Hot Topic of the Month

Flystrike (Myasis) by Allison Sellers, Deputy Head Nurse 

Flystrike is a potentially fatal condition that commonly affects rabbits. It is caused by blowflies which are attracted to areas soiled with urine and faeces to lay their eggs. When the conditions are right, such as hot humid weather, the eggs hatch and develop into larvae (maggots); this can happen within 24 hours of the eggs being laid.

The larvae then feed on the rabbit usually around the anus. They feed under the skin of the rabbit whilst releasing toxins into the rabbit which if left un-noticed or untreated can cause severe shock and in some cases death.

Fly season usually occurs between April and October although the maggots can appear at any time of the year. It is important to check your rabbit daily and ensure soiled hindquarters are cleaned and dried. The environment should also be kept clean and dry especially during the warmer months.

If your rabbit suffers from any of the following they may be at a greater risk from flystrike.
o Obesity
o Diarrhoea
o Dental disease
o Urinary problems
o Skin wounds

If you find that your rabbit has the condition it is vital that you contact the veterinary surgery immediately for treatment.

As well as keeping your rabbit and its environment clean and dry there are other ways to reduce the risk of flystrike. There are products available to prevent the threat of blowfly, simply by applying the liquid to your rabbits’ rear end and hindquarters. Prevention is achieved for up to 10 weeks.

For more information about flystrike and how to prevent it please contact the surgery.

URINARY PROBLEMS by Jade, Veterinary nurse

Dogs and cats can suffer from many different types of problems that can occur within the urinary system. Whether William can’t pee, or Daisy is peeing too much, the problems are varied.

CYSTITIS is a commonly seen ailment in the veterinary practice. This is an inflammation of the bladder itself. It is caused by many different problems including bladder crystals/stones (‘Calculi’) and tumours, but more commonly by bacterial infections. Typical owner reports include:

· They are peeing more often,
· They are straining to pee,
· They are drinking more than usual.

Often straining to urinate is mistaken as straining to defecate, particularly in male cats, as the urinating and defecating positions are similar. In some cases, where the animal has had difficulty urinating for a while, it is classed as an emergency as the patient can go downhill very quickly. The condition can be treated and controlled by medication and dietary management.

INCONTINENCE - (The inability for the animal to control the flow of urine). This condition can be caused by many different problems, including: an incompetence of the bladder sphincter to close properly, tumours, cystitis (see above) or physiological abnormalities, for example: congenital (from birth). Incontinence can also be part of a behavioural change. The usual signs can include passing urine without knowledge, or ‘bed wetting’. This condition is usually managed with a long course of medication.

FELINE LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE (FLUTD) - This term is generally used to describe a group of conditions that affect the lower part of the urinary tract (bladder and urethra) in cats. FLUTD is usually diagnosed with the help of radiographs (x-rays) and analysis of urine from the patient. This condition can be treated and controlled with medication and dietary management.

UROLITHIASIS (stones) usually affects the bladder but can cause problems throughout the urinary tract. This condition can show itself as signs of cystitis (See above) as the stones can block the urine flow. Male animals are more prone to blockages from stones as the urethra (corridor from bladder to the outside, including the penis) is narrower than in females. Depending on the severity of the case, diagnosis and treatment include: General anaesthetic, radiographs, catheterization, surgical intervention, antibiotics, laboratory tests on the bladder stones, and dietary management. This can all be costly.

RENAL (Kidney) DISEASE can occur in dogs and cats, usually the more senior patient is more vulnerable. However, renal problems can also be caused by poisoning (for example, antifreeze) or from overdosing medication. In cases of renal disease the kidneys are not working as well as they should be, therefore the toxins in the bloodstream are not being excreted in the urine. These toxins build up to cause the patient to become very ill. Typical signs include:

· Anorexia and weight loss. Anorexia caused by feeling nauseous due to the build up of toxins in the blood stream. Weight loss due to the anorexia.
· Depression,
· Vomiting and diarrhoea,
· Dehydration, due to the vomiting and diarrhoea,
· Halitosis (smelly breath) and ulceration in the mouth. Halitosis is caused by the high level of toxins in the body, this gives the breath a urine smell. The ulcers in the mouth are also caused by this.
· Drinking more and urinating more. Because of the high level of toxins in the blood steam, the body craves more water to dilute the level down. This makes the patient drink more, which then makes the patient urinate more.

