Category: News

Here at Mayne Vets we never shy away from a challenge and Freddie has certainly given us one recently. Back in October 2018, Freddie presented to us as he just wasn’t himself. This normally bouncy, happy boy was lethargic with a cough as well as an increase in thirst and urination. Initial investigations of Freddie’s urine and blood gave our vets enough suspicion to go looking for a problem internally.

Following a series of x-rays and ultrasounds, a mass was identified in Freddie’s mediastinum, which is an area of the chest.  Biopsies were taken which unfortunately confirmed a high-grade T cell lymphoma.  Freddie had aggressive cancer.

For all owners, the news that their beloved pet has cancer is absolutely devastating.  We counselled Freddie’s family and discussed all options available to them.  Given that Freddie had been so well until recently, his cheerful attitude and lovely nature his family decided to proceed with a chemotherapy course to try to get him into remission. With the advice from our colleagues in the Oncology department at Dick White Referrals, we began a special chemotherapy protocol for T cell lymphoma called LOPP.  As with all chemotherapy protocols used in veterinary medicine, they are designed to have low toxicity with minimal side effects yet still achieving a good response.  The general rule of thumb at Mayne Vets when it comes to chemotherapy is that our patients should feel better whilst receiving the prescribed medications and have an improved quality of life.  This particular protocol gave Freddie his best shot at getting cancer free for the longest time with the best survival rate.

Freddie began a 6-month course back in November 2018, since then we have been seeing him weekly for health checks and blood tests to assess how his body was coping with the medication.  We’ve all developed a close bond with both Freddie and his family during this time.  Freddie has been a pleasure to treat throughout and loves nothing more than having a cuddle and biscuit!  A couple of times we had to postpone his treatment as his white blood cells had dropped too low but you could never tell that to look at him as he was always wagging his tail!  Freddie coped really well with everything we threw at him.

Freddie has been a superstar patient and has won a little bit of everyone’s heart here at Mayne.  We are also really pleased to say that a couple of weeks ago he had another series of x-rays and ultrasounds which confirmed there is no evidence remaining of the mass in his chest.  Freddie is officially in remission. Hooray!!

Going forward Freddie will remain on maintenance drugs and will be regularly checked by our team for any signs of relapse.  As sad as we are not to see Freddie so frequently, we are super happy for him and his family.  Well done Freddie you Kicked Cancers Butt!!!

Please let us introduce Keith, our not-so-new member of staff! Keith is Charlotte’s husband but, until recently, he could only be found assisting management in the background of the clinic.  However, he has (finally!) moved his clinical work to Bergholt Road so we’re pleased to announce you might be meeting him in a consult room soon!

Keith was born and bred in Scotland although his family comes from Northern Ireland, so please don’t worry if his accent confuses you.

From a young age, he developed a passion for animals from visiting Edinburgh Zoo and watching David Attenborough programs, so his goal was to find a career working with animals when he finished school.  He set his sights on veterinary medicine and was lucky enough to get a place at Glasgow Vet school, his first choice.  So, with a quick trip from the east to the west coast of Scotland, he settled there very quickly.

During his time at university, he learnt a lot about himself both as an individual and also the different challenges you can face as a veterinary surgeon. However, he claims his most important discovery was Charlotte his lovely wife and business partner at Mayne Veterinary Clinic. Keith qualified in 2002 and started his career in mixed animal practice.  His first job was in Northern Ireland, but when Charlotte qualified in 2003 they opted to move to Essex (for the first visit!).  After a couple of years in Essex, he and Charlotte decided to move to Australia for a year of working abroad.  There they had the opportunity to work with a number of different species, learn different techniques from other professionals and visit some good friends. They briefly toyed with the idea of settling in Surfer’s Paradise (for a 4-day week and learning to surf!) but decided they missed the UK and so returned to Essex in 2008.  Since then Keith has worked for 10 years at a small animal practice in Tiptree while Charlotte returned to Bergholt Road. 

