Category Archives: pet healthcare

Boo

Is your pet due a trip to the vet?

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We want your pet to be as happy to see us as we are to see them! 

One of the first things to help create this trust is to drop in, particularly when your pet is young  if you need a reason, our nurses and reception team love cuddles with your puppies and kittens and usually have a spare treat or two for them but we also offer free weight checks. This allows us to keep a record ensuring they’re growing up and gaining weight as they should be. 

If you are nervous about the visit don’t be! Our staff are highly experienced and have seen and heard it all. If it concerns you then please ask us , no question is too silly. Remain calm and ‘normal’ as your pet will pick up on any anxiety you may be feeling.

When visiting with cats we strongly recommend travelling your cat in a secure carrier not in your arms, even the calmest of cats can get stressed. If you have time, leave your carrier out a few days before your appointment, so your cat can climb in without being rushed. Try leaving a few treats and toys inside to tempt an investigation! Placing a towel over your carrier in the waiting room can help anxious cats – if you need one just ask us.

When travelling with dogs Invest in a doggie ‘seat belt’ or secure caged area of your car. If your dog suffers car sickness travel them on an empty stomach. Allow plenty of travel time so you are not rushed or late. Please keep your dog by your side in the waiting room. A vet practice can be a stressful place for pets and your laid back family dog could become stressed and snappy towards other dogs.

Practice ‘vet checks’ at home. Your pet is never to young or old to do this training: Gently look inside your pets eyes and ears, teeth and mouth, practice lifting each paw in turn and nail clipping this is something that can be done at home, check out our free guide> Cats and Dogs. Feel your pet all over from toe to tail. Spend 5 minutes a day practising the ‘all over’ handling and your pet will find an examination ‘normal’, when they come to us.

If you are coming in for a specific problem i.e. behaviour or tummy troubles  write a diary of events and problems. Try to include what foods they’ve eaten, treats, where they have been park , swimming, times of day all of these things may be useful when finding a diagnosis.

Please ask our vets to write notes for you to take home if you are concerned you may not remember something that was mentioned or bring a friend or family member for help and support.

We do our very best to ensure that you are seen on time at you appointment time but emergencies and unpredictable cases can happen so please bear with us, our reception team will endeavour to keep your updated if the consultations are running a few minutes late.

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Feeding cats and dogs- which food to choose

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feeding your dog

 

  • There are many diet foods available for your pet and sometimes the choice can be confusing.

 

  • If you have a new puppy or kitten, you should if possible try to continue the food that they were fed by the breeder at least for the first few days. If this is not possible, then cooked chicken or fish is a suitable starting food for kittens and puppies for their first few days.  Boiled rice can be added for puppies also.  This is also suitable for any older pet that has vomiting or diarrhoea as it is light and easily digested.   After a few days on this light food, a new food may be introduced gradually over a few days. Generally we recommend to  feed puppies 4 x daily until 3 months old, 3x daily until 6 months old and 2x daily until one year old. After one year you may feed dogs once or twice daily.  Kittens can be fed 3x daily until fully grown around 10 months and then 2x daily as adults.

 

  • There is no one food that is best for all pets, and so it may sometimes be necessary to try a few before you find the most suitable one for your pet. Complete dry foods are convenient and can help in keeping healthy teeth and gums. Wet foods in pouches or tins may be more palatable to some pets, but some brands can be higher in fat content, which may not suit all pets.  A mix of wet and dry foods can be used. It is always a good idea to give at least some dried food to help with teeth and gums.

 

 

  • All of the major brands of pet food should contain the correct amount of vitamins and minerals, and vitamin supplements are rarely necessary. It is important not to give calcium supplements to growing dogs as they can cause problems with the joints by causing too rapid growth.

 

  • Raw meat diets are available for dogs, but we generally do not recommend them as there are risks of infection to both your pets and yourselves from handling raw meat.

 

  • The amount to feed your pet will depend on the weight of your pet and the diet being fed. There should be guides on the food packaging, but the best way to determine the correct amount is to weigh your pet regularly and ensure that as an adult their weight remains fairly stable.

 

  • We are always happy to weigh your pet at our surgeries if you do not have accurate scales or need large scales for your pet. Just bring your pet in during our normal consulting times to be weighed.  We are also happy to give more detailed advise on suitable diets for your pets. Just drop in to one of our surgeries. We stock a range of  Hills veterinary foods, but can advise on other brands. We also stock a range of prescription diets suitable  for a range of medical condition, such as kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, intestinal problems, obesity  and arthritis.

