can you help your pets maintain their dental health? We’ve put together some handy hints to identify common dental issues and how to prevent them.

How do you know if your pet has a toothache?

 It can be hard to tell if your pet has a toothache. Animals have the tendency to not show pain, and often owners miss the signs. So, how can you tell if your dog or cat has a toothache?

Some common signs that may indicate something is wrongs with your pets teeth, include:

• Drooling
• Bad breath
• Loss of appetite or inability to eat
• Pawing at the mouth
• Mouth hanging open / tongue out
• Using one side of the mouth
• Dropping food while chewing
• Build-up of plaque and stains on teeth
• Red swollen / bleeding gums

If your pet is showing any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet today. Annual dental health checks are an ideal opportunity for owners to find out if their pet has existing problems that may have gone unnoticed.

Dental Diseases are more common than you may think!

Did you know that periodontal diseases are one of the most common problems vets encounter? If untreated these conditions can lead to serious health problems in areas such as the kidney, heart and liver.

But don’t stress – in the early stages, periodontal diseases are reversible, if treated correctly. This is why annual dental check for your pets is extremely important! There are also some simple ways that you can protect your pets from dental dieses. These include;

• Diet – provide pets with regular access to special dental treats and chews, bones and dental diets.
• Dental water additives.
• Regular brushing with pet toothpastes and tooth brushes.
• Rinsing with special gels.

You can find out more about periodontal disease and how you can prevent them here.

All animals, big and small, should get dental checks!

When considering dental health, it is important to remember that not only cats and dogs are affected. Animals such as horses and rabbits should have regular dentals checks in order to maintain their overall health and prevent the development of other health issues. Contact your local Adelaide vet to find out the best course of action for your pet.

How to Help Your Pet get a Healthy Set

Maintaining your pets’ dental health doesn’t have to be difficult! Annual health checks will indicate any issues that may have occurred, dental or otherwise, and give you a chance to speak to your vet about any concerns.

All through August Pet Doctor is celebrating Pet Dental Health Month by with some exciting discounts and giveaways, including;

• FREE dental examinations
• 30% dental procedures
• 10% dental products
• Show bags and gift giveaways
• Discounts on Hill’s Dental Diets

Contact Pet Doctor today to book your pets’ dental health check.

Identifying And Managing Stress In Pet Birds

Whether you have a budgie, a parrot or an aviary with several different birds, knowing how to identify and deal with stress in a bird is extremely important. Birds are very sensitive animals and suffer from stress just like all other animals. There are several ways that you can identify and manage your bird’s stress levels. Here are some handy hints:

Recognising Stress in Your Pet Birds

Stress Lines/Bars – A physical indicator that your bird us stressed is the visible appearance of stress lines or “stress bars” on their feathers. Stress lines are small lines that run down the shafts of the feathers. Look at the bird’s feathers for an indication if they suffering stress lines.

Aggression – If your bird suddenly has a change in their demeanour and becomes aggressive, this could be a sign of stress. Biting, hissing, lunging, and excessive screaming are all signs to watch out for. 

Fear – While not all birds are outwardly friendly, if your bird suddenly becomes timid and avoids being handled, this could be a sign that your feathered friend is stressed. Several things, such as a bright coloured shirt or a new human being around more often, can trigger fear. Identifying what is causing your bird to become stressed is essential to finding a solution.

Loss of Appetite – In most animals, a loss of apatite indicates that something is not quite right. While this could suggest an illness or underlying health issue. Stress can also cause a loss of appetite.

Destructive Behaviour – Birds are very intelligent and if they do not receive a healthy amount of mental stimulation, they become frustrated. If your bird begins to destroy things such as bedding and feeding bowls, this could be a signs that your bird is stressed or bored

Managing Stress in Your Pet Bird

Health Issues – Birds can become stressed due to underlying health issues or illnesses. If you think your bird may be suffering from a stress-related illness, visit your vet. They will be able to help you determine the health of your bird and how to progress.