When the opportunity arose to buy the practice in 2012, it was an easy decision for Charlotte and Keith.  The previous owners, Adrian Arnold and then Viv Long, had spent years building a caring, and truly independent practice, ideals which are very important to us at Mayne Vets.

But you might be wondering if Keith and Charlotte bought the clinic in 2012, why did Keith wait so long to move his clinical work to the clinic?  Well, as you might know, being a vet requires a lot of time at work, long stressful days! Keith and Charlotte have built an amazing relationship over the years and they were worried that working in the same building would change their bond. However, they decided to take the plunge last year and discovered that this couldn’t be further from the truth; even though they are both working at Mayne Vets they still barely see each other so all is fine on the home front!

While Keith has moved his clinical work here, he is also very much involved in the management of the practice, splitting his duties on a day to day basis. Good practice management has always been important to him, especially after working in several practices for the past 17 years. During this time, he had the chance to experience both positive and negative management styles and is now applying the positive ones while working with the team here.  Keith always tries to ensure that the team has the support they need and that we keep challenging ourselves professionally in order to keep up with the most recent developments in the veterinary industry. The Mayne Veterinary Clinic is one of the few independent practices around the Colchester area, for the past few years more and more practices have been bought by corporates. Keith and Charlotte are determined to keep an independent practice running so they can provide our patients with the best standard of care and have the freedom to choose the most suitable treatments available without the corporate pressure you might find in other practices.

But that’s enough about “work” Keith, what’s he like as a person?  Well for starters, fun fact, Keith is actually allergic to most pets!  He has allergies to rabbits, cats, guinea pigs, horses and hay but it’s nothing that an antihistamine can’t keep under control and is actually far more common in the veterinary industry than you would think!  However, it does limit the number of pets they can have at home.  In addition, at Mayne Vets we promote the responsible ownership of pets, they are family members that require a lot of time and dedication! Up until recently, Keith and Charlotte have felt they were not home long enough to have a pet, however, they now have a beautiful 3-year-old daughter to keep them busy at home so that may change sometime soon! 

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and especially loves Thursday’s which he spends being bossed around by his daughter.  He says he loves eating food and avoiding exercise but his main sporting interests is watching Scotland play rugby.  He claims “being a true Scotland rugby fan really helps you learn how to take life’s little disappointments in your stride; hardening you up to the bad times, and helping you enjoy the rare wins when they happen!”.  And when asked about living in Essex, he admits that, although it was never his long-term plan to settle here, he and Charlotte quickly realised it was a great place to live.  With the amazing weather; beautiful parks and beaches; and the occasional trip down to London, there’s always something to do.  The only downside he’s struggling with is accepting that his daughter may end up supporting England in the 6 nations rugby, but he’ll just have to get used to that!

Although Keith has only moved to Mayne Vets recently, he’s already had a positive impact on all the team and clients. It has been lovely to see clients coming to us from his previous practice chasing the same caring and skilled vet that they always trusted!

Have you ever witnessed your cat struggling to go for a wee, popping in and out of the litter tray or passing small amounts of red coloured urine? These are all signs of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term describing conditions that can affect the urinary bladder and/or urethra (the lower urinary tract) of cats.  There are a variety of causes including urethral plugs, anatomical issues and cancer.  However in about 2/3 of cases there is no known cause and these are referred to as being Idiopathic, this is similar to human interstitial cystitis.

FLUTD is thought to affect around 1-3% of cats each year, so is among the more common diseases seen. Because of the diverse nature of the underlying causes, cats of any age, breed and gender can be affected by FLUTD, but in general, the disease is more common if the cat is:

• Middle-aged
• Stressed or nervous
• Neutered
• Over-weight
• Reluctant to exercise
• Is predominately an indoor cat
• Id fed a predominately dry diet

Cats with FLUTD often present with one or more signs. The cat may strain to pass urine or cry out if it is painful. There can be an increase in the frequency your cat tries to urinate and the urine can be bloodstained or found in odd places around the house rather than in the litter tray.  Some cats will show behavioural changes and become aggressive or irritated and some will over groom and lick around the perineum as it is painful.  In worst cases, they’re unable to pass any urine at all.  If your cat is straining to urinate but is not passing any urine at all, it is an emergency and the cat should be taken to the vet straight away.