Thankfully, there are now more and more food companies who research these conditions and produce a food which helps to manage these problems. Once a patient has been diagnosed with a condition and medication has begun to stabilise the patient, we put the animal onto a ‘prescription diet’. These diets are only available from a veterinary surgery. Foods, such as Hill’s K/D, S/D and C/D or Royal Canin Urinary and Renal Support, all have different methods of helping the patient achieve a better quality of life whilst managing the condition.

Obesity in Animals-by Imogen, Veterinary Nurse at Wantage

Obesity is a common problem in both cats and dogs. It can occur because they are over fed, are given lots of treats or because they don’t get enough exercise. Obesity can cause heart problems, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, lipomas (fatty tumours), generalized decrease in quality of life and also a shortened life span.
It is easy to overlook the problem as we see our animals on a daily basis and don’t always notice changes. It is often other people who comment first.
It is really important to remember that something can be done, acknowledging the problem as an owner, is the first step to helping to improve your pet’s quality of life.
If you think your pet may be overweight then bring him/her in for us to check over and weigh. We have dedicated nurses at each of our surgeries who can specifically help with your pets’ weight loss.
We normally advise you to either cut back on your pet’s food or to change to a calorie controlled diet. We can also advise you on how to best exercise your pet, you will be surprised how much energy your pet has once they’ve dropped a few pounds!
Watching your pet become a healthy active animal is very rewarding, and we will be there with help and advice every step of the way.
Remember you can reap the benefits too as your pet gets fitter so can you!

Feline Alzheimer’s - By Louise Ronan (Head Veterinary Nurse at Wantage)

Recent studies performed by four universities (Edinburgh, St Andrews, Bristol and California) have found that elderly cats can develop a form of Alzheimer’s disease. This is caused by proteins inside nerve cells making it difficult for messages to be processed in the brain.

Cat’s suffering from feline Alzheimer’s may show signs such as:

- General disinterest in life
- Staring vacantly or sitting, facing the wall
- Changes in eating patterns or forgetting they've been fed
- Inappropriate vocalisation e.g. meowing at night
- Leaving the house and getting lost
- A loss of toilet training
- Restlessness or disorientation
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Reduced interaction with people and other animals
- Confusion

No cure has been found for feline Alzheimer’s but recommendations to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia in your cat are:

Feed a diet rich in anti-oxidants (such as ‘Royal Canin Waltham’ or ‘Hills’) or supplement the diet with ‘Aktivait’ to raise antioxidant* levels.
Give your cat plenty of mental stimulation by playing with them and providing them with toys which are changed on a regular basis
Give you cat companionship by spending time together. This is also of great benefit to your health as a cat owner.
* ‘Antioxidants’ have a neutralising effect on harmful ‘free radicals’ which damage cells, leading to acceleration of brain ageing. ‘Aktivait’ capsules and the recommended foods are available without prescription at Danetree.

If you are concerned that your cat is showing signs of feline Alzheimer’s disease or brain ageing, book an appointment to see Emma at Wantage or one of the nurses at Faringdon for a free geriatric health check-up.


Contact Danetree on 01235 770227 or 01367 242777 for an appointment 
 

Dogs and Cats have Teeth Too! - by Louise Ronan, Head Nurse at Wantage.

Amazingly, by the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some degree of dental disease!

Because very few of us give our pets’ adequate dental care, bacteria and food debris build up and cause plaque, which accumulates on the teeth. Over time, plaque turns to tartar, which is impossible to remove by brushing and leads to gum infections and with pockets forming in the gum tissue and gum recession.

Without proper treatment, the build up of plaque and tartar may cause severe periodontal disease, which leaves your pet with a sore, smelly, infected and sometimes bleeding mouth and eventual tooth loss. In very bad cases the infection caused by periodontal disease will enter your pet’s blood stream and affect the heart, liver and kidneys.

What can we do as owners to prevent the progression of dental disease? 

1. Be observant for signs of dental problems. Smelly breath, changes in eating behaviour, pawing at the face, drooling, bleeding from the mouth, mouth pain and decreased levels of activity or depression are all indications of dental problems. If your pet is displaying any of these signs, consult your veterinary surgeon.
2. Brush your pet’s teeth every day to minimise the risks of dental disease. (Please speak to your vet before brushing your pet’s teeth as you will need their advice to enable you to brush correctly).
3. If you cannot brush your pet’s teeth, feed a diet specifically formulated to reduce plaque build up and tartar formation. Again your vet can advise you of a suitable diet. 
4. You don’t need to wait until your pet is suffering from dental disease. If you want to prevent dental problems before they start, book an appointment with your veterinary surgery to get professional advice.

