PREVENTIVE TICK CONTROL

CAIRNS VETERINARY CLINIC RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING TICK CONTROL REGIMES FOR YOUR PET: -
FOR DOGS – ‘ADVANTIX’, a new product recently introduced to the tick control market combines the proven flea control of ‘ADVANTAGE’ with Tick Control. Used as a “spot on” every 2 weeks it protects your dog from paralysis ticks, other ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and sand flies.

FOR CATS – Use ‘FRONTLINE SPRAY’ every 3 weeks.
REMEMBER – NO PREVENTIVE TICK CONTROL IS 100% EFFECTIVE, DAILY SEARCHING IS RECOMMENDED.

HOW DO I RECOGNISE THE SYMPTOMS OF TICK PARALYSIS?
The host animal usually shows no signs of illness for approximately four days, however once the dog or cat begins to show symptoms it deteriorates rapidly and could die within 48 hours.

Symptoms of Tick paralysis include: -

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU FIND A TICK OR YOUR PET BEGINS SHOWING SYMPTOMS?
1.Contact your veterinary surgeon immediately for advice. If not treated early with antiserum, death frequently occurs from respiratory paralysis.
2. Search your pet thoroughly for a tick. Pay particular attention to the head and neck area, armpits, groin and paws as paralysis ticks especially like to attach in these areas.
3.Do NOT give any food, water or medications by mouth to your pet as an animal affected by tick paralysis cannot swallow properly.
4.Spray the tick (if found) with an insecticide spray such as “Pea Beau” to kill it. Once the tick is dead it is easy to remove by firmly grasping the tick between thumb and finger and firmly tugging the tick out (keep the tick for identification by your veterinary surgeon).
5.Keep your pet calm, in a cool dark place until you take it to your vet.

HOW DO I IDENTIFY THE PARALYSIS TICK?
There are a few species of tick which you may find on your pet, such as the common brown dog tick, which cause irritation but are quite harmless in small numbers (large numbers of ticks can cause anemia). Being an arachnid all ticks have mouthparts and eight legs when adults. The paralysis tick varies in appearance from the others as it is blue-grey in colour with a brown line (in the shape of a shield) encircling the body. Their legs all originate from the front of the body around the mouthparts. A fully engorged female reaches up to 15mm to18mm in size and firmly attaches to the animal. When removed they leave a hard ulcerated sore in the skin which we call a crater.

HOW TO PREVENT TICK PARALYSIS
Although tick antiserum is available to treat your pet if administrated early enough, the serum is very expensive and prevention is always better than a cure.

1.Be aware of the symptoms of tick paralysis and seek early treatment if you suspect your pet of being affected.
2.Keep your pets coat short– longer haired dogs and cats are more susceptible to tick paralysis as it’s hard to find a tick on them, especially if they are knotted or matted.
3.Avoid high risk areas such as bush land, creeks, long grass etc.
4.Search your pet daily for ticks – thoroughly search your pet’s skin and coat every day, even if tick control has been applied. Ticks or tick craters can be felt as lumps on the skin surface.
5.Use a preventative tick control – the application of products specifically designed for tick control can greatly reduce the risk of tick paralysis

Is your pet over 7 years old??

If so, now is the time to start considering the special requirements your pet needs to ensure a long, happy & healthy life as they begin to reach their GOLDEN YEARS.

Arthritis Arthritic changes are considered to be “just a part of life” but if you notice your pet showing signs of arthritis there are many options available to make them much more comfortable & slow the progression of the disease.

Diet Similar to humans, diet needs change as your pet ages. We want to be sure that your pet is not gaining extra weight as their activity levels decrease as well as providing required nutrients. Many diets are available ranging from foods to assist weight loss to routine diets for senior pets. Talk to us about the best food for your pets nutritional requirements.

Regular Check ups Providing continuing protection against diseases through vaccination is important but so are regular health check ups. The vet will listen to your pet’s heart to identify any changes that are occurring as well as questioning you in regards to other symptoms that can point towards health concerns that occur with increased frequency in geriatric pets.

Teeth Dental hygiene is extremely important to prevent gingivitis – infection of the gums. Gums which are infected are not only uncomfortable but also allow bacteria to pass into the bloodstream potentially affecting vital body organs.

Senility Dogs as they age can sometimes show signs of senility or “Doggy Dementia”. Forgetting learned commands, inappropriate elimination, gazing into space and changes in personality can all be indications that a visit to the vet could be required. There are medications available to help.