 A number of different diseases may cause FLUTD, but the relative importance of these diseases varies between different countries and different populations of cats. Some of the more common causes include:

Urolithiasis – this is the term used to describe bladder stones. Just as in humans, cats can develop stones in their bladder. The two most common types of stone (determined by their composition) are ‘magnesium ammonium phosphate’ (or ‘struvite’) and ‘calcium oxalate’. These two types of stone account for 80-90% of cases of urolithiasis, but others may also be seen. Urolithiasis generally accounts for around 10-15% of cases of FLUTD.

Bacterial infections – bacterial cystitis (bacterial infection of the bladder) is the most common cause of lower urinary tract disease in many animals but is relatively uncommon in cats. It accounts for around 5-15% of all cases of FLUTD. Bacterial cystitis tends to be seen in older cats.

Urethral plugs – obstruction of the urethra in male cats may occur as the result of a ‘urethral plug’ – this is where there is an accumulation of proteins, cells, crystals and debris in the urine that combines together to form a plug that cannot be passed. Other causes of urethral obstruction include small bladder stones becoming lodged in the urethra or severe muscle spasm of the urethra (which can occur with severe inflammation/irritation).

Anatomical defects – sometimes a defect in the lower urinary tract may cause signs of disease. Most commonly this occurs with a narrowing affecting the urethra. If the urethra becomes damaged, fibrous tissue may form during the healing process which can significantly restrict the diameter of the urethra. When that happens, it may be difficult for cats to pass urine normally.

Tumours– although uncommon, particularly in older cats with signs of FLUTD, the possibility of a tumour (cancer) affecting the bladder or urethra needs to be considered. The most common bladder tumour is known as ‘transitional cell carcinoma’.

Idiopathic cystitis – despite the well-recognised causes of FLUTD, in the majority of cats (probably around 60-70%) no specific underlying disease can be identified, and these cats are classified as having ‘feline idiopathic cystitis’ or – a term that simply means inflammation of the bladder without a known cause.

In cats with signs of FLUTD, especially where signs are persistent, severe or where more than one episode of the disease occurs, it is important to try to identify which of the above reasons is causing it. The starting point of these investigations would be urinalysis, this means looking at a sample of urine to see if the pH is normal, if there are any red or white blood cells present and the sample would also be examined under the microscope to look for bacteria or abnormal cells or crystals.

In recurrent problems trying to visualise the bladder can give lots of information.  We can do this by ultrasound to look at the bladder wall to see if it looks thick or irregular or to look for bladder stones.  We can also visualise the bladder by X-ray.  “Plain” X-rays can be used to look at the bladder and the urethra and then “Contrast Radiography” can be used.  This is when we use a special contrast to help outline the urethra and the bladder and it can help in the diagnosis of some types of bladder stones, urethral strictures and tumours. This is a straightforward procedure but is done under an anaesthetic to avoid any discomfort for the cat and so that the cat does not move when the X-rays are taken. If a tumour is suspected then a biopsy might be taken this is done through a catheter placed into the bladder.

Cystitis in cats is a complex and challenging problem and in some cases will require lifelong management to reduce flares or recurrent problems, it can be distressing for both owner and cat but we are here to help.

As the holiday season comes upon us once again many of you are planning on taking your pets abroad this summer. We wanted to give you a quick update and some tips for travelling with your pets.

UK pet travel has increased since the Pet Travel Scheme relaxed in 2012 going from 140,000 dogs travelling each year to 287,000 in 2017. This increase in travel combined with the increased movements of European parasites and the insects that carry them means that our pets are at an increased risk of encountering an exotic parasite and bringing it back home or sharing it with their owner!

