Starting on May 9th and running over the Summer 2011 Allpets Veterinary Hospital will be involved in a Drug Trial of a new dog wormer to be lauched in the near future.
We are looking for faecal samples from your dog ( if you have not wormed in the last 3 mths) and will be sending the sample for analysis for faecal worm egg counts.From the sample we will be able to tell you if your dog has a worm burden, and if positive for worms provide you with a free wormer and also a 30 euro voucher to use in Allpets Vet Hospital.
Just contact the clinic on 041 9810000 and we will make an appointment to take the sample ( mon -weds appointments available) at no charge.We will then contact you within 10 days if a worm burden is found and organise for the free treatment to be given and a voucher to be used in Allpets credited to your pets records.
The trial is open to all dogs >8wks,>4kg, not wormed/travelled outside ireland within last 3 mths and available to give a faecal sample on the day of worm treatment and 8-10 days later.Applicants will be taken from Drogheda/Dundalk/Slane/Duleek/Donore/Bettystown/Laytown (louth/Meath) area only.
Please phone the clinic if you are interested for further details.
Monday, 2 May 2011
Monday, 21 March 2011
How Recession Affects our Pets
Below is an article submitted to the Drogheda Independent when we were asked to write about our thoughts on how the recession has affected our pets:
"The economic downturn has affected has affected all sectors of society and of course the animal world as seen some of the consequences.
From a practice point of view, we at Allpets Veterinary Hospital are faced with more patients in recent months whose illness' are more advanced before they are presented to the vet. This is often a false economy as they require more intensive nursing and frequently hospitalisation to recouperate. Should they have been medicated earlier added costs may have been avoided. Parvovirus and kennel cough infections are on the increase in young dogs due to people delaying/neglecting to give routine vaccinations.
The level of abandoned and surrendered animals to the local Drogheda Animal Rescue has surged. Only recently we had a dog with severe fractures post a road traffic accident who the owner rushed into our hospital.Presumably,due to the financial committment required the owner disappeared and was uncontactable by all means.We proceeded with the surgery the dog required, with a plate applied on the leg promptly to prevent loss of the limb. Two weeks later the dog was still abandoned with us, recouperating well and DAR kindly organised a foster owner and his continuing care. DAR's role is becoming increasingly tough due to the increased levels of surrenders and abandonment of animals, and every effort has to be made to aid the fundraising for their vital work in the community.
However, on a positive note we at Allpets find that the new prospective pet owner is putting more thought into selection of their new pet.We all now carefully consider our weekly expenses and plan our spending accordingly.Pet owners are researching the costs of acquiring and maintenance ( food/kenneling/training/medical) of their chosen pet and generally only acquiring a pet if they feel it is financially feasible.This is leading alot of people to acquire a dog from the likes of DAR/Dogs Trust helping diminish the market for puppy farms which can only be a good thing.
Pet insurance has become increasingly popular among dedicated pet owners with recently a more extensive selection of competitive providers on the market. Pet owners are factoring in the costs of major illness'/injuries so they are financially assured they will be able to provide the care required for their pets.
In generaI,I feel the economic downturn may have the beneficial side effects of promoting more responsible pet owners,encouraging people to rehome from reputable eastablishments (eg.www.dar.ie) and help diminish puppy farming.
At the end of our day no matter what stress' or negative media news there is, it is therapy in itself to come home to our pets who always provide constant solace, support and pleasure.It is lovely to have some friends who are in blissful ignorance of the current political climate!"
BY: Ann Marie Horgan MVB, MRCVS,
Allpets Veterinary Hospital.
www.allpets.ie
"The economic downturn has affected has affected all sectors of society and of course the animal world as seen some of the consequences.
From a practice point of view, we at Allpets Veterinary Hospital are faced with more patients in recent months whose illness' are more advanced before they are presented to the vet. This is often a false economy as they require more intensive nursing and frequently hospitalisation to recouperate. Should they have been medicated earlier added costs may have been avoided. Parvovirus and kennel cough infections are on the increase in young dogs due to people delaying/neglecting to give routine vaccinations.