Food – Malnutrition or inadequate diet can lead to your bird becoming stressed. Feeding them a balanced diet is essential for their health. Consult your vet for diet and nutrition advice.

Suitable Environment – Having a suitable environment that is not overcrowded is essential! Suitable environments should include: multi-level perches, nesting areas, and visual barriers that allow the birds to hide from threats – real or imagined.

Reducing Noise – Noise can indicate a threat or danger and can cause stress in birds. It is important to recognise what noises affect your bird and how to minimise their effects. Moving their cage to a quiet area of the house can reduce a lot of noise-related stress.

Changes – During times of change (e.g. moving home, change of routine), birds can become confused and stressed. Even simply moving their cage to the other side of a room can cause stress. If moving is necessary, try placing a sheet over the birds cage to keep them calm. Gradually remove the sheet so the bird can slowly familiarise themselves to their new environment.

Stimulate your bird – A major stressor for birds is boredom. Make sure that your bird has enough stimulating activities and toys to play with.

If you believe your pet bird is experiencing stress, please contact your vet to determine the cause and how it can be treated.

How Do You Puppy-Proof Your Home?

Puppies can be a lot of fun, but they are also a lot of hard work. It’s important to understand their needs and how you can best accommodate them. Puppy proofing your home prior to their arrival is extremely important and will prevent anything happening to your new family member. We’ve put together some handy tips on how to puppy proof each area of your home.

Kitchens

The kitchen is one of the most intriguing places for new puppies! The smells of food (and the garbage) make all pets want to explore. However, the kitchen also contains all kinds of dangerous things: sharp cans, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, foods that are toxic etc. Keeping your puppy away from these may seem simple, but it is important to remember that curious puppies can get into all kind of trouble.

Be sure that all your kitchen cabinets, trashcans, and fridge have securely closing doors and lids to keep inquisitive noses safe.

A list of common pet toxins can be found here: bit.ly/2tp7IX3

Bathroom / Laundry

Bathrooms and laundries are particularly dangerous rooms. They can contain medication, soaps, cleaning products, and other potentially hazardous products if ingested.

Consider storing any harmful products in high areas where puppies cannot reach them, as well as keeping cupboards closed and locked where possible.

Living Areas / Bedrooms

One of the main concerns in living areas and bedrooms is power points and cords. Puppies will naturally chew and destroy cords that are left lying around. Make sure that all cords are unplugged and consider buying covers for power points and cords. This will take away the desire to chew the cords.

Securing furniture and appliances is also important. Bookshelves, vases and lamps have the potential to fall and crush puppies if not secured.

Also be careful of leaving socks and underwear on the floor – clothing that smells strongly of you is unbelievably appealing to puppies and they may end up chewing and/or swallowing them!

Outside Areas

The backyard can be one of the most dangerous places for a puppy. Drowning is a very real risk for young puppies, so if you have a pool, make sure the gate is always closed and they cannot get in.

If you have fruit trees or bark chips in your garden, be aware that the seeds and bark can be potential choking hazards, and frequently cause bowel obstructions when ingested.

The garden shed contains many nasty chemicals, such as fuels and antifreeze. These can potentially kill animals if ingested. Secure the locks on your garden shed in order to keep your pets safe.

Also be aware of potentially toxic plants in your garden. The Adelaide Emergency Centre has produced a handy leaflet of which plants to look out for: bit.ly/2usGK5Z

Bonus Tip

Consider blocking access to high decks and staircases, where falling is a potential hazard.

How To Care For Your Pets During The Cold Winter

Winter has well and truly hit Adelaide! As the days get colder and shorter it can be difficult to find the time (and energy) to spend with our pets – especially outside. You may also notice changes in your pet’s behaviour – eating more and being less active for example. While this is normal behaviour, it is important to be aware of your pet’s winter habits and manage their health accordingly.

We’ve put together some useful tips to help you and your furred and feathered friends keep those winter blues at bay.

