I have been in my new job for 9 weeks now and it's flown by!
There have been lots of interesting cases- a successful caesarian section on a cat ( 3 gorgeous kittens), a cat with detached retinas that have re-attached, a cat with a kidney tumour which we are going to remove, a dog with auto-immune haemolytic anaemia, a dog with an aggressive mammary cancer and more.
Unfortunately there are also lots of fleas around at the moment and I'm hugely allergic to flea bites- my ankles are covered!
Fleas are a real downside to lovely sunny weather- nevermind!
Anyway, have fun and enjoy the summer while it lasts!
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Thursday, 16 April 2009
New Job
I have decided to settle down and started a new permanent job in NW London last Monday.... also I'm in the process of moving house - hence the lack of entries or articles! Hopefully there will be loads of interesting cases to write articles on once I settle in....
Any way, enjoy the weekend!
Any way, enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, 12 March 2009
The Evolution of Dogs
I gave my presentation, The Evolution of Dogs, yesterday at the Bournemouth Natural Science Society!
It went well, I had loads of questions at the end and everyone was responsive during the presentation.
Hopefully that's just the first of many presentations....
A student from the University of Bournemouth media department came and interviewed me for the news too! Have a look at the interview here!
It went well, I had loads of questions at the end and everyone was responsive during the presentation.
Hopefully that's just the first of many presentations....
A student from the University of Bournemouth media department came and interviewed me for the news too! Have a look at the interview here!
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Crufts March 5-8th 2009
Crufts starts tomorrow. I don't usually watch it, just catch the odd glimpse.
What usually irritates me is that some of the dogs are such a disaster from the veterinary perspective and yet continue to win awards. I remember a huge, ungainly, puffing Labrador Retriever winning one year and I thought to myself 'here we go, a good excuse for all the owners of overweight Labs to tell me they are normal!'
After all the negative press following the documentary 'Pedigree Dogs Exposed' (BBC1 August 2008) the Kennel Club has had to review and revise its breed standards- thank goodness!
The breed standards have been re-written to exclude anything that could encourage features detrimental to breathing, walking or seeing freely. Also the judges at Crufts have been instructed to report any dog which appears to have a trait detrimental to function.
So, I guess we'll see over the next few days if this change actually helps in creating winning dogs which are fit for function and without detrimental traits...
What usually irritates me is that some of the dogs are such a disaster from the veterinary perspective and yet continue to win awards. I remember a huge, ungainly, puffing Labrador Retriever winning one year and I thought to myself 'here we go, a good excuse for all the owners of overweight Labs to tell me they are normal!'
After all the negative press following the documentary 'Pedigree Dogs Exposed' (BBC1 August 2008) the Kennel Club has had to review and revise its breed standards- thank goodness!
The breed standards have been re-written to exclude anything that could encourage features detrimental to breathing, walking or seeing freely. Also the judges at Crufts have been instructed to report any dog which appears to have a trait detrimental to function.
So, I guess we'll see over the next few days if this change actually helps in creating winning dogs which are fit for function and without detrimental traits...
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
BBC Rogue Traders 'Puppy Farmers'
Rogue Traders on Feb 19th raised the issue of Puppy Farmers.
Nothing mentioned surprised me at all.
In fact the Whelan's were mentioned as being puppy farmers and importing dogs illegally from Ireland- I mention them in a previous blog entry last year because a client of mine had purchased a puppy from them who was docked against her knowledge.
At least the programme high-lighted a very important point- when buying a puppy you MUST see him or her with their mother.
My ebook 'Puppy Power' contains lots of information about puppy farms and how to avoid them and how to ensure you purchase a healthy puppy from a reputable source.
Remember that the power to STOP puppy farmers lies with the purchaser. So if you want a puppy, make sure you are properly informed BEFORE you buy. Rescue centers may also have puppies to adopt that have been health checked and vaccinated already.
Nothing mentioned surprised me at all.
In fact the Whelan's were mentioned as being puppy farmers and importing dogs illegally from Ireland- I mention them in a previous blog entry last year because a client of mine had purchased a puppy from them who was docked against her knowledge.
At least the programme high-lighted a very important point- when buying a puppy you MUST see him or her with their mother.
My ebook 'Puppy Power' contains lots of information about puppy farms and how to avoid them and how to ensure you purchase a healthy puppy from a reputable source.
Remember that the power to STOP puppy farmers lies with the purchaser. So if you want a puppy, make sure you are properly informed BEFORE you buy. Rescue centers may also have puppies to adopt that have been health checked and vaccinated already.
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Compulsory Microchipping of Dogs
I have just come across this petition, which I have now signed, to urge the government to make microchipping of all dogs COMPULSORY- a brilliant idea!
Check out the petition and sign up yourself!
Microchipping is quick and easy! It's a brilliant, permanent form of identification for your dog (or cat or rabbit or tortoise).
It is such a relief to find a microchip if an animal is brought into the surgery as a stray because we can quickly identify and contact the owner by reading the microchip.
The only potential problem that I've faced, is having out-of-date details registered for an owner with the microchip details SO remember to keep your details updated!
