Companion Animals Archives | Page 7 of 8

If You Haven’t Yet Heard About Canine Leishmaniosis…

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Les Ellison

If you haven’t yet heard about canine leishmaniosis (Canl or CaniLeish), one thing is certain – you will, and very soon. Here’s why your vet might need to test for Leishmania, and what you can do to protect your dog when travelling abroad in high-risk areas.

In the same way, the malaria microbe Plasmodium uses mosquitoes to transfer between victims, Leishmania microbes use sandflies to infect dogs, other animals and humans.

Temperatures before climate warming

Before climate warming, British dog owners travelling in northern Europe could be sure that leishmaniosis wouldn’t be a problem. Blood-sucking sandflies need temperatures above 15.6^oC for at least three months of the year and can’t easily survive winters below 10^oC. The rise in average temperatures means that sandflies now range throughout Spain, Italy, southern and central France and even as far as the French coast of the English Channel.

Travelling with your dog in any of these countries means you need to be aware of the Leishmaniosis risk, especially as infection can be hard to spot, with symptoms developing only months or even years later.

Leishmania infiltrates the defending white blood cells

Once in your dog’s bloodstream, Leishmania infiltrates the defending white blood cells. Infected white cells carry the invaders into your dogs liver, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes. Eventually, your dog might develop skin sores or become more and more lethargic or feverish. Bleeding from the nose, lameness and kidney failure might also follow.

A number of treatments for Leishmaniosis are available but require long courses of medication. Large-scale attempts to control sandflies has so far proved ineffective, and the long-term effectiveness of the available CaniLeish vaccines is still uncertain.

Stay Safe – Steer Clear of Sandflies

For now, the most reliable protection your dog has when travelling in high-risk Leishmaniosis infected areas is you.

Keep your dog indoors at dusk and overnight when sandflies are feeding, especially during the high-risk months of April to November. Use mosquito nets on windows and doors and insecticide room sprays and collars as recommended by your vet. Avoid exposing your dog to the dank and stagnant swamps where sandflies breed.

If you think your dog might have been exposed to sandflies or shows symptoms of Leishmaniosis, visit your vet as soon as possible. Using a quick and accurate veterinary diagnostic test such as the reliable Megacor FASTest®LEISH your vet be able to put your mind at rest or get that crucial early start on the best course of treatment for your dog.

1 in 3 UK Dogs Carry Blood-Sucking Ticks

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Les Ellison

In the UK’s biggest ever study of ticks and tick-borne diseases, veterinary laboratory scientists at Bristol University signed up more than 1400 local vets and their canine clients.

Between April and July 2015, the months when parasitic ticks are most active, vets examined over 14,000 dogs reporting that nearly 30% were found to carry blood-sucking ticks potentially infected with deadly dog diseases including Lymes Disease, Anaplasmosis and the new threat, Canine Babesiosis.

Blood-sucking ticks are significantly more abundant and more widespread than 10 years ago

Fronted by BBC wildlife presenter and naturalist, Chris Packham, the project showed that blood-sucking ticks are significantly more abundant and more widespread than 10 years ago. Although relatively few ticks are infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum – a blood parasite causing symptoms including fever, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs, the increasing number of ticks not only means an increased risk of Anaplasmosis, but also of Borrelia infection – the microbe that causes Borreliosis, commonly called Lymes Disease.

Lymes Disease can also cause serious illness in humans with between 2,000 and 3,000 people in England and Wales newly infected each year and about 1 in 8 picking up the disease while travelling abroad. Treatable with antibiotics if caught early enough, serious flu-like symptoms including painful joints, together with the nervous system and heart problems, can develop if treatment is delayed.

This new invader carries the potentially fatal dog disease Babesiosis which attacks the dog’s red blood cells

90% of dogs with ticks were found to have the common UK variety, Ixodes ricinus. However, a number of dogs in Southwest England and Wales were found to carry the continental Brown Tick, Dermacentor reticulatus. This new invader carries the potentially fatal dog disease Babesiosis which attacks the dog’s red blood cells and shows in red/brown urine, fever and jaundice.