Throughout February Danetree Veterinary Surgeons are offering free dental checks for all cats and dogs registered at our surgery. Your pet will get a goody bag and one of our qualified nurses will give your pet a thorough dental check. You will be given the best advice for keeping your pets mouth clean and healthy!

Phone 01235 770227 or 01367 242777 to book an appointment. 

Arthritis - written by Rolf den Breeje, Veterinary Surgeon  

What is arthritis?
Joints are the hinging parts of the body. Joints consist of 2 or more bone surfaces. These surfaces are covered with cartilage, a very smooth and pliable, but tough tissue. The system is kept together by tendons and ligaments. Joint fluid will keep the joints greased up, and will provide nutrients to the cartilage cells, and other structures in the joint.
Cartilage is very poorly lively tissue. Very few cells are present in the tissue to maintain the surface smooth and intact. The cartilage surface in joints is relatively thin. If damage occurs to the surface, cartilage cells will try to repair the injury. If the damage is too great and bone in the joint gets exposed, boney tissue will try to fill the deficit. Bone is a lot less smooth than cartilage, and the function of the joint will be impaired. A lot of physiological changes will take place in the joint as well, causing the joint fluid to lose its greasing ability, and it will contain fewer nutrients as well.

Causes of arthritis
Excessive wear (elderly dogs, sport animals), poor joint conformation (e.g. hip dysplasia), after injury (e.g. fracture in joint, cruciate ligament injury), infection (Lyme’s disease, spread by ticks mainly in Mediterranean region, but also in more northern countries in Europe), immune mediated disease, nutritional imbalance or deficiency (mainly in younger, growing animals, but also in older animals).

Symptoms of arthritis
Can be from hardly any symptoms at all, to severe pain and functional loss of limbs. In cases where arthritis flares up acutely, the joint can be hot and moving the affected joint can be painful. Animals can have a fever if the arthritis is infectious or immune mediated. Most affected animals are suffering from chronic arthritis. The symptoms have developed very insidiously. Animals will be stiff after having lie down for some time, and the gait improves when the animal is walking for a short time. We also see these animals after they have twisted a diseased joint, which causes this joint to be very painful for a considerable time. Some animals with arthritis will not be willing or able to go for long walks; others are a lot less painful and will exercise as before, despite considerable changes in their joints.

Treatment of arthritis
The treatment for ‘normal’ arthritis due to wear and tear and injuries consists of 2 main ways: 1) repair of cartilage and improving joint fluid quality and 2) controlling pain and inflammation in the joint.
1) Natural products containing Glucosamine and Chondroitine Sulphate are available for pets. The advantage of these products is that they do not interfere with the normal physiological processes in the body. Glucosamine repairs cartilage and improves the quality of joint fluid. It makes it easier for cartilage cells to produce new cartilage. Chondroitine Sulphate provides the building bricks to repair damaged cartilage.

2) When the arthritis is very painful, it is advised to start animals on Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s). These products interfere with the normal inflammatory processes in the body. Arthritis is an unwanted side effect of the inflammatory process in the joints. If we suppress the inflammation, then we will suppress the pain, and improve the function of the joint. As these products are interfering with all the inflammatory processes in the body, side effects can occur, and the animal will need to be brought in for regular check ups.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from arthritis, please bring him or her in for a check up. One of our vets will be able to advise you on the right course of action.

Summer Hazards for Pets - written by Mike, Veterinary Surgeon.

We all love summer! And so far this year it’s been a good start weather-wise, but Summer can bring its problems for our pets. Here area few things to be aware of:

Grass seeds: The most commonly encountered problem is grass seeds. They can get ANYWHERE – down the ears, up the nose, between the toes, in the eyes or even, (get ready to cringe), up the prepuce for the males, or vagina in the females (ouch!) Classically dogs are running through a field and emerge suddenly irritating the area of entry and often don’t leave it alone until the offending seed is removed.
Grass seeds have small barbs on them (like a fish hook), which allows them to track forwards, not backwards. Once under the skin they can ‘migrate’ long distances, (eg – from foot to elbow), and quite a detailed ‘hunt’ is sometimes needed to locate them in the end. To help prevent this hazard, regularly checking the feet and ears (especially in long haired breeds and spaniels with pendulous ears), clipping the hair short around the feet and obviously avoiding grass seed infected areas. BUT, dogs will be dogs!

