The Coldicott Veterinary Clinic Newsletter
                                                    Issue 17

                                           Geriatric health checks

It is well documented that people are living longer – Our pets are too!  This increased lifespan brings with it a host of health problems that are seen less commonly in younger animals, for example: arthritis, diabetes, thyroid problems and kidney disease.  Unfortunately it is still a common misconception amongst pet owners that old dogs that are slowing down, stiffening up, and even going lame, are not in pain – How can this be the case? Many of us know a person affected by arthritis and it is an extraordinarily painful condition.  Cats also suffer arthritis but in addition thyroid and kidney problems are common.  Both these conditions can cause muscle loss and lethargy.  If you have an old cat who is losing weight this is not a necessary or normal part of aging and may be an indicator of disease.
We are very keen to ensure that all the pets under our care are in the best possible health and have a good quality of life.  Over the next few months we will be offering FREE geriatric pet health checks every Thursday to dogs over 8 years and cats over 10 years of age.  No need to book simply bring your pet between 9-9.30am, 2-2.30pm or 5-6.30pm on any Thursday.

            Wildlife

Every spring and summer wildlife organisations, and vets, are contacted by thousands of people who have found what they think is an abandoned young bird, or other orphaned animal.  In most cases these youngsters have not been abandoned, and rescuing them may do more harm than good.  The mother is usually close by and looking out for them, human interference can lessen a young animal’s chances of survival.  If you are worried go right away from the site and return in an hour or so. You will almost certainly find that the natural parents have taken care of the youngster. 
Remember – no matter how hard you try, you cannot look after a young animal as well as its parents.

                                                  Rodent Teeth

Over the last few months we have seen quite a number of 'small furries' with dental problems.  Rabbits and Rats are most commonly affected but we have also seen Guinea pigs and Chinchilla.  These animals have constantly growing teeth and if they are not worn down properly then problems arise such as overlong front teeth, and long, sharp molars interfering with the ability to eat and causing pain.  Often we are able to deal with the teeth in a consultation but for more serious problems an anaesthetic may be needed.  Please keep a close eye on your pet’s teeth and provide plenty of wood for chewing.  If you are concerned please contact us.  

                  Chipping Month!

June is National Microchipping Month, so why not take advantage of this special offer and spend just £15.44, to permanently identify your pet.

                                                    Parking!!

Some of you have noticed our new parking restriction signs. These are not aimed at our clients, they are to deal with members of the public who are using the parking during working hours.  Do not worry, we will not issue you with a ticket!

           Horse Passports

As I am sure you are aware it has now been a legal requirement for every horse to have a passport, regardless of age or use, for quite some time.  In addition every horse, for which a new passport application is made, must be microchipped.  The EU regards horses as food producing animals and therefore the use of certain drugs is prohibited, this includes Phenylbutazone or “Bute”.  To allow us to use Bute, and other restricted drugs, section IX of the passport must be signed.  Section IX is a declaration stating that the horse named on that passport is not intended for human consumption; the declaration must be signed by the owner/agent and ourselves, and must be reconfirmed with every change of ownership.  We are asking all of our horse owners to sign section IX, in all of their horse passports, and then bring them into the surgery for countersigning.  This is important as we will then be able to dispense drugs and administer treatment as required without having to see the passport first, particularly useful in stressful emergency situations!!

                                               Changes to web shop

We have changed the payment system on our webshop.  We are now using a system called WorldPay provided by Royal Bank of Scotland.  The new system is similar to Paypal, and has all of the required security features.