 

 

dog in xmas jumper

Festive tips and Christmas opening times

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christmas pic

 

Merry Christmas from all at Young Veterinary Partnership !

 

We hope you have a great Christmas, but please remember to take care with hazardous  foods and plants – dark chocolate, grapes, Christmas cake, Stollen, mince pies can all be toxic to dogs. Holly, mistletoe and ivy are also toxic to dogs. Lillies and Pointsettia are toxic to cats. Take care that your cats do not swallow ribbon, string or thread as they can cause severe obstructions.

 

Surgery Opening Times:

Saturday 23rd Dec – Normal opening hours.

Sunday 24th (Christmas Eve) – Emergency service only – Emergency consults from 10:00am – 12:00md at our Ealing surgery.

Christmas Day – Emergency Service Only.

Tuesday 26th – (Boxing Day) – Emergency Service Only – Emergency consults from 10:00am – 11:00am at our Ealing surgery.

Wednesday 27th – Normal opening hours.

Thursday 28th – Normal opening hours.

Friday 29th – Normal opening hours.

Saturday 30th December – Normal opening hours.

Sunday 31st (New Years Eve) – Emergency Service Only – Emergency consults from 10:00am – 12:00md at our Ealing surgery.

Monday 1st January (New Years Day) – Emergency Service Only – Emergency consults at our Ealing surgery 10:00am – 11:00am.

Tuesday 2nd – Normal opening hours.

 

For your peace of mind there is a vet on call for emergencies over the Christmas period, please see Emergency Out Of Hours Service for more details. Please phone the normal surgery number, and an answer message will give you the mobile number for the on call vet.

 

 

 

We hope you and your pets have a joyful festive period and we look forward to seeing  you again  in the New Year.
With our best wishes,

Matthew Wilson, Anthony Young and all at Young Veterinary Partnership

Epilepsy in pets.

Dog and cat seizures (fits) and epilepsy

epilepsy in dogs

 

 

 

  • Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs. It causes fits (seizures) in affected dogs, which often occur when they are resting. The fits usually last a few minutes only, and dogs may be confused for 5-15 minutes afterwards.  If your dog has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes you shuld call your vet and arrange to take your pet immediately to the surgery.  We recommend if your dog has a seizure, they are left quietly with the lights off, ensuring they cannot fall down any steps or stairs. As they can be confused afterwards there is a risk of being bitten, so they should be left to recover alone. Occasionally a dog will have one seizure,  and will never have  another one, but in most cases the seizures will recur. Epilepsy usually starts in younger dogs.

 

  • Cats may also have seizures, due to epilepsy although it is much less common than in dogs. Older cats may also have seizures, but this is more commonly due to other medical problems. If your cat has a seizure they should be left alone to recover, with the lights turned out, ensuring that they cannot fall . A seizure will generally only last a minute or two.

 

 

  • Diagnosis of epilepsy-  there is no single test for epilepsy so we rely on ruling out other potential causes of seizures.  It is most helpful to take a video clip with your mobile phone of the fit so that the vet can see exactly what happens during the seizure.  Diagnosis of epilepsy  generally involves blood tests, and may include urine tests, x-rays and spinal fluid analysis. MRI scans may be performed to rule out brain tumours ( although rare in younger dogs and cats).

 

 

 

  • Treatment of epilepsy is generally recommended if your pet has more than 1 seizure per month, or if your pet has cluster seizures  (one immediately after another). Once treatment is started it is usually lifelong. Happily most pets with epilepsy will live fairly normal lifespans with medical treatment.

 

 

 www.youngvets.co.uk

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New Pet Healthcare Club launched

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Pet Healthcare Club

 

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Pet Healthcare club.

 

  • This is an easy way to budget for your pet’s essential health care needs. Our new Pet Healthcare Club is a scheme offering essential veterinary care at a reduced price. In return for a monthly fee collected by direct debit, you can save up to 40% off the costs of routine veterinary treatments.

 

  • The Pet Healthcare Club covers the essential treatments your pet needs throughout life, such as vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and free 6 monthly health checks. Extra benefits of the plan include discounts on many other products and services at the practice. Follow the links below  to find out more about what’s included. We can even send you e-mail and text reminders so you don’t forget to treat your pet on time!

 

Look after your pet and your pocket!

dog

Dog Healthcare Club

cat

Cat Healthcare Club

rabit

Rabbit Healthcare Club

 

  • Our  Ealing and Hounslow surgeries are each the longest standing and largest veterinary practices in their respective boroughs. We also have longstanding practices in Chiswick and Brentford. We have an established reputation for providing excellent veterinary care and great service, our clients choose us because we include them in everything we do for their pet. For details of locations and appointment times please go to our contact us page.