Before even thinking about travelling there are some legalities which must be completed for all dogs, cats and ferrets travelling between the EU/non – EU listed countries and the UK.  Unfortunately, with the “Brexit” situation it is hard to know if these will change in October, but current requirements involve:

• Microchip – this must be implanted before a rabies vaccination is given and much be scanned every time the patient is seen for anything to do with the Passport
• Vaccination against rabies must be performed at least 21 days before travel. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old when they are vaccinated and 15 weeks old when they travel.
• EU pet passport required – this will be issued by an Official Veterinarian on the day of or shortly after the rabies vaccination has been given.
• Travel must be with an approved transport company on an authorised route.
• Dogs entering the UK (and also Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta) must be treated for tapeworm by a vet with a product containing praziquantel not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours before the animal arrives on UK soil.

As well as the legal requirements there are some other aspects to consider.

• Transport – The pets must be transported by an approved route and carrier if going by air or boat these can be found at www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/approved-routes. Some pets find travel stressful and the air pressure changes associated with flying makes this mode of travel unsuitable for the flat faced breeds or for any patient suffering from respiratory disease, cardiac disease or high blood pressure.
• Heat tolerance – Flat faced pets overheat very easily and sometimes it is actually a nicer and safer holiday for them to stay at home. That said any pet may overheat without adequate air conditioning or ventilation. Water should also be available at all times.
• Sunburn – we remember to cover ourselves in sun cream on holiday but do we remember the pets?  THey should have sun cream applied to sensitive areas especially the exposed skin, ear tips and nose.

Pets travelling abroad will encounter many parasites not seen in the UK.  Unfortunately, only one is dealt within the legal requirements of the passport, and even that one is not covered very well. 

Tapeworm: E.multilocularis is a zoonotic tapeworm which means it can affect humans as well as animals. In can form liver cysts in humans and fatalities are recorded every year in Europe.  To prevent spread to the UK there is a requirement to have a vet administer a tapeworm treatment between 24 hours to 5 days before returning to the UK.  However, exposure after treatment could still mean your pet brings this parasite home with them.  Therefore, it is also advisable, due to the lifecycle of the worm, to medicate the pet 30 days after return, or if you are lucky enough to be spending a long period of time abroad to give a worming tablet every 30 days while travelling.

Heartworm: Dirofilaria immitis, is spread across southern Europe and the south of France. It is also now known to have spread into eastern European countries such as the Balkans, Romania and Bulgaria. This spread is a concern for the UK as there is a chance it will continue to travel towards us. The best ways to protect against heartworm is monthly treatment with a milbemycin containing wormer and limit the possibility of exposure to mosquitoes as mosquito bites can transmit disease.  This can mean using collars or spot on treatments and avoiding outdoor activity at peak mosquito feeding times such as dawn and dusk. We are happy to help advise on which products will work best for your pet.

Leishmania: We also have a population of dogs that have travelled and some imported dogs who have become exposed to Leishmania infantum.  This is a protozoal infection which affects cats and dogs but again has the potential to spread to humans. This disease is spread mainly by sandfly bites but it can occur also though dog fights and blood transfusions. The geographic spread is mainly France and southern Europe. If a patient becomes infected with the disease it is a lifelong incurable disease and the treatment carries mixed prognosis.  As such, preventative measures are vital for dogs travelling to these areas. Sandflies feed at night with the greatest activity at dawn and dusk, so it is best to avoid activity at this time. These insects are also bad flyers so it is a good idea to sleep animals upstairs to help avoid bites. If camping then breezy outdoor spaces are advised.  Insecticide-impregnated bed nets can be purchased to help protect them. Finally, there are also some spot-on treatments and some collars which can be used to help protect the pets.  Any spot on should be applied 1 week prior to travel. Again we would be happy to talk through all the treatments and preventions which are the best for you and your pet dependant on the holiday you are going on.

