Dental disease is one of the most common complaints we see in veterinary practice. In fact, about 3 out of 4 dogs and cats over the age of 2 years of age have some degree of dental disease. So what is it dental disease in my pet? Dental disease, or more correctly, periodontal disease (meaning…
Continue readingParasite control, during the warmer months we see more parasite problems as the temperature and humidity allows for a faster life-cycle in most insects, and pets are often exposed to more parasites during the warmer, more outdoors-y times. For example people are more likely to travel to the coast during these months and will need…
Continue readingPet Diabetes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disease of glucose metabolism. It occurs most commonly in dogs, cats and guinea pigs. Glucose is required by every cell in the body for energy, and insulin is the hormone that allows the glucose to move from the blood into the cell so it can be used. Insulin…
Continue readingWhat is a pet behavioural service and what does it offer you? NEVS offers behavioural consultations with Emma, who has a particular interest in behaviour and is completing a year of further study this year with a view to sitting membership exams next year. Emma’s interest in behaviour began when she acquired a dog with severe…
Continue readingWhat is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)? Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (often called “GDV” or “bloat”) is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with air (dilatation) and twists upon itself (volvulus). How does it occur? Production of gas is a normal part of the digestive process. Bloat occurs when something prevents the normal…
Continue readingMy feline has urine issues! Cats are the most commonly presented companion animal for urinary issues. Most of these relate to urinating outside of the litter box and the reason for this can be one of many, or multifactorial. Here we will go through a few of the more common reasons why your cat might…
Continue readingCushing’s disease (or hyperadrenocorticism) is one of the most common endocrine disorders that affects dogs. The endocrine system is the collective system of glands that produce and secrete hormones in the body, one of which is the hormone cortisol. At normal levels, cortisol performs many useful functions, including stress responses and modulating the immune system….
Continue readingCranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease is a very common cause of hindlimb lameness in dogs. Partial or complete rupture of the CrCL can occur causing instability of the stifle joint (knee). Injury can cause acute pain and over time leads to chronic degeneration of the joint, cartilage wear, and in some cases meniscal injury (cartilage…
Continue readingOften people find the decision to euthanase a very difficult decision, as it should be. Sometimes it can be a very obvious decision especially when a decline is sudden or there is severe trauma with a poor chance of recovery. But considering euthanasia as an option, especially when disease progression is slow, or pets are…
Continue readingPeople often ask how often their pet needs vaccinating: it’s one of the most common questions I hear in consultation. There are varying opinions but most vets will ground their recommendations in science. Most vaccines are registered for yearly use. This means they will guarantee efficacy for a 12 month period after the initial puppy…
Continue reading