Chronic Renal Failure Cats can develop progressive deterioration of the kidneys as they age. Treating early is essential to delay further deterioration. If you notice your cat drinking more than usual, urinating more than usual, weight loss and even loss of appetite, bring him or her in so the vet can decide if blood or urine tests are needed.

Hyperthyroidism The technical term for an overactive thyroid gland. Older cats are susceptible to this condition that is manageable after diagnosis. Symptoms may include weight loss, increased appetite, hyperactivity or anxiety, vomiting and diarrhoea.

ARTHRITIS CAN’T BE CURED

HOWEVER PAIN AND DISCOMFORT CAN BE EFFECTIVELY CONTROLLED AND PROGRESSION SLOWED AS YOUR PETS GET OLDER.

To help your pet be happy and enjoy life again there are four important areas of therapy:

1. Effective Medication - Treatments for arthritis include medications which protect, nourish and lubricate joints plus nutritional supplements which promote cartilage formation and reduce inflammation.
   Treatment may involve daily medication, a course of weekly injections, in addition to nutritional supplements or prescription diets.
2. Weight Control - Joint problems, which lead to pain, are aggravated by excess weight therefore it is important for your pet to maintain a healthy physique.
3. Exercise – Over exertion will put excessive strain on the joints, but not enough exercise will lead to greater stiffness and muscle wastage. Gentle regular exercise is best as this keeps the joints moving and the muscles in tone. Swimming is a good example.
4. Environment – Ensure that your pet has a warm bed away from draughts. This bed should be well padded, so as not to put excess pressure on the joints. Reduce the number of stairs or the steepness of the slope your dog must use to get to its resting place as well as limiting jumping.

SPEAK TO YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT THE BEST TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET

AGE & YOUR PETS DIET

If only feeding a pet a type of food helped to make a difference for their health as they age. It can be that simple, Hills offer a large range of foods that do specifically target an individuals needs.

DIETS SPECIFIC FOR YOUR OLDER PET

Hills Mature Adult Canine & Feline

Mature Adult is formulated to meet the nutrient and energy levels of healthy pets over 7 years old.
Features are:

• Antioxidant Formula - for healthy immune system
• Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids for healthy skin & coat
• Low Phosphorus & Salt - for maintaining kidney function
• Taurine - for vision and healthy heart in cats
• Chondroitin & Glucosamine - for healthy joints in dogs

Hills Prescription Diet J/D Canine

Specially formulated for dogs with arthritis. J/D has high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation around joints.  J/D is complete, balanced and low calorie so can be considered a complete diet for older dogs with joint disease.

Hills Prescription Diet R/D Canine & Feline

Formulated to be low in calories & fat as well as being high in fibre to reduce the feeling of hunger, R/D also has a vitamin added to help burn fat. If your aging pet is overweight see us about our weight loss clinic for the comfort of your pet.

Hills Prescription Diet M/D Feline

M/D can be used very successfully for cats and works by changing the metabolism for weight control. Also this diet is formulated for cats with diabetes, a disease sometimes affecting older cats.

Hills Prescription Diet B/D Canine

Older dogs can sometimes be affected by signs of senility. Signs of senility or “Doggy Dementia” can be forgetting learned commands, inappropriate elimination, gazing into space and changes in personality. If your pet shows any of these symptoms we may need to order this food for them.

AGE & YOUR PETS
HEART & KIDNEYS

When the heart is not functioning properly symptoms you may notice in your pet are coughing, decreased exercise tolerance and a pot belly. The vet will listen to the heart when examining your pet. Other diagnostic tests available are radiography and ECG. Medication and diet changes can ease the symptoms of underlying heart failure.

DOGS: KIDNEY FAILURE: Early symptoms of kidney failure that you may notice are weight loss, an increase in water consumption or increased frequency of urination. Please mention this to the vet as there are more specific blood and urine tests available. Diet changes and medication can reduce the effects of failing kidneys.

CATS: CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE: This disease is a progressive deterioration of the kidneys over a period of time so that the ability to concentrate urine is impaired. The initial symptoms are increased thirst, urination and loss of weight. This can lead to dehydration and high blood pressure which can then, in turn, effect other organs of the body. Blood and urine can be tested for this disease and treatment can be initiated.