Be aware, avoid and act

The best way to protect your dog from Borreliosis (Lymes Disease), Anaplasmosis and the new scourge, Babesiosis is to be aware, avoid and quickly act against carrying ticks:

Aware: Tick and flea collars and skin treatments are a must to protect your dog – especially when out and about in tall grass and bracken shared with deer and livestock.
Avoid: Always keep a look out for ticks in the home and inspect your dog thoroughly and regularly for small hard lumps that might be a tick.
Act: Your vet will show you how to remove ticks quickly and safely, and offer a full range of veterinary diagnostic tests to determine whether or not your pet might have become infected with a tick-borne disease enabling potentially life-saving treatment to begin right away.

Nine Out of Ten Dog Owners Holiday With Their Dogs

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Les Ellison

Pet friendly tourism is on the increase as animals become more and more part of the family. According to MedicAnimal’s recent poll, 90% of dog owners took their pet with them on holiday; while a leading provider of camping and caravan holidays reported one in five of their holidaymakers brought their dogs along too.

From cottages to country house hotels

From cottage rentals to country house hotels, pet-pampering options range from table d’hôte or à la carte menus through luxury bedding and spa treatments to spiritual retreats. And it’s not just dogs that are getting away from it all with their owners – just about anything with fur, feathers or fins is very much on the ‘pets welcome’ guest list.

So where are Britain’s pets taking a break? For dogs, it’s all about the great outdoors. Anywhere with wide-open spaces to run and roam free is the first choice for canines. With most UK holiday companies now offering pet-friendly properties the length and breadth of the country, specialist websites are springing up with suggestions and recommendations for you and your pet.

Travelling can be stressful

But don’t let your focus on the destination take your mind off caring for your pet on the journey. Travelling can be the most stressful part of going on holiday – for your pets as much as for you. If your pets aren’t regular travellers then get them used to the idea well before the long trip. Give safety and comfort with a secure container and favourite blanket or toys. Remember to provide water, ventilation and plenty of stops and reassurance throughout the journey.

Talk to your vet before you travel with your pet

If you’re taking your pet out of the UK, make sure your Pet Passport is updated and showing evidence of your pet’s health, microchip and vaccination status. To be sure, talk to your vet before travel. You can sure of sound advice and your pet can have any necessary veterinary diagnostic tests; saving your pet from possible health risks and you from a ruined holiday.

But what if your pet’s not a good traveller or you’re taking a holiday your much-loved pet really isn’t going to enjoy? Maybe a well-chosen boarding kennel or expert pet-sitter is the best solution. For your pet’s comfort – and your peace of mind, choose care or accommodation that comes highly recommended. Check there’ll be plenty of human-animal contact in a clean, spacious and stress-free environment. Then your pet can relax and look forward to a rested and joyful reuniting when you return – similarly rested and joyful… hopefully.

Five Things You Can Do To Speed Your Pet’s Recovery

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Les Ellison

Modern veterinary diagnostics, medicine and surgery guarantee your pet has the best chance of a full and speedy recovery from illness and injury. But there’s still plenty that a careful owner can do to help.

Don’t wait until something minor becomes something major

The key factor in any pet’s full recovery is early treatment. With a bit of reading and research, an owner can be on the look out for symptoms even before they occur. Spotting when a pet isn’t acting normally – in the way it moves, looks, sounds or eats is the first step toward accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment and a full recovery.

Know what’s normal for your pet, and what’s not?

Vets really on owners for full and accurate descriptions of an animal’s symptoms. The more you know about your pet, the more you’ll be able to tell your vet about what’s causing you concern or the animal distress. Knowing what’s normal for your pet means you’ll be able to talk about what’s unusual when you suspect your pet’s less than 100%.

Listen to what your vet has to say

Ask questions about anything that isn’t clear so that you’ll fully understand your role in your pet’s recovery. Your vet is supported by a team of vet nurses, vet laboratory scientists and veterinary suppliers, so he or she might use some technical words and terms. Don’t be afraid of asking for an explanation – your vet will be only too pleased to know that you have a serious interest in your pet’s recovery.

Follow your vet’s instructions and advice

Your vet might ask you to give your pet further medication such as an ointment or tablets, or some post-operative care such as rest or some rehabilitation exercises. This is as much a part of your pet’s treatment and recovery as anything that happens at the surgery. Collect any samples your vet asks you to take and don’t miss any follow-up appointments.

Make Your Pet’s Health And Happiness Your Priority

Make sure your pet’s diet is what your vet recommends and make sure that all vaccinations – including treatment for worms and worm eggs, are up to date and recorded on your pet’s vaccination certificate and pet passport. Giving your pet the right amount of exercise and somewhere safe and secure to rest and relax will help guard against accident and injury.