Bee/wasp stings: Anyone bitten by one of these nasties, would be aware of how quickly the pain and swelling develops. The face (muzzle) is a common site to be bitten. Within minutes to and hour or two the area swells, often making visualisation of the eye impossible due to eyelid swelling! Prompt treatment with anti-histamine or cortisone injections will settle the swelling and pain. One rare, but serious problem can be dogs that are ‘fly-catchers’. They can be bitten inside the mouth/throat region. The subsequent swelling can block the wide-pipe and can be fatal! Obviously immediate veterinary treatment is needed in these cases!

Adder bites: Snake bites can cause both ‘local’ damage – severe swelling at the bite site (often on the face or legs), bleeding, non-healing/expanding wounds that can take several days to develop – and systemic illness – vomiting, dilated pupils, liver damage, blood cell destruction, even collapse and death!
Factors that influence the seriousness of a snake bite are:
- the size of a dog - (smaller dogs are more affected)
- location of the bite - (near major blood vessels is more serious)
- type of snake - (adders are the worst of the UK snakes – look out if you or your pets goes to Australia though!!)
- time of year - early in Spring is when snakes have the most venom in their bites.
Immediate Veterinary treatment is needed and anti-venoms are available also.


So, enjoy your Summer!! But be mindful of the odd hazard! 
 

Heat Stroke in dogs and Fly Strike in rabbits - written by Emma and Imogen.

Heatstroke in dogs - written by Emma, Head Nurse

A dog’s body temperature is normally between 101ºf and 102ºf, and they regulate their body temperature by panting which expels heat out. If they cannot expel the heat fast enough, their body temperature will rise and an increase of 3ºf to 105ºf can be very dangerous. At this temperature the dog is no longer able to cope with reducing his own body temperature and his oxygen demand is greatly increased.

When the body temperature reaches 108ºf the major organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys will start to fail and even if the condition is treated rapidly, the damage may be irreversible leading to long term health problems.

Heatstroke in dogs is often brought on by leaving them in a hot car, or exercising them during the heat of the day. Early signs of heatstroke are, rapid breathing, dry mouth and nose, excessive panting and excessive salivation. If you notice these signs either in your dog or if you notice another dog in a car, this is an emergency. If left untreated these symptoms will be rapidly be followed by collapse, seizures, coma and death.

Emergency first aid
· Cool the pet down by opening all windows of the car in order to create a breeze or turn the air conditioning on.
· Pour cool water over the dog
· Offer sips of water to drink
· Take the dog to the vet for further treatment

Ways to avoid heatstroke
· Never leave your dog in a car during the summer, even with the windows open.
· Avoid taking him out for a walk during the daytime when the sun is at its hottest.
· Go for a walk early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is cooler.
· Do not take your dog for long walks or let him over exert himself and stop regularly to rest and to offer him water to drink.
· Overweight and older dogs will suffer more in the heat, so be extra vigilant with them.

In an emergency please ring Danetree vets on 01367 242777 or 01235 770227.
 

Fly Strike in rabbits - written by Imogen, Veterinary Nurse 

Fly strike is a condition when rabbits get infested with maggots. It can affect young or old rabbits and usually is more of a problem in the summer months when there is more heat and a greater number of flies.
The cause is usually faecal or urine contamination of the coat due to the rabbit either not grooming itself or not eating its own faeces (this is normal in all rabbits and is called caecotrophy.) This contamination is commonly related to dental problems or poor diet which causes soft faeces and hence contamination of the coat.
The odours, moisture and warmth of the damaged skin will attract the flies that lay their eggs which then hatch out into maggots. If open sores are present e.g. urine scalding then this will present more of a risk as the maggots will work their way into raw flesh and often into the anus. Once into raw flesh they produce toxins that create a state of shock and perhaps even death.
You should check the rabbit at least once every day. Comb through the fur looking for signs of contamination. If there is contamination then bathe the rabbit in warm water and wash the affected areas. If you do spot any maggots then go straight to the vet.
The chances of fly strike are higher if the rabbit is outside in a confined hutch. To prevent fly strike you need to maintain a high standard of hygiene in the hutch. Attend to it daily, change soiled bedding and clean it out at least once a week. The bigger the hutch the better. Small soiled hutches, where there is little free movement of air, become breeding grounds for flies in warm weather.
Check the rabbit daily make sure it is clean and dry. You can use a product called Rear Guard which the vet can dispense after they have checked the rabbit. It gives 10 weeks protection against fly strike and it comes supplied in a ready to use bottle with built-in applicator sponge. If contamination is a recurring problem, you can keep your rabbit short shaved.