 

  • At Young Veterinary Partnership we want to make preventative health care easy and affordable, to help you give your pets the best possible care. We believe that disease prevention is much better than cure and that early diagnosis of health problems will help your pet to live a long and healthy life.

 

  • The Pet Healthcare Club covers the essential treatments your pet needs throughout life, such as vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular health checks. Extra benefits of the plan include discounts on many other products and services at the practice. Follow the links above to find out more about what’s included. We can even send you e-mail and text reminders so you don’t forget to treat your pet on time!

 

  • Download a form here to join today.

 

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How to help your pets cope with fireworks

fireworks dog

 

 

  • Every year we receive a number of requests for help from owners who are worried about how their pets react to fireworks. Both cats and dogs can suffer from noise related phobias around this time and it is important to plan in advance if you want to tackle this problem.

 

 

  • After the fireworks begin, your pet may begin to show odd behaviour such as restlessness, making excessive noise or hiding away in a corner. If you have noticed any of these signs in the past, there are a few things that you could do to reduce their stress this year.

 

 

  • Keep all of your pets inside during firework displays. Ensure that any windows or cat flaps are shut and that the curtains are drawn.

 

 

  • Take your dog for a walk before the fireworks begin so that they are not startled whilst they are outside

 

 

  •  It is important for you to remain in the house with your pet during any firework displays, but try not to act any differently towards them. If you act normally, your pet will feel calmer.

 

 

  •  If your pet prefers to hide somewhere in the house, just let them hide and they will come out when they feel safer.

 

 

  •  Try offering your pet a distraction. Treats or a toy can help them to feel more relaxed, but do not try and force them to play.

 

 

  •  Do not punish your pet for their behaviour during firework night, as this can lead to worsening anxiety.

 

 

  • It is important to stress again that if your pet prefers to hide, do not try to force them to sit with you. If you have enough time, try creating a safe place for them to hide in before the fireworks begin. You could use your dog’s crate or bed if they have one, or if you have a cat, a large cardboard box will do. Try and line them with blankets or towels that your pet is used to sleeping on, as these will smell comforting. Do not force your animal into the safe place, as again this can make them feel uneasy.

 

 

  • Ensure that each pet has a separate hiding place and that cats have an opportunity to hide away from each other. Note that some cats actually prefer hiding somewhere high up, like on top of a wardrobe. Never shut your animal in a cage, or inside one room, as they will feel trapped.

 

 

  • There are also some supplements that you could try to help keep your pet calm.

 

 

  •  For dogs – ADAPTIL is a product that contains Dog Appeasing pheromone. It is a copy of a pheromone that a bitch releases to comfort her puppies and should help to reassure and calm your dog. It comes as a plug –in, a spray or a collar. Adaptil should be started 2 weeks before firework season for maximal effect.

 

 

  •  For cats – FELIWAY is a product that contains facial pheromones. These are pheromones that your cat will leave on an object when they rub their head against it, and will make them feel safe and secure. This comes as a plug-in or a spray. Feliway should be started 2 weeks before firework season for maximal effect.

 

 

  •  For both dogs and cats – ZYLKENE is a supplement derived from milk proteins that can help to make your pet feel more relaxed. These supplements should be started at least 1-2 days before any fireworks are expected.

 

  • If your dog is very anxious we do on occasion dispense tranquilizers, but we would advise that the above methods are tried if possible also.

 

  • It is possible to try to desensitize your pets to firework noises using a download available from itunes called ‘Sounds Scary’ although this may take some weeks to have  an effect.

 

 

Young Veterinary Partnership

www.youngvets.co.uk

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Are Easter Eggs poisonous to dogs and cats?

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With the Easter festivities coming up, there is always the risk of a dog being tempted to eat one of those tasty Easter Eggs !

Are Easter Eggs poisonous to dogs or cats ? Chocolate in general can be poisonous to dogs but it is the theobromide content in the chocolate that is poisonous. This is higher in dark chocolate (roughly 9x higher than milk chocolate). If a dog eats more than 1gm per kilogram body weight of dark chocolate, it can be poisonous and will require immediate treatment. So an average 30kg Labrador would need to eat 30gms or more of dark chocolate to be poisonous.

The symptoms of chocolate poisoning are vomiting, diarrhoea, trembling, restlessness and excessive thirst.

Chocolate is also potentially poisonous to cats, and other animals such as rodents and rabbits.

We suggest you keep your Easter Eggs to yourself this Easter !