Tick-Borne Diseases: Travelling pets may also come into contact with ticks, there is now no legal requirement for the pets to be treated for ticks but the European ticks do carry a variety of tick-borne diseases not currently present in the UK (but that may be changing with the presence of Babesia in Essex). The ticks are spread across the whole of Europe and therefore it is very important to protect any travelling pet. We would strongly advise that any travelling pet uses a tick treatment which has a known kill time of fewer than 24 hours as most diseases take this long to transmit, also that you check your pet often when away and are confident with how to remove a tick. We are happy to chat this through and chose a prevention protocol suitable for you.

In summary, it is important to remember that the passport alone does not protect your pet while travelling but armed with the right information we hope you keep your pets and your family safe both while travelling and after.  That way the whole family get to enjoy your travels!

We all know and love Julie therefore we have decided to tell you a bit more about her.

Julie was born and raised in Colchester after her parents moved away from London hoping to find a quieter place to raise their family. One of her family friends was a veterinary surgeon and Julie used to go and see the practice for a couple of weeks every year, where she developed her passion for animals.

Before working here she worked in a local garden centre where she was responsible for various things.  Although she enjoyed her job there it still wasn’t as fulfilling as she wished and that’s when she heard a local veterinary practice was looking for an extra hand.

In 1990 she applied for a job at this practice through the youth training scheme, this training was done over a period of two years where she learned a bit of everything. From animal care to client care Julie has always been an example to everyone.

She is known and loved by everyone and does not surprise us that she has made some good friends through this practice.

Back then the way of working was a bit different especially due to the fact that referral centres weren’t available as they are nowadays and most procedures were done at first opinion practices. As veterinary medicine evolved, so did the veterinary clinic! One of the advances Julie was happiest with was the digital X-Ray developer, as she does not miss being shut in a dark room processing the old fashion way!  But its that constant evolution of the veterinary industry and the Mayne Veterinary Clinic that has maintained Julie’s love of working in the veterinary industry. From acupuncture to chemotherapy, the practice and it’s professionals make sure they keep up with the most recent and effective techniques and therapies, there’s always something new to learn.  That and getting to work with her favourite dogs and cats all day long.

Throughout her life Julie has had several animals from stick insects to horses, at the moment she has two lovely dogs, Fern a 12 years old Border Collie and Rio a two and half years old, very energetic, Mini American Sheppard. Fern is a retired agility dog and Rio just started his agility career last year.

Fern was a very successful agility dog, going to competitions such as the International Agility Festival that takes place in Rockingham Castle. Due to her age Fern doesn’t train anymore but absolutely loves slower walks and resting time on the sofa.

Julie’s last pet was a lovely Labrador called Archie and he was the reason she started agility. Archie had all the silliness a Labrador can have and was in need of some training.  The agility work really helped to give him fulfilling exercise and the chance to have some mental stimulation,  he could still be silly at times, but also loved the bond and understanding that came with the training.

Agility has always been a big part of Julie’s life and after 27 years of training dogs for agility competitions she now owns her own agility school called Severalls Agility School and we couldn’t be more proud.

Throughout the years the practice has faced a few changes of ownership and in Julie’s opinion, it hasn’t changed how much she enjoys her job, quite the opposite.  Nowadays with Charlotte and Keith Mayne on board, and the advancing of veterinary medicine, we can provide an extremely good service to all our clients. After all these years Julie has seen several clients go through different pets but it’s lovely to see them coming back to us with their new animals.

Julie believes that the fact that she works in an independent veterinary practice allows her to provide personal care to all our clients; allows her to get to know them, and for them to know her. She loves working in such a friendly environment where people not only care about the patients but they also care about their owners.

She is such a valuable member to this working family, always looking after everyone and keeping us up to date and generally being a fountain of knowledge and experience.

Here at the Mayne Veterinary Clinic, we all love Julie and we are certain hope you do too.

On 23^rd January, we were having our usual Wednesday meeting when we received a rather panicked phone call from a client who was concerned that her 9-month-old French Bulldog Rose had eaten up to 58 bits of sugar-free chewing gum. Now to some people, this seems like silly puppy behaviour and nothing too much to worry about, especially as Rose had vomited most of the chewing gum up shortly after chewing it. But luckily for Rose, Emma was aware of the risks of the Xylitol in the chewing gum and knew she needed to be seen by us as quickly as possible.