Puppies and Kittens-by Louise Ronan, Head Nurse at Wantage

You may be reading this with a puppy or kitten already at your feet chewing your shoelaces or maybe you’re just toying with the idea of getting a pet. To help you decide you need to consider your commitments and how much time you will be able to dedicate to a pet. Puppies and kittens require a lot of attention, but their requirements change as they grow older. Dogs will need a minimum of 40 minutes exercise daily, whilst cats exercise themselves. Both will need time each day for playing, grooming and general attention.

When you collect your pet, keep the house as quiet as possible. Your friends may want to visit to meet the new family member but it is important to give your pet time to settle in. They need a bed of their own (not yours!), food and water bowls, toys and a toilet area (kittens will often use a litter tray immediately but puppies may not be house trained until 6 months). Allow your pet time to explore the house in their own time. Remember that they are moving house, being removed from their mother and being handed over to strangers all in one day. It can be a lot to cope with.

When you collect your puppy or kitten from the breeder or re-homing centre, find out what food they have been eating and ask for a small supply of this food. It won’t necessarily be the ideal diet for your pet but it means making one less change in your pet’s life in the first few days of having them. After 2-3 days it is often necessary to change to a more suitable diet. This will take into account the fact that they are growing, their breed and what size they will eventually be. Don’t panic! Give us a call or pop in and we will advise you on the best choice for your pet.

Your new pet is going to need vaccinations, worm treatments and flea treatments. The breeder or re-homing centre should have told you whether any of these have been started. Bring this information with you to your puppy or kitten’s first appointment. We advise allowing your pet 2-3 days to settle in at home before you come for their first appointment.

At their initial appointment the vet will give the first vaccination, commence their worming treatment (if not already started) and give them a thorough health check.
Puppies’ need to be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis. This is a course of two injections, 2-4 weeks apart and can be started from 8 weeks.
Kittens need to be vaccinated against cat flu, feline enteritis and feline leukaemia. As with puppies it is a course of two injections but given 3-4 weeks apart.

Don’t forget that cats and dogs need to have booster vaccinations on an annual basis, as the initial course doesn’t give lifelong cover.

Kittens and puppies need to be wormed monthly until they are 6 months old. Pop them into the surgery to be weighed by one of the nurses each month to ensure the dose given is correct. Once they reach 6 months of age they can be wormed every 3 months throughout life.

Flea treatments should be administered prior to your pet going out (or earlier if they are living with other pets). You can speak to one of our vets or nurses who will advise you on the most effective products and the most suitable one for your pet.

During your first or second visit to Danetree, one of the nurses will spend some time with you and talk through various topics such as training, socializing, identichipping and pet insurance and answer any questions you may have. We advise identichipping as a permanent method of identification, and insurance as it removes the stress of affording care for your pet should they fall ill or have an accident. We can also let you have a puppy or kitten pack which contains lots of advice , toys and samples.

Your puppy or kitten is young and impressionable and this is the best time to introduce them to things they may encounter in the future. Consider introducing your pet to children, other animals, people in motorbike helmets, tall people, people holding umbrellas and people in uniforms. It is also important to introduce them to different sounds such as traffic noise, children playing, fireworks and thunder storms. The easiest way of doing this is to use a CD of different sounds to play at home. We advise a CD called ‘Sounds for Life’ which you can purchase from our surgery.

You may well find that your puppy or kitten begins to display some unwanted kinds of behavior such as play biting, jumping up and chewing or they may have some issues with toilet training. Remember that we are always at the end of the phone or you can pop in for advice from one of our nurses. We are always happy to see your new arrival even if it is just to give them a fuss and a treat when you are passing!

Beware the Easter Eggs - written by Karen Berry

There are many substances that are poisonous to pets but one of the most surprising is chocolate. Every year vets across the country find themselves treating dogs who have found where Mum has stashed the children’s Easter eggs and eaten the lot.

The poisonous ingredient of chocolate is a compound called theobromine. It occurs naturally in the cacoa beans which are used to make chocolate and is present in all chocolate products in variable amounts. Dark chocolate which is high in cocoa solids and beloved by celebrity chefs contains much more theobromine than milk chocolate but even children’s Easter Eggs can contain enough to do harm. Some dogs have died after eating just 2lb or 1kg of milk chocolate and in these days of super-sized snacks it doesn’t take many jumbo eggs to reach one kilo.

