Dog Hit By Car In Terrible Accident

I had just started afternoon consults on Wednesday when I heard a commotion in reception and a person crying that their dog had just been run over by a car.

The client was carrying his dog who was screaming in pain and bleeding all over his jacket. The dog is called Loopy and she is an 18month old Jack Russel Terrier.
Loopy had an open fracture and complete dislocation of her left ankle joint and she was bleeding from wounds in her groin. I immediately put her on a drip, gave her a sedative and painkiller and bandaged her broken leg. I took xrays of her chest and abdomen and fortunately she hadn't sustained any obvious internal injuries.

A few days on I'm glad to report that Loopy is doing well! Unfortunately she had to have her left hind limb amputated but young, small dogs cope very well on three legs.

I hear you asking- 'How did she get run over in the first place?'
Well, she was off the lead in the park but started to run after something and out into the road where a car was unable to stop in time. A terrible accident and upsetting for all involved.
One very important lesson to learn from this, is that, until you have COMPLETELY MASTERED RECALL, DON'T LET YOUR DOG OFF THE LEAD ANYWHERE NEAR ROADS. This is especially important with breeds likely to get 'tunnel vision' when on the chase.

My own Jack Russel, Dixie, spent EIGHT MONTHS on the lead until we were confident of her recall. Even now, I get her on the lead again when we are anywhere near roads because just one squirrel is enough of a distraction.

Another important lesson is to make sure you have insurance for your pet, to reduce the worry over the financial implications of emergencies if they should arise.

Lets hope I don't have any more pets involved in road traffic accidents next week.....

New Year, New Job! Back on Track.....

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!

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!

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!

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!

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...

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.