On arrival at the surgery, Rose was very bright and looked rather pleased with herself. But Gemma and Emma, who were the vets on duty that afternoon were worried about her and started to administer treatment straight away, getting some advise from the Veterinary Poisons Services (VPS), whose call handler said there was no report of a dog ever eating this much Xylitol and they were very worried about Rose, how she might respond and had the very real concern she might die.

Rose was admitted to the hospital and initial bloods were taken, Xylitol can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) as a dog’s pancreas will confuse it will real sugar, which makes it release more insulin. The insulin then removes the real sugar in the body, leading to plummeting blood sugar levels. Rose’s blood sugar was going down so she was started on a glucose infusion and her blood glucose levels were checked every 2 hours.

Another reaction to xylitol is liver failure and this is even more serious, but it’s not known what causes this to happen, the liver failure can also cause problems with blood clotting meaning it takes longer for blood to clot. Sadly for Rose, both her liver parameters and her blood clotting times were elevated. She was started on liver support medication and Vitamin K to help with the clotting. We also started her on a fast rate of fluid therapy so we could support her as much as possible and shift all the toxins from her body.

Although there is no evidence to say activated charcoal helps the VPS suggested that with that amount of Xylitol Rose had consumed it might just do something, this of course made all of us have very black hands and Rose a very black face as she enthusiastically ate the charcoal covered food we gave her. All the chewing gum had done nothing to decrease her appetite.

Rose was transferred to Vets Now for overnight care, her family came to move her from one surgery to the other but sadly her owner’s eldest son, who is Rose’s biggest fan was too upset to come. However the next morning he was proudly bringing Rose back to us with reports she had done very well overnight.

Rose’s blood parameters continued to improve during the next day with us and we decided she was well enough to go home overnight as long as she was monitored closely. So her family woke up every hour to check on Rose and arrived at the surgery the next morning looking slightly tired but very happy that she had been well overnight.

Rose stayed with us that day but was so well in the evening she went home on just a couple of medications. She was checked a couple of days later and everything was back to normal.

Rose had a very lucky escape from the Xylitol, and a lot of pets are not that fortunate, there has been reports of a labradoodle dying after eating a brownie which contained Xylitol. There are more products than you might think which can be dangerous, peanut butter, mouthwash, jellied sweets and some jams can all pose a threat to your pet, and remember although you might think it is well hidden, dogs noses can seek out the best hiding places and they love eating naughty things.

Rose is now having a great life and is completely back to normal but she would strongly advise her doggy friends NOT to eat chewing gum the fresh breath just isn’t worth it.

If you are ever concerned your dog or cat should have eaten something it shouldn’t have and it could be dangerous then please do contact us at the surgery.

For many of us, we have different ways of deciding when the different seasons have arrived from the falling of leaves in autumn to the first snows of winter.  In the veterinary industry, we look for slightly different signs;  we know summer has truly arrived when we start seeing grass seeds stuck in ears and between toes, we know winter has arrived when we see a big jump in flea problems as people start switching on their central heating.  Spring is heralded by the arrival of our first ticks.  So, despite the fact the weather still doesn’t seem too sure what time of year it is, we are proud to officially declare that, as far as vets are concerned, Spring is here!  So what does that mean to you and your pets and what has changed over recent years?

Dogs

The primary concern for dogs as we are entering the spring months is the appearance of fleas and ticks.  Fleas tend to be picked up outdoors through the summer months, but once they have started laying eggs indoors, they can be very tricky to get rid of.  Thankfully, they are normally more of a nuisance than anything else.  They often can go unnoticed until the central heating gets switched on in November, the fleas that are all happily hiding in their puppa decide it must be summer again and all hatch out at once!