In sickness and in health, your pet relies on your doing not just the right thing, but the best thing. And the best thing for your pet is you and your vet working together.

Busy Times for UK Vets as Pet Population Booms

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Les Ellison

Britain’s vets look set for a boom in business as the UK pet population rises to more than 57 million.

From the traditional favourites of cats, dogs and budgies to newcomers – including reptiles, exotic fish and even spiders, companion animals are finding themselves ever more welcome in ever more British homes.

40% of UK homes have discovered the benefits of an animal in the house with another 55% of those surveyed by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association stating they were open to sharing their homes with a pet in the future. The PFMA’s survey showed that most of the UK’s 7.5 million cats called the South-west, South-east or Wales, home. Of the UK’s 8.5 million dogs. most live in Northern Ireland, North-eastern England and Wales.

The highest proportion of the UK’s 800,000 pet rabbits reside in the North-east and, while outdoor fish are most popular in the South-east and South-west, fish in Wales, the North-east and the West Midlands tend to prefer life indoors.

Busy times ahead for British vets

Of the households currently without a pet on the sofa, in a tank, cage or garden pond only 4% gave economics as the reason for this absence, indicating that pet owners are prepared to commit financially to the expense and enjoyment a pet brings to a home. All of this adds up to busy times ahead for British vets.

Stretched resources and time pressures in veterinary practices and laboratories mean that UK vets will need to work smarter if they’re to keep up with the pet-owning public’s demands and expectations. The good news is that there’s plenty of time and money to be saved simply by the smart use of veterinary supplies and laboratory consumables.

Ordering in ready-made solutions, for techniques such as faecal flotation, and pre-filled histology pots optimally pre-filled with 10% neutral buffered formaldehyde solution, frees up valuable time and lab space for higher value activities.

Laboratory efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis

Greater use of disposables, and purpose-specific blood tubes, increases laboratory efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis with the added assurance that critical samples have been collected, transported and stored in optimal conditions.

With more work on the way for UK vets and veterinary laboratories, reliable supplies of veterinary consumables, disposables and ready-made solutions is likely to be a key factor in the efficient financial management of large and small veterinary practices nationwide.

PETS: Better In The EU Or Out? How Would Your Pet Vote?

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Les Ellison

Undecided about staying in or voting out?

What advice would your dog, cat, ferret or budgie give, if you could ask them?

The biggest concern for pets who like to accompany their owners on trips abroad is what might happen to PETS – The European Pet Travel Scheme. As long as your pet dog, cat or ferret is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and certified free of the parasitic tapeworms and worm eggs, then they qualify for a Pet Passport allowing up to five of them at a time to pass freely between EU countries with their owners. Pet birds can too – as long there’s no more than five, and as long as they’re not being traded commercially.

EU scheme called TRACES

PETS is of major value to UK animal charities as well as pet owners – especially charities involved in the rescue and re-homing of strays and abandoned pets. At present, an EU scheme called TRACES – Trace Control and Expert Systems, allows rescued dogs and cats safe passage to new homes when accompanied by a CVED – Common Veterinary Entry Document, issued by a qualified vet with access to modern veterinary diagnostics.

Surprisingly, for a nation with around 8.5 million dogs and nearly as many cats, the UK is one of the few EU countries not signed up to the European Convention for Protection of Pet Animals (ETS125). This convention agrees minimum standards of animal care and welfare for owners, breeders, trainers and veterinarians. It also protects the many thousands of abandoned and stray animals from suffering and distress, while also encouraging policies that reduce unplanned and unwanted breeding.

Unscrupulous puppy farms aren’t above faking passports and vaccination certificates

These conventions are intended to make it easier and quicker for healthy, cared for pets to travel around the EU with their owners, but there’s always someone ready to exploit these ideals to the detriment of people and pets. Unscrupulous puppy farms aren’t above faking passports and vaccination certificates to support a lucrative trade in unhealthy, under-age pups for the UK pet market.

Just like you, your pet has a lot to think about in deciding which way to vote on EU membership. One thing every dog, cat and budgie is certain to vote for is an owner who puts their pet’s health and happiness first. Whether your pet is travelling with you or staying at home this summer, its worth having a check-up from your vet supported by all the resources of a modern veterinary laboratory.

Keep Children Safe Around Stranger-Dogs This Summer

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Les Ellison

With the summer holiday season, the chance that young children will encounter dogs they’ve never met before is greater than ever.

