Puppies/Kittens - New additions to the family are always fun.  Never buy a pet on impulse because it is seems appealing. Owning a pet is great, but it is a commitment for the life of the pet.  Stop and think it over carefully.   

Dental Care - Animals are susceptible to dental disease similar to humans. A film of plaque consisting of bacteria, salivary proteins and food debris can form on the teeth. Over time, the film becomes hardened to tartar if it is not properly removed by brushing. This mineralized plaque sits at the gum line and leads to gingivitis. Pets are then susceptible to tooth loss, gum pain, and the inflamed gums serve as a portal of entry for bacteria to the rest of the body. The bacteria can go to the valves of the heart, the kidneys and the liver. Veterinary toothpaste and oral rinses are available to keep your pets teeth clean. Preventative diets are also available. If there is already dental disease, a dentistry is the best option.

 Nutrition - FELINE 

Cats are not small dogs. They have unique nutritional requirements. They are true carnivores therefore their protein requirements are higher than for dogs. They also have specific amino acid and fatty acid requirements that can only be met through the utilization of animal sources.  

The feline urinary tract can also be affected by diet. Diets that do not promote proper urinary pH and mineral balance can predispose them to urinary crystal formation. This can create inflammation and make them prone to infection. In the male cat, it can be especially debilitating, and possibly life threatening. Due to their anatomy, their urethra is much narrower and they are more prone to obstruction. Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a very common and serious disease.

Nutrition - CANINE 

Dogs, tend to be less finicky.  Some enjoy garbage and leftovers which can often cause intestinal upsets or obstructions..  

Certain gastrointestinal conditions and skin problems in both dogs and cats can also be related to diet. The adverse reaction can be directed at specific proteins and/or carbohydrates foods contain.  

Consult your veterinarian on the nutrition of your pet. They have the education and experience to make the best recommendations with respect to your pets health.  Factors such as age, activity, breed, and medical conditions influence a decision about diet.

Spay and Neuter   Spaying, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure performed on female animals. The uterus and both ovaries are removed so that the pet cannot become pregnant or display estrous (in heat) behaviour. Neutering is a surgical procedure performed on male animals in which both testicles are removed. There are many myths about spaying and neutering that should be dispelled. First, an animal does not need to have  "at least 1 litter"  to lead a normal life or be a better pet. Second, animals will not always gain weight after being spayed or neutered. Proper exercise and nutrition are the best ways to prevent obesity. Thirdly, spaying or neutering does not change a pet's personality.  

Flea Control Fleas are a common problem for dogs and cats especially in our mild climate..  Their bite can be irritating and is a common cause of skin problems. They can also be ingested by your pet during chewing or grooming activity and transmit tapeworms this way.  Fleas will also bite humans!

There are safe and effective methods of flea control for cats/kittens and dogs/puppies.  The newer products are much easier to use and safer for pets and people than the old sprays, foams, shampoos and pet store products. 

Behaviour Getting a new puppy or kitten is a very exciting time. Their behaviour is determined by their genetically inherited tendencies to exhibit a particular behaviour combined with the animal's previous experiences and what it has learned.

Understanding animal behaviour is important because pets are an integral part of our society. When they exhibit behavioural problems, we can see a disruption of the human animal bond with some animals being surrendered to shelters and euthanized.

Veterinary advice can help inform and educate owners about normal and abnormal animal behaviours. 

The Geriatric Pet  Our companion animals age much faster than we do, generally seven years for every one human year.  Cats are considered senior around 8 to 9 years. Dogs are generally considered senior at 7, although this can vary with size and breed.

Even if your senior pet appears in good health there are certain conditions that can be detected on a physical exam and through wellness blood testing.  We have a Senior Program that we encourage all senior pets to enroll in.  Technology allows us to pick up on life-threatening diseases before they are showing symptoms.

Signs of age related disease

Behavioural Changes

• Decreased activity

• Less interaction with family members

• Sleeping more/restless sleeping

Metabolic Changes

• Weight gain or loss

• Changes in appearance (eg., skin and haircoat; loss of muscle tone)

• Changes in eating or drinking habits

• Increased urination

• Loss of litter training

Physical Changes

• Limping or changes in gait

• Vision and hearing loss

• Dental problems (bad breath, trouble eating, dropping food)

• Increased infections

• Digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea or constipation)

An ounce of prevention

Most veterinarians recognize that senior pets have different medical needs and benefit from specialized medical care. It is therefore a good idea to establish a baseline on senior pets. For example, blood and urine tests are especially beneficial in giving information on organ function an tumor growth. Also, twice yearly physical exams can help you and your veterinarian identify risk factors and early stages of medical problems. As veterinarians, we know of no malady that is not best treated by an early diagnosis.

Euthanasia   

Sadly, the day will come when our companion is too ill to carry on or their quality of life has deteriorated to a point where pain and suffering are untreatable.  Sometimes the body is healthy but the human-animal bond has been broken by severe untreatable behavior problems.  Fortunately with pets with have the ultimate responsibility and opportunity to humanely end their lives at the appropriate time through euthanasia.  Euthanasia is a planned death under veterinary supervision for humane considerations by a quick and painless procedure.  Here and at most veterinary practices it is carried out with a lethal injection of a potent barbiturate that acts like an over dose of anesthesia.  There is no pain, the process is gentle,  and it takes about 30 seconds once the injection has started.

Pet owners have the option of being with their pet or not during euthanasia. It is our feeling that veterinarians can play a vital role in helping people decide when to make the decision that euthanasia is appropriate for their pet.

Dr. Colin Jerome
Dr. Catherine Maloney

Phone: (250) 245-2274  Fax: (250) 245-3044

Email: Info@LadysmithAnimalHospital.com

Box 1029, 811 First Ave
Ladysmith, BC  V9G 1A7

Copyright ©2001 Ladysmith Animal Hospital Ltd.