Ticks are slightly more of a concern.  Up until recent years we have also been lucky enough in this area to also consider ticks a nuisance more than a major concern, however there has been an increase in disease risk over the resent years that owners should be aware of.  There are two types of tick of concern in the Essex area and unfortunately both can carry disease.  The more common species can carry Lyme disease which can be a serious risk to both dogs and humans requiring prompt treatment if infected.  In Essex and Suffolk we also have the less common dermacentor tick.  It has been imported from Europe and occurs in pockets around the UK.  In Europe this  tick carries a disease called Babesia, which causes destruction of red blood cells in dogs.  Luckily, for most of the UK, the dermacentor ticks does not carry this disease.  Unfortunately in Essex, there have been enough cases of dogs that have not travelled to Europe being infected by Babesia for it now to be considered an endemic disease in this area. 

So what can you do?  First of all please don’t panic!  These diseases are still rare and should not be reason to not exercise your pets.  However it would be a good idea to check your dog regularly for ticks, especially after walking in wooded areas.  If you find a tick, it is best removed using a tick hook and a twisting motion to remove it entirely (one of our nurses would be happy to show you how).  Methods using tweezers to squeeze the tick, attempting to burn the tick off or use paraffin are not very successful and can increase the chance of causing infection.  Tick prevention is always better than cure and we have an array of treatments including spot-ons, tablets and collars so we can find a treatment to suit everyone.  We are always happy to advice on which products are safest for your household and will still kill ticks fast enough to prevent disease transmission.  Finally, if you or a family member notices a tick bite on yourselves, please remember to get it checked by a doctor.

Cats

The start of spring is a simpler time for our cats, the longer days can mean longer wonders around the country side which can increase the number of cat fights we see, but the warmer weather brings fewer parasite concerns.  Fleas can obviously still be a problem and the cat flea is far more prevalent than the dog flea.  Cats are much more prone to flea allergies in which flea prevention treatments are essential.  However, cats seem to attract fewer ticks, they are not susceptible to disease from the species of Babesia we have in the UK, and Lyme disease is rarer in cats.  However, “rarer” does not mean “never” so we would still advocate regular tick checks in cats and the use of good quality flea and tick preventative treatments

Rabbits

For our smaller furry friends, the spring and summer months bring lots of grass, access to our back gardens but also the arrival of biting insects.  Unfortunately biting insects can bring myxamatosis and VHD viruses with them.  Luckily these viruses can be vaccinated for with 2 vaccinations given 2 weeks apart followed by yearly boosters.  If you have any concerns please contact our clinic to discuss vaccination.  Flies can also bring issues with “fly strike” which can result in maggot infested wounds especially around the tail area.  This can be prevented with regularly grooming and fly replant treatments when required but please contact us at the clinic for more information

Also, you might like to know we are running an open day for rabbit owners on Saturday the 27^th April with lots of fun activities for the younger members of the family.  Please check our “Coming up” article for more information, keep an eye on our facebook page for more updates or give us a ring at the clinic if you would like to reserve a spot.

None of these are reasons to not enjoy the beautiful summer weather when it arrives, but it is important to be aware of some of the risks that can occur at this time of year, just as you apply suncream on a hot day, we need to consider parasite treatments for our pets.  Otherwise please enjoy the weather, and we at Mayne Vets would like to apologise if it has snowed since writing this newsletter.

Summer can bring many happy pet memories, but it can also bring some extra challenges. Here we highlight some, so while still enjoying summer with your pets you can make sure they stay healthy too.

Heatstroke and sunburn

Heatstroke is common and potentially fatal. Because our pets have a fur coat and are only able to lose heat through panting, they are much more at risk of heatstroke than us. Short-nosed breeds (brachycephalic) such as pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats and lionhead rabbits are more prone, as are elderly or overweight pets. At first, they appear agitated but this can quickly lead to collapse and can be fatal. Dogs can die if left in cars in as little as 15 minutes, with signs of heatstroke in just a few minutes. With open windows, a car still becomes as hot as an oven quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees outside, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour.