Data from NHS Digital shows the group most likely to arrive at hospital A&E suffering from dog bites is children under the age of 9. The former Health and Social Care Information Centre also reports that younger children are more likely to be bitten by dogs they don’t know than by the family pet.

In public places such as on the beach or in the park, keeping children away from other people’s dogs is almost impossible and making children scared of dogs may store up psychological problems for the future.

Promoting their Dog Bite Prevention Campaign, RSPCA dog welfare experts encouraged parents to teach their children how to interact safely with stranger-dogs. The animal charity is publicising its 6 Golden Rules for keeping your child safe this summer in a dog rich environment.

Never leave a child alone with a dog

These rules emphasis the responsibility of parents to never leave a child alone with a dog – especially one with an unknown temperament. Parents and carers are encouraged to teach children to be polite and respectful to dogs – never treating them cruelly, or causing them stress and aggravation.

The RSPCA’s guidance includes simple and practical advice including never approach a dog you don’t know – especially while it’s eating, sleeping or unwell. And never take a dog by surprise or try and take a toy or plaything from one.

The Society’s instructions aren’t limited just to parents. Dog owners too will find helpful safety tips; such as not being afraid to take the initiative for the good of the dog as well as a child. And be ready to take your dog to a quiet place if they seem unhappy or stressed by the presence of young children.

Pet owners need to be aware of risks to their dogs from other dogs

As well the dangers of dogs for children, pet owners need to be aware of risks to their dogs from other dogs. Always take sensible precautions to keep your dog safe from animals you don’t know and always within your control – especially if you’re on holiday abroad.

Many holiday parasites and infections are most easily treated when they’re detected early. Your vet will have access to quick and veterinary diagnostic tests able to identify the cause of common diseases and infections such as parvovirus, anaplasmosis or canine distemper. If you think your dog has been injured or has picked up an infection from a stranger-animal, then consult your vet as soon as possible.

Cutting The Risk of FIV Cats from Feral Populations

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Les Ellison

The Belgian Experiment

The greatest risk of FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) to pet cats comes from contact with infected semi-wild cats in urban populations. Researchers in Belgium, from The University of Liege and Ciney Veterinary Collective for the Spaying of Stray Cats, have used FIV testing of feral cats to help cut the risk of FIV to pets.

Vets from the Ciney Collective routinely trap and neuter stray cats to control the city’s burgeoning feral population. Between 2010 and 2012 Ciney’s vets teamed-up with University of Liege researchers to test 302 stray cats for antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) – the cat equivalent of AIDS. Positive antibody detection indicates FIV infection in the tested cat.

How to control FIV infection?

With no effective vaccine or cure, it’s highly likely that that infected cats will pass the virus to other feral or pet animals through saliva transferred in bites and scratches. The Belgian vets hoped that one way to control FIV infection might be to remove FIV-positive cats from contact with the feral and pet cat population.

FIV first makes itself known as a fever and general loss of condition. Bouts of illness may be interspersed with periods apparent recovery as the immune system is gradually overwhelmed. More distressing symptoms, such as inflammation of the gums and mouth begin to show and the animal succumbs to recurrent skin, bladder, eye, and respiratory infections. Cancers, blood diseases and seizures may follow.

Selectively removing FIV-positive cats from the feral population

To test their theory, researchers set out to measure the effect of selectively removing FIV-positive cats from the feral population. Researchers also tested for a second feline infection known as feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).

At the start of the programme, they found a high incidence of FIV and a negligible presence of FeLV. Over the three years of testing, scientists logged a significant fall in the FIV infection rate from just over 30% in 2010 to little more than 13% in 2012.

FIV in the UK feral cat population, variously estimated at around the 1million mark, poses an infection risk not only to 7 million pet cats, but also to our only native feline, the increasingly rare Scottish wild cat.

While immunisation against FeLV is readily available, there is no proven effective vaccine for FIV. The separation between healthy and infected animals remains the only safeguard. For UK pet owners, cattery managers and breeders the watchword is vigilance underpinned by reliable FIV and FeLV diagnostic testing.

Enjoy The Dog Days of Summer In A Dog Friendly Garden

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Les Ellison

To mark its 125th anniversary, UK re-homing charity The Dogs Trust got gardening with award-winning designer Paul Hervey-Brooks to give the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show a truly dog friendly garden.