It’s cold outside

If your pet spends most of their time outside, it is very important that they have the correct bedding and housing to keep them safe and warm. Enclosed kennels or shelters, filled with warm, soft bedding and blankets are ideal. For smaller animals such as rabbits, a hutch with enclosed areas filled with warm bedding such as straw – which is a better insulator than hay – will enable them to stay warm and comfortable. Provide birds with a nesting box or ‘bird bed’ filled with shredded newspaper.

Comfort food

During the colder months, your pet’s appetite may increase. Outside pets are particularly susceptible to this, as they are using more energy to keep their body warm. It is important to maintain a healthy diet during this time. Keep a careful watch on your pet’s eating habits – aim to keep them comfortable, while not overfeeding them.

Keep a close eye on older animals

Cold days are particularly hard on senior and small/slim animals. Keep them cosy by placing a hot water bottle or wheat bag in their bed, and/or bring them inside at night. HOWEVER – if you have a mischievous dog that likes to chew, other options such as heating discs or mats may be better suited. Dog coats and onesies are also available at many pet shops and are great for helping retain body heat.

Old bones

The winter months are also hard for animals with arthritis or joint problems. You may notice your pet struggling to get out of bed or moving more slowly. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, contact your vet immediately.

Exercise!

Just like in humans, nothing gets the blood flowing like some exercise! When the weather is mild, make sure you and your pets get as much exercise as possible. This will help maintain a healthy weight and keep your pet entertained!

How To Manage Your Pet’s Arthritis

If you have a cat or dog that suffers from arthritis, winter is not a fun time of the year. The colder months can mean that your pet’s already sensitive bones and joints become more stiff and uncomfortable. But there are ways that you can help them! Take a read through some of our best tips for helping your pet through the cold winter months.

Maintaining a healthy weight

One of the most important parts of managing your pet’s arthritis is maintaining a healthy weight. When your dog or cat carrying extra weight, an unnecessary pressure is placed on their joints. This can accelerate arthritic changes, causing more pain and immobility. Make sure that your pet gets enough exercise during the winter months. A small walk at their own pace will do wonders for their weight management, as well as keep them from going stir crazy.

Keep moving!

Exercise will not only help to maintain your pet’s weight it will also help to keep their joints and muscles moving, helping to reduce stress and pressure. Controlled exercise such as walking and swimming is very beneficial for dogs that suffer arthritis. Avoid exercise that has sharp movements such as chasing a ball and running. For cats, maintaining movement by walking is also beneficial for arthritis – this could be as simple as moving their food bowl to the top or bottom of a stair case (if they’re mobile enough). Leaping and jumping unnecessarily is not recommend and may cause pain.

Comfort is key!

Making sure your pet’s home environment is comfortable and cosy will help their arthritis. For example, providing a warm place to sleep, plenty of comfy bedding, and providing alternatives to stairs (such as ramps) will also give your pet comfort and help them to relax. Massage therapy is also very beneficial in keeping blood circulating and helping ease some stiffness.

Treatment

As you pet gets older, it is likely that their arthritis will become more severe and cause them significant discomfort. There are a number of treatments that your vet can recommend based on age, weight, the extent of arthritis, and exercise habits. If you think that your pet may be suffering arthritis and needs additional treatment, please contact your vet today to discuss your options.

Advice For Dealing With Canine Parvovirus 2c

You may have heard that there is a new Canine Parvovirus (CPV) variant in Australia. A study from Adelaide University has identified CPV-2c has been detected in Australia for the first time. This has generated a lot of interest from the press as well as concern from dog owners!

But what is CPV-2c and what does this mean for your dog? We’ve put together some helpful facts to educate pet owners on the causes, effects and how to protect your dog.

