Forth Valley Veterinary Clinic Blog
Our top tips and useful information regarding pet and animal health…
Kidney Disease
Your cat’s kidneys play a vital role in maintaining thier health. They help control blood pressure, regulate the bloodstream, produce important hormones, enzymes, and red blood cells, as well as remove metabolic waste from the blood. If their kidneys aren’t able to do their job properly, this can lead to significant and life-threatening problems, such as Kidney Failure.
10 Reasons for Intermittent Lameness in Dogs
Does your doggo show signs of intermittent lameness? Whether it’s mild or severe, lameness is one of the first signs that something is not right with your best mate.
Post-Lockdown Separation Anxiety in our Dogs
If COVID-19 has had a silver lining, it’s been getting to spend more time with our pets. Dogs all over the world have enjoyed snuggling into laps while their humans held video conferences and worked away on the phone or computer. Frequent walks and one-on-one time has become the new norm, and we’ve all loved it. But a topic of discussion amongst vets at the moment is whether we’ll see an increase in separation anxiety in our dogs as work restrictions are eased?
Signs your Dog might be in Pain
How good is it being a dog these past couple of months??! Walk in the morning, another one at lunch, and the hooman is bored again by 3pm and guess what! Yep! Another walk! While life is getting back to sort-of-normal, our canine kids are loving the extra time spent with us. But maybe you’ve noticed pooch is a bit stiff in the mornings or a bit sore after a big walk? It could be Arthritis…
Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis is a general term for abnormal changes in a joint. These changes occur when cartilage is worn away faster than it can be replaced. Cartilage acts as a cushion to protect the bones. When it wears away, joints become swollen and painful.
Cat Weight Management
Even just a little extra weight can make a major difference in your cat’s health, general wellbeing and overall quality of life. All cats have an ideal weight for their size and breed. We might think a chunky cat is quite cute….. they make look cute but it is detrimental for their health.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint (coxofemoral joint) that occurs during an animal's growth period. Many large breed dog owners have heard of it, but the fact is that anyone owning a dog should become familiar with this condition.
Technyflex
Technyflex is a natural product for dogs that may relieve sore and inflamed joints, arthritic symptoms, and is known for its anti-inflammatory activity. It is a natural alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Technyflex Canine is quality green-lipped mussel for dogs.
Pentosan
The star product for Arthritis
Pentosan injections are usually the best form of arthritic management, especially in the early stages of joint disease, and are the #1 choice if picking just one option.
Pentosan stimulates healthy cartilage production and has a long-term effect of preventing the amount of arthritis development. It can also improve pain levels and mobility in the short term and essentially improves joint lubrication.
Weight Management
Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in dogs and cats. This condition can seriously affect your pet’s quality of life. Dogs that are athletic in shape tend to live several years longer and develop orthopaedic issues (such as arthritis) several years later.
Arthritis and Our Pets - Management
With so many therapy options available nowadays, it's paramount to match any treatment with their underlying cause and joint(s) involved. Arthritis is commonly worse in overweight and unfit dogs, so the most important therapy is the combination of weight control and exercise management: minimising load on the joints, and maximising the range of movement and fitness of the muscles around those joints.
Arthritis and Our Pets
It can be as uncomfortable for our dogs as it is in humans - but there are ways of managing the disease to ease your pet's pain.
Arthritis simply means 'inflammation of the joints' and is a common problem for many dogs. Most of you will no doubt know of a dog suffering from arthritis that has shown the textbook signs of pain, discomfort and stiffness.
Dosing Compilance
Dosing Compliance? What does this mean for you and your pet? How important is it? What even is dosing compliance?
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and it can be an acute or chronic condition and have a varying range of clinical signs. The cause of pancreatitis in dogs and cats is usually unknown but some risk factors associated with pancreatitis have been identified and will be discussed later.
Kidney Disease
Your cat’s kidneys play a vital role in maintaining her health. They help control her blood pressure, regulate the bloodstream, produce important hormones, enzymes, and red blood cells, as well as remove metabolic waste from the blood. If her kidneys aren’t able to do their job properly, this can lead to significant & life-threatening problems, such as kidney failure in your cat.
Skin Allergies
Skin problems in dogs are sometimes the result of environmental allergens. Dog skin allergies tend to show up in very specific areas of your dog including: face, ears, paws, base of the tail, under elbows and in the groin area. Allergies typically appear between ages of 3 months and 6 years. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if an allergy test is right for your dog.
Digestive Disorders
A digestive disorder is any condition that prevents proper digestion or alters the rate at which foods pass through your dog’s digestive tract. Dog digestive issues are one of the most common reasons for consulting a veterinary practice.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is defined as a change in the consistency, frequency and/or volume of faeces and is the primary sign of an intestinal problem. Healthy dogs should be examined if they have had 3 to 4 days of stool the consistency of soft-serve ice cream or looser (you will never eat ice cream again now!). Cats are adapted for dry conditions and tend to conserve water, leading to very firm faeces. Any loose faeces in cats are abnormal and diagnostics should be performed if stools are loose.
Commonly Ingested Toxins
Previously we touched on foods that commonly cause toxicosis in dogs and cats. However, our pets can also ingest poisons and toxins that may not be food or food related products. Here is a list of the most common toxins ingested by pets:
Arthritis and Joint Disease Management - Weight and Exercise Control
Animals require regular exercise to keep their joints moving (this is important for joint health) and to help weight control – however take care to prevent excessive exercise, as too much will have a negative effect and could increase pain. Ideal levels of exercise may be as short 10-15 minutes, but can be up to 25 mins, of controlled exercise 2-3x per day (slow and steady leash walks, no stairs/steps). This is the ideal level to aim for but don’t worry if in reality it means it’s not possible.
Our staff are wildly passionate about animals and making sure your pet is living its healthiest and happiest life
Back that passion with expert qualifications and a love of learning, and it’s safe to say your fur family is in very safe hands.