Biosecurity is always a priority!
Are you worried about taking your pets to the vets in case they pick up infections?
At Vienna Veterinary Clinic, we value cleanliness as the first step to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases! High standards of practice hygiene are achieved by making biosecurity a PRIORITY and here at Vienna Vets it is at the top of our list.
BIOSECURITY is a term for “implementing protocols that are designed to limit the animal’s, staff and owner’s exposure to pathogens and diseases."
F10 Veterinary Disinfectant is used for effective and safe general disinfection in animal housekeeping procedures. It is also used for special situation disinfection to kill Parvovirus, “Cat Flu”, Ringworm and Distemper Virus! It is proven safe and effective even in the presence of your pets when used in the recommended concentrations.
To know more information about our list of F10 products, please call us at 04 388 3827 or email us at info@viennavet.com!
Canine Parvovirus
Overview
• Canine Parvovirus is a contagious infection characterised clinically by a severe gastro-enteritis. The disease may result in a generalized bacterial infection and presence of bacterial toxins in the blood.
• Parvovirus may cause unmanageable and often fatal diarrhea in puppies.
• Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherd dogs, English Springer spaniels, Alaskan sled dogs are considered to be more susceptible to canine Parvovirus infection than any other breeds of dog
• Most cases are seen between 6 weeks and 6 months of age
• More severe disease is seen in younger puppies
• Incidence has decreased dramatically with the vaccination of puppies against parvovirus
• Cats “Panleukopenia” is caused by another strain of Parvovirus, but cross-species transmission is unclear.
Symptoms
• Loss of energy, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and profuse diarrhea with rapid, severe weight loss
• Rapid heart beat
• Mucous membranes may be pale or deep red, due to the blood vessels being filled with blood, or jaundiced (yellow)
• Dehydration
• Pain or discomfort when the veterinarian feels the abdomen
• May have a fever or the body temperature may be lower than normal.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made with a quick in-house test on the stools. The test has a good sensitivity but there can be a false-negative result especially at the beginning of the course of the disease.
Treatment and prevention
Vaccination as early as 6 weeks then at 8 and 12 weeks of age, followed by yearly boosters, gives a good protection against the virus.
There is unfortunately no specific treatment against Parvovirus, but hospitalization for intensive therapy and supportive treatment significantly improves survival.
Hospitalized pets must be kept isolated from other pets; hospital personnel must follow proper cleaning and disinfecting practices to prevent spread of the virus.
Intravenous fluid therapy is a mainstay of treatment; fluid rates must account for maintenance needs plus ongoing losses, which may be profound due to vomiting and diarrhea.
The virus is extremely resistant in the environment and special disinfectants should be used to clean all exposed material and areas. The virus can be shed in the stools of an infected dog for few weeks after they have fully recovered, so appropriate quarantine should be applied even after recovery. The virus can live up to a year in your pet's environment so correct disinfection must be carried out to prevent reinfection.
Before socialising or walking your dog please check with us so that we can ensure they are fully protected against Canine Parvovirus.
Dubai's Lost and Found Community
In Dubai there is a huge community that works behind the scenes to find lost pets and reunite found pets with their owners. This process is getting easier, with pets now being registered with the Dubai Municipality on their smart system. This registration occurs when the pet is vaccinated against Rabies at their veterinary clinic of choice.
This means soon if an animal is found and are taken to a veterinary clinic, the microchip will be easily matched to their owner. Further to this veterinary clinics can do their own check of a microchip. If a found pet is brought to them, they will contact all other veterinary clinics in Dubai and cross reference the microchip number with their records.
This is why it is so important that you as a pet owner or a pet finder do the following things:
1. If you are a pet owner you should register your pet with a veterinary clinic in the area. Even if they are healthy and do not need a vet you can go, register your pet with the clinic and the municipality (provided their vaccines are up to date) and obtain their official Municipality tag. This means that if your pet goes missing and someone finds them, we can get him/her back to you quickly.
2. If you find an animal that you suspect is belonging to someone and they do not look healthy or are injured, then bring them to a veterinary clinic. We can then check for a microchip and contact the owner whilst also attending to their health. If a pet is in your area that obviously belongs to someone but looks healthy and happy, do not move them as they could live in the local area and taking them to a veterinary clinic would be pointless.