Check out the petition and sign up yourself!
Microchipping is quick and easy! It's a brilliant, permanent form of identification for your dog (or cat or rabbit or tortoise).
It is such a relief to find a microchip if an animal is brought into the surgery as a stray because we can quickly identify and contact the owner by reading the microchip.
The only potential problem that I've faced, is having out-of-date details registered for an owner with the microchip details SO remember to keep your details updated!
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Pet
I'm at home this week, enjoying playing in the snow and being at home because I've been working away for the last two months.
In my last job I met a lovely Persian cat called Dusty who is owned by a very loving, caring lady who adores Dusty. Unfortunately Dusty has chronic kidney failure due to a condition that affects Persian cats called 'polycystic kidney disease'. I have prescribed all the medication and dietary changes possible to help improve the functioning of Dusty's kidneys.
Sadly Dusty's owner has emailed me today worrying that she will have to have Dusty euthanased (put to sleep) in the next few days and sad that I won't be there with her in those last moments.
It is very difficult to help clients come to terms with making such difficult decisions, especially when not there in person.
What I do know is that euthanasing a beloved pet is not a decision that owners make lightly.
I always advise that the pet's QUALITY of life is much more important than the quantity of their life. When animals have chronic illnesses that can't be cured, it is always best to say goodbye to them before they deteriorate too much and whilst they still have some dignity and enjoyment. Of course the vet looking after them will be able to help make the decision when the time comes.
Saying goodbye is the worst part of owning a pet. However the joys, love and fun that you share with your pet over the years, far outweigh the difficult time at the end.
I will be working from home for the rest of the week....
Enjoy yourselves, whatever the weather!
In my last job I met a lovely Persian cat called Dusty who is owned by a very loving, caring lady who adores Dusty. Unfortunately Dusty has chronic kidney failure due to a condition that affects Persian cats called 'polycystic kidney disease'. I have prescribed all the medication and dietary changes possible to help improve the functioning of Dusty's kidneys.
Sadly Dusty's owner has emailed me today worrying that she will have to have Dusty euthanased (put to sleep) in the next few days and sad that I won't be there with her in those last moments.
It is very difficult to help clients come to terms with making such difficult decisions, especially when not there in person.
What I do know is that euthanasing a beloved pet is not a decision that owners make lightly.
I always advise that the pet's QUALITY of life is much more important than the quantity of their life. When animals have chronic illnesses that can't be cured, it is always best to say goodbye to them before they deteriorate too much and whilst they still have some dignity and enjoyment. Of course the vet looking after them will be able to help make the decision when the time comes.
Saying goodbye is the worst part of owning a pet. However the joys, love and fun that you share with your pet over the years, far outweigh the difficult time at the end.
I will be working from home for the rest of the week....
Enjoy yourselves, whatever the weather!
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Happy New Year and vomiting cats!
Happy New Year to you all!...
It has been so busy at work since Christmas that I've been running around like a headless chicken!
Lots of dogs and cats with colds and lots of vomiting too- just like us at this time of year I suppose!
In the two weeks since Christmas I have had to remove 'foreign bodies' from the intestines of two cats. This condition is much more commonly seen in dogs because they are much more likely, compared to cats, to eat everything in sight.
The first cat is called Boris and he had swallowed some string which had been used to tie up the Christmas cards for decoration. Of course he had been playing with the string but he was silly enough to actually eat it too- cats have no sense when it comes to this! Swallowing string is a disaster because it causes the intestine to 'consitina' on itself. It took me two hours and multiple intestinal incisions to fix him! Fortunately he's all healed and back to normal now... hopefully his owners have learnt NOT to leave string about for him to play with.
The second cat is called George and he had the foot from a doll stuck in his intestine! I have never seen a cat eat part of a child's toy before but there's always a first for everything! George isn't out of the woods yet but was healing well when I left work yesterday.
Hopefully next week will be a bit calmer....
Any way have fun!
May 2009 bring success, joy and love your way......
It has been so busy at work since Christmas that I've been running around like a headless chicken!
Lots of dogs and cats with colds and lots of vomiting too- just like us at this time of year I suppose!
In the two weeks since Christmas I have had to remove 'foreign bodies' from the intestines of two cats. This condition is much more commonly seen in dogs because they are much more likely, compared to cats, to eat everything in sight.
The first cat is called Boris and he had swallowed some string which had been used to tie up the Christmas cards for decoration. Of course he had been playing with the string but he was silly enough to actually eat it too- cats have no sense when it comes to this! Swallowing string is a disaster because it causes the intestine to 'consitina' on itself. It took me two hours and multiple intestinal incisions to fix him! Fortunately he's all healed and back to normal now... hopefully his owners have learnt NOT to leave string about for him to play with.
The second cat is called George and he had the foot from a doll stuck in his intestine! I have never seen a cat eat part of a child's toy before but there's always a first for everything! George isn't out of the woods yet but was healing well when I left work yesterday.
Hopefully next week will be a bit calmer....
Any way have fun!
May 2009 bring success, joy and love your way......
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