If you think your pet is showing signs of heatstroke contact us immediately. Remove them from the heat and offer cool water. If possible, soak them in cool water. Cold water produces shivering, making them hotter so should be avoided – go with cool but not icy! Get your pet to the closest vet (even if it’s not us) as soon as possible.

Our pets’ fur gives some protection from the sun. Areas that are hairless or sparse can suffer sun damage and sunburn. White breeds with pink skin – such as bulldogs – often have sensitive skin. White cats especially are prone to sunburn on their ears and sometimes nose which can progress to skin cancer. It is important to keep your pets out of the sun as much as possible. Pet sun cream should be used on hairless or sparse areas around the head and ears.

Hazards in the garden

We see too many road traffic accidents in the summer when dogs escape through open windows and doors. Check your garden is fenced off so your dog cannot escape. Provide shade to rest in and water to drink at all times, and keep exercise to a minimum in the heat of the day.

Be aware that some plants are poisonous to pets. Daffodils, lilies, azaleas, laburnum and yew are a few. If in doubt, speak to a member of our team before planting anything new. Many pesticides and fertilizers can harm pets. Try safer, pet-friendly alternatives. Blue-green algae can be toxic if ingested. This is actually a bacterium but has an algae-like appearance when clumped together in stagnant water.

During BBQs, make sure your dog doesn’t have a chance to get at the scraps. Undercooked meat and fatty foods can make them poorly. Scavenging bones, skewers, or corn on the cob may end in risky surgery for removal. Use paper plates and cups, as broken glass and crockery can cause injury to paws. Make sure bins are secure.

Tips for travel with your pet

The effects of motion sickness can often be overcome by conditioning your dog to travel. Start in a stationary car, giving treats to form positive memories. Introduce a harness at this stage as it is important your pet is restrained for both their security and your own. Next, try with the engine running. Eventually, try driving just a few metres. Behaviour training takes time and patience and taking it extremely slowly is important. Small pets can travel in a carrier, wedged so it can’t tip over. Ventilation is essential. Don’t be tempted to fill the basket with comfy blankets in the summer, as this will increase the chances of your pet overheating. There are sprays that may have a calming effect on your pet, helping the training process.

Avoid long journeys in the heat. If unavoidable, then break the journey up and never leave your dog in a parked car. Remember that dogs die in hot cars. If you see a distressed dog in a vehicle please call 999, or either the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.

Do not feed them for a few hours before travel, but small amounts of water can be taken while travelling. If your pet suffers from motion sickness placing them in a footwell can help so they can’t see movement. Our vets can discuss medications for sickness if needed.

If you plan to visit other countries in Europe, please discuss your plans with our vets before booking. There are diseases spread by mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks, and fleas to consider. Different parasites may need to be prevented in different countries, too. Your pet will need an up-to-date pet passport issued under the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and fulfil entry requirements to re-enter the UK. For details on how to get a pet passport, contact us. You can also visit gov.uk/take-pet-abroad or telephone DEFRA directly for further information.

Life’s a beach

If you’re lucky enough to be venturing on the beach, here are our handy tips:

• Make sure your dog doesn’t eat too much sand, as large volumes can cause blockages. Drinking too much saltwater can also be dangerous. Offer them fresh water regularly and rinse the salt water off them when you can.
• Remember not all dogs swim well. Take care of the tides, and introduce them slowly, especially if they have short legs (!).
• With all the excitement your dog may not realise they’re overheating until it’s too late. Avoid the hottest part of the day and limit exercise.

Flystrike

Rabbits eat some of their faeces (caecotrophs) to enable them to recycle proteins. In summer this can make them attractive to flies, laying eggs that within 24 hours can hatch into maggots. Maggots chew through the skin causing flystrike, which is sadly often fatal. Check your rabbit’s bottom daily for urine staining and faeces. Speak to our veterinary team who can advise on how to prevent this and why your rabbit may be predisposed. Wounds on any animal can also be attractive to flies. Speak to our vets if you are concerned.

Have a good summer, and stay safe! Please do call us if you need any advice.