๐ HAPPY HALLOWEEN! ๐
We have some treats for humans & dogs at our Long Eaton and Bramcote branches today! Pop in and say hello!
World Heart Day
Regular check-ups and screenings help keep their hearts strong and happy โค๏ธ
This World Heart Day, show your pet some love by prioritising their heart health.
#WorldHeartDay
โ๏ธ Please take care in the hot weather! โ๏ธ
While most people know that leaving dogs in hot cars can have catastrophic effects, most people donโt realise that exercise induced heatstroke is actually very common.
Last year, we had several dogs presented to us suffering from heatstroke. Sadly not all recovered. All of these cases were dogs that had been taken on a walk or were running around in the garden playing with toys.
โ ๏ธ Frenchies, Pugs, Bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds are particularly at risk โ ๏ธ
Please take care in the heat, and be mindful when walking your dog or playing in the garden.
How do I brush my pets' teeth?
Patience, reassurance and praise go a long way in giving your pet perfect pearly whites.
Watch our handy step by step guide on how to go about it below. ๐น
You could win a Virbac dental hamper via our SMILE comp. ๐ฒ See our pinned post!
#NationalPetDentalMonth
If you would like to say thank you to the hard working staff here at Ashfield House Veterinary Hospital, why not nominate us in the 2022 PetPlan Awards?
Follow the link to nominate the practice, or your favourite Vet, Nurse, Receptionist or Support Staff Member!
https://www.petplan.co.uk/about-petplan/vets/awards/
FOCUS ON SPOTTING THE SIGNS FELINE OA PAIN ๐ฟ
Arthritis is a chronic condition caused when the normal joint tissues degenerate (or wear away), leading to pain and ongoing damage.
Arthritis in our pets is sadly very common. Around 40% of all cats will show signs of arthritis and more than 90% of cats older that 12 years have signs consistent with arthritis when looking at x-rays of their joints. If left untreated, the pain will become worse over time.
Despite how common arthritis is in cats, it is underdiagnosed. Globally, only around 13% of cats with arthritis will receive a diagnosis and therefore, treatment for their chronic pain. So why is this number so low?
๐ฟ The nature of the catโs behaviour means they tend to hide signs of illness or pain. In the wild, showing signs of illness would make them vulnerable to predation from other animals and this behaviour has carried over to our pet cats. Whilst beneficial in the wild, this is not helpful in a home environment. It means that illnesses can be well advanced before we notice anything is wrong.
๐ฟ Another reason why arthritis in cats is not easy to spot, is due to the common misconception that slowing down or being less active is a normal change as cats get older. This is not the case. If you cat becomes less active, shows less interest in or a reluctance to play, this could be a sign that your cat is suffering from arthritis.
However, if we are aware of the behaviours (or lack thereof) associated with arthritis in cats, we can spot the signs earlier, meaning we can ensure our cats are comfortable, more mobile and have a good quality of life ๐บ
What signs can I look for?
MOBILITY: Your cat may be reluctant to:
โข jump up or down onto or off of surfaces
โข Go up and/or down stairs
โข Jump or climb into/onto their favourite bed
โข Play
โข Use scratching posts (or other substrates)
BEHAVIOUR: Your cat may be:
โข Grumpy or less happy with people and other animals in the house
โข More withdrawn