The level of abandoned and surrendered animals to the local Drogheda Animal Rescue has surged. Only recently we had a dog with severe fractures post a road traffic accident who the owner rushed into our hospital.Presumably,due to the financial committment required the owner disappeared and was uncontactable by all means.We proceeded with the surgery the dog required, with a plate applied on the leg promptly to prevent loss of the limb. Two weeks later the dog was still abandoned with us, recouperating well and DAR kindly organised a foster owner and his continuing care. DAR's role is becoming increasingly tough due to the increased levels of surrenders and abandonment of animals, and every effort has to be made to aid the fundraising for their vital work in the community.
However, on a positive note we at Allpets find that the new prospective pet owner is putting more thought into selection of their new pet.We all now carefully consider our weekly expenses and plan our spending accordingly.Pet owners are researching the costs of acquiring and maintenance ( food/kenneling/training/medical) of their chosen pet and generally only acquiring a pet if they feel it is financially feasible.This is leading alot of people to acquire a dog from the likes of DAR/Dogs Trust helping diminish the market for puppy farms which can only be a good thing.
Pet insurance has become increasingly popular among dedicated pet owners with recently a more extensive selection of competitive providers on the market. Pet owners are factoring in the costs of major illness'/injuries so they are financially assured they will be able to provide the care required for their pets.
In generaI,I feel the economic downturn may have the beneficial side effects of promoting more responsible pet owners,encouraging people to rehome from reputable eastablishments (eg.www.dar.ie) and help diminish puppy farming.
At the end of our day no matter what stress' or negative media news there is, it is therapy in itself to come home to our pets who always provide constant solace, support and pleasure.It is lovely to have some friends who are in blissful ignorance of the current political climate!"
BY: Ann Marie Horgan MVB, MRCVS,
Allpets Veterinary Hospital.
www.allpets.ie
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Hills Loyalty Card 7+1 FREE!!
Call in to the clinic and collect a loyalty card enabling you get a stamper for each bag of any size Science Plan dog/cat food and once you have 7 stamps get 1 bag FREE!!
log on to www.allpets.ie and under facilities follow the hills links to collect money off vochers to use at allpets on puppy/kitten food/jd mobility food or rd weight reduction food.
log on to www.allpets.ie and under facilities follow the hills links to collect money off vochers to use at allpets on puppy/kitten food/jd mobility food or rd weight reduction food.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Most Dogs and Cats have Signs of Periodontal Dental Disease
It has been shown that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of 3 have already signs of periodontal disease.
Often it is not until your annual booster vaccination that your vet may point out signs of dental disease that you as a pet owner will notice dental decay in your pet.
Below is some information of interest on peridontal disease and what can be done.
What is periodontal disease?
The periodontum is the structure surrounding the tooth. This includes the gum, the bone surrounding the socket (alveolar bone) and the periodontal ligament. These structures can become diseased and unable to support the tooth which itself may be healthy. This is periodontal disease.
Is periodontal disease common?
It is the most common oral disease - over 85% of dogs over three years old suffer from periodontitis to some degree. More teeth are lost as a result of periodontal disease than for any other reason. Sadly most of these teeth are perfectly healthy. The condition can be prevented if treated in time.
What causes periodontal disease?
The dog's mouth is naturally heavily contaminated. Bacteria abound, coming from food, grooming and the dog's basic habit of sniffing, licking and chewing faeces, rotting bones and other unpleasant objects. Some of the bacteria adhere to the surfaces of the teeth to form an initially invisible layer called plaque. This in time thickens, becomes mineralised and forms a hard yellowish/brown layer known as calculus or tartar. The bacteria responsible for the plaque also invade the gums causing inflammation. This is gingivitis and can be seen as reddening and swelling of the gums.
As the plaque increases the gums recede and the bacteria change in nature, becoming mainly anaerobic. These are bacteria that can survive with little or no oxygen. This allows them to burrow deeply into the tooth socket causing infection which, when severe, can be seen as pus exuding from the junction between the gum and the tooth resulting in the ultimate loss of the tooth.
Is the condition painful?
Pain assessment in pets is difficult. Please see separate handout on Pain assessment and its control. Following treatment for periodontitis dogs often seem to shed years, from which we assume that once the pain and discomfort has been reduced the dog is happy once more.
Does periodontal disease cause any other problems?
Yes, the bacteria that invade the socket of the tooth are absorbed into the bloodstream and can set up infection in many organs, particularly the heart. Bacterial endocarditis is a serious heart condition which often improves dramatically following effective dental treatment.
What is the treatment?
