Well, last year was really tough- the job I had in North London was very challenging due to a personality clash with the boss! Any way, I have come through that experience stronger and more determined. Having moved house and settled into my new veterinary position, I am still waiting to get internet connection at home so that I can refocus my attention on this site!
2010 is shaping up to be much better than 2009!!! Wooohooooo!
If any of you want to visit me I am working at Goddard's Veterinary Group in Kennington, South London- please come and say hello!
Looking forward to seeing you.....
Have a great week!
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Where is the time going!?
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!
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, 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!
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