The Facts

• There are many strains of Canine Parvovirus. Including CPV-1, CPV-2 (now considered extinct in the wild), CPV-2a, CPV-2b and now CPV-2c. Each strain differs by 1-5 amino acids
• CPV-2c is new in Australia, however has been present on other continents. Including Europe, North America, South America, and parts of Asia. There is a significant body of research available to draw on

What are the signs of CPV-2c?

• The signs of CPV infection are the same in all of the infecting type. Making it impossible to differentiate between types based on clinical signs alone
• Common signs include vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, and haemorrhagic diarrhoea
• The more recent strains of CPV are associated with more rapid disease progression than the original CPV-2. However, there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that there are variations in severity between the more recent types
• From previously conducted overseas research on CPV-2c, there is nothing to suggest that the virus acts differently to previous strains

Testing your dog for CPV-2c

• Confirming if your dogs have CPV-2c requires the detection of the organism or genetic material in faeces from the dogs. Your vet can detect using a point-of-care kits
• Supporting information such as providing medical history (e.g. vaccination records) can also assist in the detection of CPV

How can you protect your dog?

• The best way to protect your dog against all strains of CPV is to vaccinate them!
• The current CPV vaccines in Australia use either the original CPV-2 or newer CPV-2b antigenic types. Studies showing both types providingcross-protectionn against all existing CPV antigenic variants (2a, 2b, and 2c)
• Vaccinations against CPV have historically been very effective and there is no data to suggest that CPV-2c will react differently

Based on the current understanding of the CPV-2c, which includes overseas experiences and published data, the presence of CPV-2c in Australia should have no significant impact on your dog. If you do have concerns, contact us for more information.

Managing your pet’s weight is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Much of their health and wellbeing comes back to diet, and as pet owners, we are responsible for maintaining a healthy diet.

However, did you know that over a third of Australian pets are overweight or obese? This makes Australian pets some of the most overweight in the world!

The good news is that to maintain a healthy weight for your pet is not a difficult task! Read on for some helpful hints on how to keep your pet’s weight in check.

The facts
• Desexing an animal slows down its metabolism
• Female dogs and male cats are the most at risk of developing weight issues
• Overweight/obese pets tend to have a shorter life span
• Excess weight and obesity are associated with many health problems

Weight management
The majority of obesity cases in pets are a result of poor diet and lack of exercise. This causes an imbalance where the intake of energy exceeds the energy that is used. Very few cases are attributed to medical conditions (less than 5%).

The following advice should be considered, in consultation with your vet, in order to better manage your pet’s weight:
• Don’t dramatically reduce your pets caloric intake
• Weigh your pet regularly and keep track of their weight
• Read the labels and understand what is being put into your pet’s body
• Monitor treats and small amounts of food you may be giving your pet
• Increase your pet’s exercise
• Consult your vet and educate yourself on the risk and effects of pet obesity

It is important to remember that you are responsible for your pet’s health and wellbeing. If you believe your pet has a weight problem, consulting your vet is the first step to recovery.

Rabbit calicivirus (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus, or RHDV*) is one of two viruses introduced into Australia to control wild rabbit populations (the other being myxomatosis). It causes extreme internal haemorrhaging and can lead to death within 1-2 days.

The first strain of RHDV was introduced in to the wild rabbit populations of Australia in 1995 from the Czech Republic, and has since diversified and evolved. As a result, many wild rabbits have developed immunity to calicivirus, with a number of non-pathogenic strains giving cross protection against the pathogenic strains.

RHDV strains currently present in Australia:

• RHDV 1 – Original virus released in 1995 (also known at the Czech strain).
• RHDV1A – Variant of type 1 isolated in Sydney in 2014.
• RHDV1 K5 – Variant of type 1 found in Korea (Australian release planned in March 2017).
• RHDV 2 – First recorded in Europe in 2010, and in Australia in 2015.
• RCV A1 – Non-pathogenic virus present in wild populations.

In Australia, we are currently only able to vaccinate against RHDV 1 with the Cylap® RCD Vaccine.

