Meet Poppy! Poppy is a beautiful Dobermann who came to see us last year with abnormal breathing. She is a VERY athletic dog, and often goes out running with her owner, so her symptoms were picked up very quickly. At the time, we were worried that she might have to give up running 😭 but luckily, she is now doing really well!
This video will show you several of the steps along her diagnostic journey. Watch to the end to see how amazing she is with taking her treatment ❤🐾
Poppy also has her on FB page, raising awareness of her slightly unusual condition - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091143892784
📣 We are proud to share that three of our clinicians (Vaclav Ceplecha, Michal Vlasin and Barbora Mala) have recently published a case report in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, after treating our wonderful patient Louie. 📣
Louie presented to Vale Referrals with lethargy, a shifting lameness and continuous ear twitching. To identify the cause of his symptoms, our clinicians conducted a comprehensive medical examination, including blood tests, a CT scan, cerebrospinal fluid taps, and joint fluid analysis. These tests revealed an atypical abdominal mass, which had caused a severe bacterial infection in Louie's body. This infection triggered polyarthritis (an inflammation affecting multiple joints) and is suspected to have also prompted the ear twitching observed in this video. After his abdominal mass was surgically removed and antibiotic treatment initiated, his ear twitching soon ceased.
To our knowledge, this is the first documented association between ear twitching and systemic bacterial infection in veterinary medicine. While there are reports in humans of certain infections causing muscle twitching, the exact mechanism remains elusive. It's theorised that the body's immune response to an infection may inadvertently influence specific parts of the nervous system, leading to twitches or spasms.
We're thrilled to share that Louie bounced back to full health following his surgery and now, an impressive 20 months post-treatment, he's still living his best life with his owner! We are also very proud of our referral team for publishing their findings, highlighting both the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine and our commitment to the highest standards of excellence at Vale Referrals.
The full JSAP article can be accessed here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13658
#valereferrals #ivcevidensia
Today is Lymphoma Awareness Day so we are sharing this educational video to raise awareness of lymphoma in cats.
The video describes potential symptoms and signs to look out for, but also provides some reassurance as there are effective treatments for this condition available.
Please watch and if you notice any changes in your cat's behaviour and are concerned, please speak to your local veterinary practice 🐱
Today is the first ever International Blind Dog Day!
To support this, we are sharing this video which looks at the most common causes of blindness in dogs.
Please take a look and if you notice any change in your dog's behaviour which could be a sign of sight loss, please contact your local veterinary practice to arrange to see a vet 🐾
PHC Heat Stroke Video
As the temperatures are set to soar this week, it is important to ensure your dog keeps cool and well.
The below video from Pet Health Club gives you tips for keeping your dog happy and healthy in the hot weather.
Please take a look and keep your pups safe!🐶❤🐾
#valevets
#PHC
#keepdogscool
British Heart Week
To celebrate British Heart Week, we are sharing this educational video which explains how it's not uncommon to find a heart murmur during a puppy's first visit to the vets.
The video also explains what a heart murmur is, how it's detected, and most importantly, although further tests may be needed, it's often nothing to worry about.
Please take a look 🐶🐾❤
LUNGWORM CASES
Here at Vale Referrals, we have seen an above average number of lungworm cases in the last few weeks; probably due to the mild winter weather and warm Spring.
Lungworm is serious and potentially fatal parasitic infection. With slugs and snails as hosts to this parasite, it is passed on to unsuspecting pets, and infects dogs when they ingest slugs and snails while out walking or playing. Symptoms can vary, from breathing difficulties to unexplained bleeding.
We would encourage you to contact your veterinary surgeon for best advice on how to protect your pet against this disease. They will be able to advise you on routine preventatives to protect your dog. If you see any unexplained symptoms please contact your vet for advice.
For more information about lungworm, please follow this link:
https://www.myfamilyvets.co.uk/lungworm-in-dogs
Canine Health - managing shot nose breeds
Hi everyone. Just about to start in a few minutes! Grab a cup of tea!
Putting nursing manager Lucy on the spot to let you know WE ARE HERE!
A message from Richard Artingstall, Clinical Director and Surgeon at Vale Referrals
The CPD was well received last night. Here’s a video of a Budget Vets vet performing CPR on Rosie (not a real dog).