Unfortunately, in Dubai, we suffer from a huge number of abandoned pets and often we can't find their owner when searching for them as they may have left the country or have not registered with the authorities. If this is the case we would then look into rehoming them to a foster family and in the future arrange for adoption.
This process reiterates the need for your pet to be microchipped and registered correctly.
These further measures can be taken to ensure you and your pet are quickly reunited if separated:
1. Get a name tag engraved with your telephone number.
2. Print posters and request that they are put up in veterinary clinics and public noticeboards.
3. Join the many Facebook community pages that work to find lost owners and lost pets.
If you need to register your pet or would like to purchase an engraved name tag please feel free to get in touch with us on 04 388 3827.
Hypothyroidism & Your Pet
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism results from inadequate production and release of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. A decreased level of the thyroid hormone can affect the body in many ways.
Hypothyroidism is quite frequent in dogs but rare in cats.
It can be acquired or is congenital (meaning present at birth). Congenital hypothyroidism has been reported in Fox-Terriers, Giant Schnauzers and Abyssinian cats.
Acquired hypothyroidism affects more commonly middle-age, larger breed dogs including Golden retriever, Doberman pinscher, Great Dane, and Irish setter.
Symptoms
The most commonly noted signs include abnormalities of the skin, weight gain, sluggishness (lethargy), and weakness. Most changes appear to be secondary to decreased metabolism due to decreased levels of thyroid hormones.
Skin changes are very common, but are not seen in every pet with hypothyroidism. The most common sign in the skin is hair loss, with usually symmetrical loss of hair on both sides of the trunk, in the lower part of the chest and neck, lower part of the abdomen, and on the tail. The hair loss is non-itchy unless in presence of secondary bacterial, yeast or parasitic infections which are common.
In rare cases of severe hypothyroidism, some neurologic signs can be present such as seizures; a wobbly, uncoordinated or “drunken” appearing gait or movement and even coma.
Other signs can be mistaken as allergies such as poor coat, frequent hot spots and slow healing wounds. Often these symptoms are written off as signs of ageing rather than having them investigated.
Very rarely, the disease can be associated with heart and eye abnormalities.
Diagnosis
Even though we can measure T4 levels at the clinic within 10 minutes, the full thyroid profile done by our external lab of choice gives us the full picture. You would need to bring your pet in the morning fasted, as the thyroid gland underlies circadian rhythm.
These blood results usually come back within 3 to maximum 10 days of us sending them.
Treatment & Prevention
Hypothyroidism cannot be prevented.
Treatment consists in supplementation with a thyroid replacement hormone in the form of a daily tablet.
The thyroid hormone concentration in the blood should be checked after 3-6 weeks, and the treatment dosage can be adjusted.
Thyroid hormone supplementation in a life-long medication. Thyroid function should be monitored every 6–8 weeks for the first 6–8 months of thyroid hormone supplementation and then once to twice a year.
What is Kennel Cough?
What is Kennel Cough?
“Kennel Cough” is a common highly contagious upper respiratory disease in dogs. It is caused by a Canine Para-influenza virus, a bacteria called Bordetella, or a combination of the two.
Kennel cough is commonly seen in dogs that are exposed to many other dogs in confined places such as shelters or kennels. The disease infects only dogs and puppies and cannot be transmitted to humans.
Just like a cold in humans, the infection is transferred by fluid discharge from the nose or mouth from an infected dog. It is shed through the air by sneezing, coughing or breathing. Infected items that can spread the disease are called vectors, these can be cages, toys, bowls and caretakers.
Some dogs are silent carriers and can spread the disease without showing symptoms themselves.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of Kennel Cough is a dry cough, in some cases a gagging cough.
Cough is often triggered by excitement, exercise or pressure on the trachea from the collar for example. Some dogs will have some runny nose or purulent nasal discharge.
Infected dogs are otherwise usually bright and active, with a good appetite and no fever.
In some cases, Kennel Cough can progress to pneumonia or sinus infection. In these cases, the dogs will cough up mucus, have difficulty breathing, fever and loss of appetite.
Treatment and prevention
A vaccine (generally intra-nasal) can protect your dog against Kennel Cough, it is highly recommended (and in most cases now, required ) if your dog is going to kennels or day care. The vaccine should be repeated every 6 months or as recommended by your veterinarian.
Hygienic measures are important! Replace the collar by a harness, give only room temperature water and keep the A/C not too low.