If you have any concerns about possible chocolate poisoning please contact us. See www.youngvets.co.uk for your local young veterinary partnership contact details.

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Cat poisons

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The most common poisons encountered by cats are

  1. Lillies
  3. Dog flea products containing permethrin
  4. Aspirin and other salicylates
  5. Paracetamol
  6. Antifreeze- Ethylene Glycol
  7. Liquid Potpourri
  8. Glow sticks
Lilly Poisoning
Many people are not aware that a common plant such as the Lilly is extremely poisonous to cats. All parts of the plant, stem, flowers and pollen are poisonous.

If your cat ingests any part of a Lilly plant you should seek immediate veterinary attention, as it can cause acute kidney failure.

After a cat has eaten part of a lily plant, signs of stomach upset (vomiting, lack of appetite, or lethargy) may be present. Clinical signs may be seen from 2 hours to 4 days after ingestion  of the plant, and  signs of kidney failure may begin which can include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, and occasionally lack of urination.

With early treatment  (within 18 hours) with aggressive decontamination (making the cat sick and giving activated charcoal) and fluid therapy for 48 hours the prognosis can be good with  complete recovery.

Luckily lillies do not appear to be toxic to dogs or rabbits.

Dog Flea products containg pyrethrins

Cats are much more sensitive to pyrethrins than dogs.  Poisoning usually  occurs when a spot on dog flea product is administered mistakenly to a cat. These pyrethrin containing spot on preparations are the ones commonly found in pet stores and supermarkets.

Signs of toxicity are varied and include excess salivation, vomiting, weakness, excitability, tremors, seizures.

Treatment involves controlling seizures with phenobarbitone or gas anaesthesia,  (they are less responsive to diazepam),  intravenous fluids, maintenance of body temperature and glucose levels, and washing the product off the skin with washing up liquid.  Signs may persist for 1-4 days.

The prognosis can be good with early and aggressive treatment.

Occasionally cats may also show scratching at the application site , chewing feet or extremities, and nervous behaviour due to a problem called paresthesia. This is treated with decontamination of the site with washing up liquid, and application of vitamin E oil to the application site.

Aspirin and salicylates


Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is present in many over the counter analgesic ointments, as well as the common tablet form. Non aspirin salicylates are found in topical acne creams, lotions, sunscreens, facial masks, and make up, deep heat, Ralgex cream and Boots pain relief heat rub.

Toxicity to cats with aspirin is possible with ingestion of more than 30mg per kilogram weight of cat. Thus for an average 4kg cat 120 mg of aspirin may be toxic.

Signs of toxicity can appear hours to days after ingestion,  causing vomiting, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal ulceration with blood in the vomit or black faeces.  Collpase, fever, tremors seizures, bone marrow suppression and cerebral oedema may also be seen.

Treatment involves making the cat vomit or washing out the stomach, followed by activated charcoal. A course of gastro-intestinal protectants (sucralfate and h2 blockers) may be needed for 10-14 days. Intravenous fluids and regulation of body temperature may also be needed.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is highly toxic to cats at  a dose rate of 45mg/kg or 180mg for an average 4kg cat), and symptoms include blue (cyanotic) mucous membranes (gums, or tongue) and difficulty breathing.  later symptoms include blood coloured urine and jaundice (yellow colouration of skin and mucous membranes due to liver damage).

Treatment includes making the cat vomit, or washing out the stomach, oxygen therapy, gastric protectants (activated charcoal),  intravenous fluids.

The prognosis is generally poor, even with treatment.

Ethylene Glycol   (Antifreeze)

Antifreeze products that are used in car radiators and  sometimes brake fluid, contain ethylene glycol that is highly toxic to cats. The substance has a sweet taste and may be drunk or the cat may get it on their feet and then lick it off.

It causes vomiting, a staggering walk and kidney failure. Treatment involves decontamination of the cat and hospitalisation and intravenous fluid therapy. Early treatment can give a full recovery but  unfortunately if kidney failure develops it can be fatal.

Liquid potpourri

Cats exposed to liquid potpourri can develop server skin , eye and mouth lesions. They contain essential oils and cationic detergents that are toxic to cats.

Treatment is usually successful but may require several days of hospitalisation and supportive care.

Glow sticks

Glow sticks when broken contain a substance that is irritating to cats and may cause excessive salivation, agitation and vomiting.  The symptoms are usually shor-lived lasting only a few minutes. Normally washing any part of the coat contaminated and giving milk or tuna juice to dilute the taste is all that is required.

For contact details of your local surgery see www.youngvets.co.uk