It's not just what we know... it's how much we care!
In The Spotlight
“Stripe” is a working dog who took unusual measures to have a few days off work…..
Stripe presented to the hospital because his owner had noted he was duller than normal, and had had several vomits the previous day.
On examination, he was quite painful in the abdomen. X-rays and an abdominal ultrasound showed unusual “bunching” of his intestines, and an abnormal accumulation of gas.
Stripe was immediately taken to surgery, and a mass of stringy, ropey material removed. This material had blocked his small intestine, and in fact his whole small intestine from duodenum to ileum was bunched up as a result. This a recognized phenomenon when a linear “foreign body” is eaten.
Three cuts in his intestine allowed us to remove the entire mass of rope, his bowel was re-stitched, and after a weekend in hospital he was able to go home. No work for a couple of weeks though!
The stringy material was later identified by the owner as the carpet from his bed.
Only the good observations by Stripe’s owner, and prompt veterinary attention saved his life!
Please, Please Vaccinate for Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a deadly viral disease of dogs. It causes bloody diarrhoea and severe dehydration. Although it is possible to save some dogs with intensive care treatment, it is a costly and stressful disease to manage with strict isolation precautions being needed to limit any spread of virus.
For many years we have been comparatively lucky in Wingham to only have a handful of parvo cases a year, but last Summer we had over twenty cases, and we are concerned that this year may prove to be similar.
The good news is that we have never seen parvovirus in a fully vaccinated dog. We can not overemphasise the importance of vaccinating to keep your dogs safe. Although the virus is traditionally spread by dog to dog or dog to faeces contact, we have seen parvo in working farm dogs which have not been off property. These dogs presumably became infected by someone or something carrying the virus back to the farm. So please, even if you feel your dog is not at risk – it may be, so vaccination is just as or maybe more important for those dogs!
Sheep, Goat and Alpaca Worm Alert
Worms have always been a problem for sheep (and goats and alpacas) in the Manning Valley, but the current weather conditions have made it a worm’s paradise! (Read More…)
Equine Dentistry
Our “Powerfloat” tool makes equine dentals even more precise and decreases the time taken and therefore increases the comfort for your horse. Not only are these dentals necessary for the general health of your horse, but a “Performance Float” results in a more comfortable horse that is likely to be more responsive under saddle. (Read More…)
Staff Courses
Pete attended a Cardiorespiratory Course in Melbourne in June. It was a great chance to consolidate his knowledge and catch up on latest techniques. He is particularly keen to expand his echocardiology work.
Michelle has attended her last workshop for her Diploma of Small Animal Dentistry over the weekend of 23 and 24 March 2013. She has worked on the latest techniques in endodontics in dogs and has come home buzzing with excitement.
Pete, John, Sue and Sue attended a seminar with feline specialist Sue Foster in Port Macquarie in Februay 2013. (Read More…)
Dental Checks
Does your dog or cat have dental problems?
Common signs include:
- Bad Breath
- Dribbling
- Pawing or rubbing their mouth (Read More…)