Your vet may sometimes prescribe anti-inflammatories or cough medication. Sometimes antibiotics are required to prevent secondary infections.
Heat Stroke in Dogs
Hot weather can be very dangerous for your dog.
Unlike humans, dogs have very few sweat glands and when they are too hot, they mainly eliminate the heat by panting. When panting is not enough, the body temperature will rise, which can be fatal in minutes.
How to prevent heatstroke?
- When the weather is nice, make sure your dog has access to fresh water, shaded areas when he is outside and that he does not over-exercise. When the temperature becomes extremely hot, he should be kept indoors and walks should be limited to a few minutes when the temperature is cooler at sunset and sunrise.
- You should be even more careful if your dog has a flat face (bulldogs, pugs…) or if he has an underlying condition such as a heart or lung disease or is overweight, as he will be even more prone to heat stroke.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes, even in the shade. A parked car can become a furnace in no time, even with the windows open.
- If your dog has long or medium hair, giving him a lightweight summer haircut helps prevent overheating. However, ensure that you don’t have him shaved too short, as the coat gives him protection from the sun.
What are the signs of heatstroke?
Excessive panting and difficulty breathing will be the first signs of overheating. When the condition worsens, signs can include increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhoea, and/or vomiting.
What to do?
If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, the first thing to do is to cover his body with damped towels and place ice packs on top (bags of frozen vegetables can do if you don’t have ice) and rush to the vet.
On the way to the vet, travel with the windows open AND the air conditioning switched on high.
Do not give your pet aspirin or paracetamol to lower his temperature, this will be ineffective and lead to further complications.
At the vet, treatment will consist mostly of replacing lost fluids and minerals with IV fluid therapy. Secondary complications such as kidney failure, development of neurologic symptoms, abnormal clotting, changes in blood pressure, and electrolyte abnormalities will also be monitored.
Are you relocating your pet?
Despite the authorities, airlines and veterinary clinic's efforts to make relocating pet's easier, there is still a lot of confusion about how the travel process works. Many people fear that the whole experience will be expensive, traumatic and dangerous for their beloved pet.
There are two main ways for your pets to travel, in cargo or as excess baggage. Countries like Thailand will allow the latter and your pet can travel with you in the cabin. However the UK, Australia and many other countries will not allow this and so pets arrive as cargo.
Like many things nowadays, travelling with your pets can be a pricey process as there are many factors to take into account. Your pet will need the basic requirements of an export permit, valid annual vaccinations, proof that the animal is microchipped and an IATA (International Air Transport Association) approved travel crate. They will also need a an export health certificate (fit to fly certificate) completed by their vet prior to travel. However there could be more to do depending on your destination.
The best advice advice we can give you is to use a relocation agent to find out all of the necessary requirements specific to you and your pet. You should also check what is needed well in advance as your travel date will sneak up on your before you know it. And remember if you are travelling in the summer to book a late night flight so that your pet isn't outside in the summer heat.
Finally your pets are very intuitive and they can sense if you are nervous or stressed. Try to keep your emotions calm on the day of travel as your pet will pick up on any negative emotions and will become anxious themselves.
For a thorough health check (including deworming and tick/flea treatment), fit to travel certificate and calming remedies please call us for an appointment on 04 388 3827.
Fresh Facts About Your Pet's Dental Health
Did you know?
- By the age of 3, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some kind of oral/peridontal issue. Periodontal disease is a disease that affects teeth & their surrounding structures, such as the gums. A dog has 42 teeth, compared to a human’s 32. There’s a lot of room for disease in there!
- A common myth is that bad breath is normal for pets.
Signs of periodontal disease can include: Bad breath, Difficulty chewing, Oral discomfort, Blood-tinged drool.
Nasty bacteria causes most of the problems in your pet's mouth. When bacteria builds up in your pet’s mouth, it can create plaque and tartar, plus it can affect the gums.
PREVENTION is the key. There are a variety of products, including toothpaste, chews, rinses, & water additives, that you can use to prevent bacteria from accumulating.
Brushing your pet’s teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste is best. (Remember – human toothpaste contains higher levels of Xylitol, which can be toxic to pets).
However, we know that getting them used to tooth brushing can be tricky at first. The pet dent gel we carry can actually help fight bacteria if you just get it on your pet’s teeth with your finger. From there, you can work your way up to brushing with a pet toothbrush.