In their ‘A Dog’s Life’ garden, The Dogs Trust included water features for splashing in, earth for digging in, shady trees for resting under and winding paths for sniffing along with purpose. By following the principles of ‘A Dog’s Life’ design, you too can create a delightful place to spend summer days outside with your dog.

Dogs need space to exercise their legs and check out what’s new

Dogs need space and love smells so they can follow their noses and exercise their legs as they check out what’s new and what’s happening. Open space doesn’t have to be grass, it can be pebbles, bark chippings or other loose material your dog can explore – especially if you hide favourite toys or treats where they can be sniffed out or dug up.

Look at your garden from your dog’s point of view

Make two or three separate areas linked by pathways or short but wide tunnels – if you find your garden layout interesting, your dog will too. Look at your garden from your dog’s point of view. See what they enjoy doing and make space for them to do it.

Different levels mean your dog can get up off the ground and enjoy the view or just find a place to rest. A bench is all you need especially with the added comfort of a well-loved bed or blanket. And on hot and sunny days, be sure to offer a place to rest in the shade with plenty of clean and cool drinking water.

Secure your garden’s boundaries

Secure your garden’s boundaries especially where your dog might get injured trying to go through or over a hedge or fence. Check for any fierce thorns, projecting woodwork or breakable glass such as cloches or cold-frames.

Keep your garden disease free by cleaning up poop as soon as it appears. Clear up any uneaten treats or abandoned toys and keep an eye on the weather while your dog is outside; avoid exposure to the excesses of summer sun… and rain!

Finally, watch out for unwanted guests left by other animals visiting your garden. If you think your dog has picked up a parasite such as fleas, worms, or an infection carried by ticks, consult your vet right away. Veterinary diagnostic tests will help your vet design the best dog-friendly treatment and put your summer holiday pal back on the garden path to full health and happiness.

Chlamydiosis Diagnosis in Cats, Dogs and Birds

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Les Ellison

Chlamydiosis Diagnosis in Cats, Dogs and Birds Underpinned by Antigen Test

Pet cats, dogs and birds can show the same symptoms for a range of minor and more serious infections. Some, such as Chlamydiosis, can have wider public health concerns or economic impact. MEGACOR’s Veterinary Diagnostic Test Kit FASTest® CHLAM Ag provides a swift and sure test to diagnose or discount a wide range of Chlamydiophila infections.

Chlamydiosis is better known as psittacosis or parrot flu

In birds, Chlamydiosis is better known as psittacosis or parrot flu, named from the symptoms of laboured breathing, lethargy and nasal discharge seen in pet parrots and budgies. Chlamydiophila psittaci actually infects most bird species including commercial flocks of chickens, ducks and pigeons. Transmissible to humans through inhaling fine particles of faeces or body fluid droplets from an infected bird, psittacosis is a notifiable disease usually treatable with a combination of antibiotics.

Common symptoms of Chlamydiosis in cats

Conjunctivitis and respiratory difficulties are the most common symptoms of Chlamydiosis in cats. The causative bacteria, Chlamydophila felis, doesn’t survive well outside the cat’s body, so the most common route for infection is the close contact between mother and kittens, and between kittens in the same litter – especially in conditions of overcrowding. For breeders of pedigree cats, careful husbandry, timely vaccination and veterinary diagnostic testing of suspected cases will maintain a reputation for healthy, lively kittens and keep expensive antibiotic treatment to a minimum.

Fast, results in 20 minutes

For the FASTest® CHLAM Ag test, swabs can be taken from most conveniently accessible parts of an animal showing symptoms of suspected Chlamydia infection. The swab is then mixed with the pre-prepared specific anti-Chlamidiophila spp. antibody supplied with the kit. After 15 minutes, a single drop of the mixture is spotted onto the plastic test cassette. 20 minutes later, the all-clear is indicated by a reaction to the built-in control only, or a positive detection unequivocally shown by a further colour reaction.

Chlamydiosis is, perhaps of most concern to dog owners and breeders. Infection in dogs is not diagnosed as often as in birds and cats, possibly because the symptoms can be non-specific and the cause misdiagnosed. Fever, broncho-pneumonia, peritonitis, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin lesions and conjunctivitis have all been seen in animals later found to show an antibody response to Chlamydiophila spp. in their blood. It’s in cases like this – where vital decisions on treatment and vaccination can’t be delayed, that Vetlab’s Veterinary Diagnostic Test Kit FASTest® CHLAM Ag really proves its worth.