Dental treatment involves the removal of all dental plaque and causative bacteria together with any calculus, not only on the visible crown but also from below the gums where the tartar and bacteria are actively invading the socket. General anaesthesia is essential and obviously with some patients this involves some risks.
Today we do have much safer anaesthetics than previously and we will be happy to discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Under the anaesthetic the teeth are carefully cleaned and all the calculus and plaque is removed. The teeth are then polished which is an important part of the procedure to reduce the re-occurrence of plaque as much as possible. Any loose teeth or damaged teeth are removed or repaired and the patient may be discharged with appropriate antibiotics. At the time of discharge we will discuss dental home care with you since this will do much to prevent recurrence of the condition. Ideally the most effective home care involves daily tooth cleaning. If this is impractical various other measures designed to help oral hygiene will be discussed with you.
Often it is not until your annual booster vaccination that your vet may point out signs of dental disease that you as a pet owner will notice dental decay in your pet.
Below is some information of interest on peridontal disease and what can be done.
What is periodontal disease?
The periodontum is the structure surrounding the tooth. This includes the gum, the bone surrounding the socket (alveolar bone) and the periodontal ligament. These structures can become diseased and unable to support the tooth which itself may be healthy. This is periodontal disease.
Is periodontal disease common?
It is the most common oral disease - over 85% of dogs over three years old suffer from periodontitis to some degree. More teeth are lost as a result of periodontal disease than for any other reason. Sadly most of these teeth are perfectly healthy. The condition can be prevented if treated in time.
What causes periodontal disease?
The dog's mouth is naturally heavily contaminated. Bacteria abound, coming from food, grooming and the dog's basic habit of sniffing, licking and chewing faeces, rotting bones and other unpleasant objects. Some of the bacteria adhere to the surfaces of the teeth to form an initially invisible layer called plaque. This in time thickens, becomes mineralised and forms a hard yellowish/brown layer known as calculus or tartar. The bacteria responsible for the plaque also invade the gums causing inflammation. This is gingivitis and can be seen as reddening and swelling of the gums.
As the plaque increases the gums recede and the bacteria change in nature, becoming mainly anaerobic. These are bacteria that can survive with little or no oxygen. This allows them to burrow deeply into the tooth socket causing infection which, when severe, can be seen as pus exuding from the junction between the gum and the tooth resulting in the ultimate loss of the tooth.
Is the condition painful?
Pain assessment in pets is difficult. Please see separate handout on Pain assessment and its control. Following treatment for periodontitis dogs often seem to shed years, from which we assume that once the pain and discomfort has been reduced the dog is happy once more.
Does periodontal disease cause any other problems?
Yes, the bacteria that invade the socket of the tooth are absorbed into the bloodstream and can set up infection in many organs, particularly the heart. Bacterial endocarditis is a serious heart condition which often improves dramatically following effective dental treatment.
What is the treatment?
Dental treatment involves the removal of all dental plaque and causative bacteria together with any calculus, not only on the visible crown but also from below the gums where the tartar and bacteria are actively invading the socket. General anaesthesia is essential and obviously with some patients this involves some risks.
Today we do have much safer anaesthetics than previously and we will be happy to discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Under the anaesthetic the teeth are carefully cleaned and all the calculus and plaque is removed. The teeth are then polished which is an important part of the procedure to reduce the re-occurrence of plaque as much as possible. Any loose teeth or damaged teeth are removed or repaired and the patient may be discharged with appropriate antibiotics. At the time of discharge we will discuss dental home care with you since this will do much to prevent recurrence of the condition. Ideally the most effective home care involves daily tooth cleaning. If this is impractical various other measures designed to help oral hygiene will be discussed with you.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Welcome to the Allpets Vet Updates
Allpets Vet Hospital welcomes you to our blog site which has been set up to update our readers on news at our hospital and to inform them on events/information of interest in the veterinary /animal world.
We provide a 24 hr 7 day a week service to help and advise our clients and patients in times of need.
To ask a question,request a topic for a blog or comment on any of the blogs please:
Email : info@allpets.ie
Phone 041 9810000
Emergency No :086 6088125.
Facebook: Like Us on Facebook
We provide a 24 hr 7 day a week service to help and advise our clients and patients in times of need.
To ask a question,request a topic for a blog or comment on any of the blogs please:
Email : info@allpets.ie
Phone 041 9810000
Emergency No :086 6088125.
Facebook: Like Us on Facebook
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)