Be sure to ask the our staff for more tips on brushing your pet’s teeth.
Is Your Pet Scratching? They Could Have Allergies!
Insect bites, food, pollen, grass and fungi are just a number of things your pet might be allergic to. Animals are just like us in the the way their bodies react. An allergic reaction is when their body detects a substance as harmful (however harmless it may seem) and over reacts to it. The item causing the reaction is called an Allergen.
If your pet is itching and scratching a lot there is a very good chance they are allergic to something in their environment. Once you have established this allergen, the next step is to eliminate it from your pet's surroundings. Depending on the severity of the reaction this may suffice however supplementary treatment may be needed for some cases where the reaction is severe and the allergen hard to remove.
If your pet is showing signs of an allergic reaction bring them to see us so we can assess them and send off a sample for testing. It takes 2 weeks and could significantly improve your pet's life.
Easter & Your Pet
Easter/Spring Break Pet Do’s and Dont's!
Spring is all about birth and new life and it is often celebrated with a lot of tasty treats for us humans! Chances are your furry family member is going to feel left out when the human family members of your house may be getting gifts this year, some of which may be highly toxic to your furry friends. Check out our tips on how to show your love without spending the spring season in the ER.
1. Do keep Easter egg chocolate away from pets!
Chocolate ingestion by dogs can result in agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, tremors, and seizures, depending on the dose ingested, but there are other people foods which can also be harmful for our canine companions. Macadamia nuts, coffee beans, grapes, and raisins. If you think your pet has eaten chocolate please bring him to us straight away!
2. Don’t forget the less obvious Easter dangers!
Cat owners should check all flower bouquets closely for lilies as these flowers can be deadly to cats (although they are safe for dogs) Even exposure to lily pollen and water from a vase of lilies can result in rapid onset kidney failure when ingested by cats. If you think your pet has eaten lilies please bring him to us straight away!
3. Share the love this Spring with animals in need of love!
Springtime could be a great time to visit an animal shelter and donate your time and attention to rescued pets who need a new lease of life/a fresh start. If you have been thinking about adding a furry friend to your household, Spring could be a great time to adopt!
We wish all of our clients a wonderful spring!
Why yearly vaccinations?
Protecting your pet from diseases such as Canine Distemper, Rabies, Feline Leukemia and more is not only necessary but crucial for their health. Yearly vaccinations train your pet's immune system so when the time comes they can fight off deadly diseases that come their way.
Vienna Vets offers all of the vital inoculations that your pets need plus a free of charge health check every 6 months to ensure your pet is in tip top health and to put at ease any concerns you may have about their health.
For further information contact us on 04 388 3827 or stop by the clinic and ask our knowledgeable staff.
"Excess weight is NOT inevitable"
If your pet needs to lose some weight, it doesn't have to be a struggle. There are a few areas to address to help your pet reach his/her ideal healthy weight.
- A nutritionally adapted diet with low calorie and low fat foods is the best first step. These are specifically developed for overweight pets and help them kickstart their weight loss.
- In addition to this ensure you respect the feeding guidelines on the food packaging. These have been developed specifically to compliment the food to aid weight loss. It is not about depriving your animal of food but rather assist him/her in getting used to the correct daily intake.
- Getting rid of snacks and treats. These are bad habits but can unfortunately do a lot of damage. Some treats and snacks are very calorific and can noticeably increase your pet's daily energy intake.
- Finally, encouraging physical exercise is key to helping your pet lose weight. Whether it is taking your dog for a walk on the beach or using a laser pointer to play with your cat they should be moving and having fun to compliment their diet.
Obese animals have a shorter life expectancy so don't let those extra pounds set in. 1 or 2 extra kilos may not be visibly harming your pet's health but they can quickly lead on to obesity and this can have severe consequences.
For more advice on obesity, diet and exercise contact us!
We are here to help!
"Its always 'Tick Season' in Dubai!"
Unlike other countries, ticks love pestering your dogs and cats all year round in Dubai. Ticks can cause immense irritation and subsequently terrible infections that need further treatment. This doesn't need to be a worry as ticks are easy to prevent with regular application of spot on treatments and sprays. We also now have the option of a collar your pet can wear to prevent those pesky ticks annoying them. We can provide you with all the information you need and recommend the right product for you and your pet's lifestyle.
Ask us at the clinic or give us a call on 04 388 3827!