Dogs with Geriatric Vestibular Disease have a head tilt, walk in circles, fall to one side, appear disoriented and are reluctant to stand up. Some also have flicking eye movements, known as nystagmus. Many dogs feel nauseous and vomit. Geriatric Vestibular Disease often develops suddenly and without warning in old, medium to large breeds of dogs. ...
Heart murmurs are quite common in older dogs, especially in small breeds. They are due to problems with the valves between the chambers of the heart. When we first hear a heart murmur at the annual checkup there may be no obvious signs of heart disease. Many dogs with a heart murmur will continue to lead ...
Snakes are up and about again after their long sleep. Binka is in hospital on a drip after a close encounter of the reptilian kind. She has been paralysed for 2 days. Today she lifted her head and meowed a greeting when her owner came to visit. We hope she will be home by the ...
Katrina Warren has created a site for people who have lost a pet or have old or ill pets. If you are grieving the loss of your pet or agonising over a decision to end your pet's life then you may find help and information on this site. She encourages people to share their stories and ...
We have had our first tick paralysis cases for the season already. Signs of weakness and slobbering don't show up until a few days after the ticks attach. Pets are often back in Canberra before owners notice something is wrong. If you are off to the coast with your pets apply tick preventative BEFORE you go. ...
A great new cat adoption site has just opened on the web. Just type in your postcode and the closest orphan kitten or cat to you comes up. Lots of temptation at: http://www.moggies.com.au/
Dr Helen is now certified to PennHIP screen dogs for hip dysplasia. Penn HIP screening identifies pups that are likely to develop hip dysplasia from as early as 16 weeks of age. It is much more accurate than the old Hip Dysplasia Scheme. Breeders of large breeds, like Labradors and German shepherds, and working dogs, like ...
Changes in jumping behaviour are the most obvious sign of arthritis in cats. Cats with elbow arthritis are reluctant to jump down and seem to pour themselves off the bed or cupboard. Because they lose agility and flexibility they land with a thud and stand a moment before moving off. Cats with arthritic knees are reluctant to ...
Cortisone We often prescribe cortisone for allergies and immune related diseases. Prednisolone, Macrolone or Antihistalone tablets contain a form of cortisone called prednisolone. Short or long acting cortisone injections contain dexamethasone. After 5 days of prednisolone tabs every day the adrenal glands start to slow their production of natural cortisol. It is safe to stop after 5 ...
Cats with diabetes mellitus have high blood glucose levels caused by a deficiency of insulin. Diabetes is commonest in older overweight cats. Male and Burmese cats are more susceptible. Diabetic cats produce more urine and, to compensate for this, drink more. Some cats saturate the litter rapidly or urinate outside the tray after being litter trained for years. They ...