*You may often see rabbit calicivirus referred to as RHD (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease), RCV (Rabbit Calicivirus), and RCD (Rabbit Calicivirus Disease) depending on which country you’re in.

Symptoms of RHDV1 (and variants) include:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Neurological problems
• Anorexia

What is the Korean Strain (RHDV1 K5)?

In 2014, the Australian government investigated a number of calicivirus strains not present in Australia, in an attempt to find one that would be effective against the wild rabbits that have immunity to the current Australian strains, particularly the non-pathogenic RCV-A1. They found that the Korean RHDV1 K5 was the most effective.

On the 29^th April 2016, the Australian government announced that RHDV1 K5 was approved as a Restricted Chemical Product by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) and would be scheduled for a controlled release. Read the media release HERE.

RHDV1 K5 is a variant of the RHDV1 virus released in 1995. The existing RHDV1 vaccine (Cylap®) is hoped to be effective against RHDV1 K5. An initial study completed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries compared the mortality of a small number of vaccinated and unvaccinated rabbits that were subsequently infected with a high dose of RHDV1 K5. All of the rabbits vaccinated with the currently available vaccine survived and did not show any clinical signs; none of the unvaccinated rabbits survived. But while the vaccine is expected to be effective, suspicious deaths, particularly in vaccinated rabbits, should be investigated.

Read more on the RHDV1 K5 roll out HERE, or contact your local state and territory representatives:

What is RHDV2?

There has been some confusion between the new variant RHDV1 K5 (to be released in March 2017) and the discovery of RHDV2 in 2015, but these are completely different forms of the virus.

RHDV2 is a calici-like virus that was discovered in Europe in 2010, and is significantly different to previously known strains, including those in Australia. This new form has been found to cause death in a small percentage of rabbits previously vaccinated with the Cylap® vaccine. It is also able to infect rabbits at a younger age (as young as 4 weeks old), and some rabbits experience a more prolonged death (weeks vs days) than previously seen in other forms of calicivirus.

The Australian government rejected the use of RHDV2 based on information from European studies; however an Australian strain was discovered in wild and farmed rabbits in 2015. It is not yet known whether it is the same as the European strain, or just a relative. As such, we do not have enough information as to how it will affect vaccinated rabbits, and what studies are available show erratic results.

The Australian RHDV2 was first detected in the ACT, and subsequently in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, and Western Australia.

Clinical signs of RHDV2 differ from other strains, and include:

• Pyrexia
• Seizures
• Hypoglycaemia
• Anaemia
• Kidney and liver problems
• Death

How Can I Protect My Rabbit?

The pathogenic strains of calicivirus are considered highly contagious and can be transmitted via: direct contact with infected rabbits; fomites (objects or materials that can carry the virus e.g. bedding, clothing etc.); and other animals/insects (birds, flies, fleas etc.).

Vaccination is still the best way to protect your rabbits from all forms of calicivirus. The Australian Veterinary Association has recently revised their recommended vaccination protocols as follows:

Kittens: 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks of age; then every 6 months for life.

Adults: 2 vaccinations, 4 weeks apart; then every 6 months for life.

Please be aware that this protocol is considered “off-label” – Cylap® is not registered for 6-monthly use or in rabbits younger than 10 weeks, and is not registered for use against RHDV2. Please make sure to discuss this with your veterinarian before administering.

Vaccinations should only be administered to healthy animals, and like all medications, carry the risk of side effects. These are usually minor, however, with extreme reactions being very rare. Pet Doctor will be implementing the new vaccination protocols as recommended by the AVA, but we greatly appreciate feedback and encourage you to discuss the risks/benefits with your veterinarian. These protocols may change as more information becomes available.

Other forms of prevention include:

• Insect screens around your rabbit(s) enclosure to keep our flies and other insects.
• Lots of disinfection – of people and equipment. Especially if there is movement between different locations (to and from shows, the vet etc.)
• Showering between visiting different rabbit colonies.
• Protect against fleas by using a preventative, such as Revolution.