The signs of theobromine poisoning are excitement, nervousness, trembling and possibly even convulsions leading to death. There is no antidote but your vet will provide supportive treatment to prevent the signs worsening while your dog’s body gradually eliminates the theobromine and he recovers.

If you do find that your dog has eaten a lot of chocolate get in touch with your vet straight away letting them know how much chocolate and the cocoa solids content, both of which should be printed on the packaging. As always the best thing is to make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place. Do store your Easter eggs carefully and watch out that your dog isn’t the first one round the Easter egg hunt! Have a lovely Easter.

Christmas hazards - written by Emma, Head Nurse

As well as enjoying yourselves at Christmas time, it is important to keep your pets safe as there will be many items in the house during the festive period that may harm your pets.

1. Chocolate may be fatal to your pet if consumed in large quantities and/or over a period of time.
2. Poisonous plants – Ivy, Mistletoe and Poinsettias are all poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten.
3. Candles – be careful when positioning lit candles around the house as animals are attracted to bright light.
4. Ribbon – keep ribbon away from your pets to avoid the risk of swallowing, which may lead to an intestinal obstruction.
5. Cooked bones – do not feed your pets cooked bones, especially poultry bones as they splinter easily causing pain and possible obstruction of the intestine which if left untreated may even result in death.
6. Do not feed your pets the dripping from the meat, or large quantities of cooked turkey or ham, as it will be too rich and may upset their digestive system.
7. Place decorations carefully around the house and on the Christmas tree so that they are out of the reach of your pets thus avoiding the risk of chewing and swallowing.
8. Ensure that any glass or sharp decorations are kept out of the reach of your pets.

We wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas, from all the staff at Danetree Vets. 
 

Fleas and Worms - written by Imogen, Veterinary Nurse

Fleas and worms are the most common parasites in the cat and dog but probably the easiest to treat.  Every cat and dog is vulnerable to picking up these parasites if they are currently not under treatment.  For ultimate control of these it would be best to treat for both parasites throughout the year. 

Even though it is cooler during the winter the majority of us have central heating so the fleas breed all year round.  The flea is the intermediate host for the common tapeworm Dipylidium Caninium.  This means that the flea is a carrier of this particular worm and if the animal has one it usually has the other if left untreated.  Not only can dogs and cats have problems with fleas and worms but humans can also.  If your pet becomes infested, so does your home.  For every 5 fleas you see on your pet, there could be 95 others unseen in your home.  Fleas can also give us a nasty bite which can become quite itchy.

There are 2 particular worms called Toxocara Canis and Echinococcus which can also cause illness in people if accidentally ingested.  Children are especially at risk if they play in soil and put their fingers in their mouths.  Treatment is very easy.  We recommend that for worms you treat your pet with Milbemax (www.wormfree.co.uk).  Milbemax treats every type of worm and should be given every 3 months.  If your pet is a known hunter or scavenger then you can treat them monthly. Puppies can start routine worming from the age of 2 weeks and kittens from the age of 6 weeks. 

We also recommend Frontline Combo http://frontline.uk.merial.com/products/combo/index.shtml) for the treatment of fleas, Frontline will also eliminate lice and ticks.  Puppies and kittens can start routine flea treatment from 8 weeks of age.  Dogs need treating every 8 weeks and cats every 5 weeks.  Pregnant and lactating bitches and queens can also be treated as they  can  pass worms and fleas to on to the puppies or kittens too.

MRSA-written by Karen Berry, Veterinary Surgeon

MRSA or to give it its full title methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus is a potential problem in veterinary practice. At Danetree we are working hard to ensure that there is no risk of infection to our patients. We have never had a confirmed or suspected case of MRSA at Danetree.

In the cases that have been identified in animals in the UK most MRSA has been found in traumatic wounds or surgical wounds which have become infected. The source of infection is generally considered to be human, this may be either a member of staff or an owner. There are so far no reported incidents of transmission from animals to humans.

Many people can carry MRSA on their bodies and show no signs themselves. MRSA does not normally harm healthy people including pregnant women, babies and children. Animals and people who are infected and show signs of disease may have anything from mild skin infection with delayed wound healing to a severe bacteraemia where complications such as endocarditis or septicaemia may ensue.

We have always ensured that kennels and all equipment, both surgical and non-surgical, are cleaned between patients but we have introduced even more stringent practice policies to further reduce the risk of infection. Please contact us or ask a member of staff if you would like more details.