Author Archives: gray_ealingvets

Could 850,000 unwanted cat pregnancies be prevented?

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kittensNew research recently published in the Veterinary Record shows that high numbers of unwanted kittens may be caused by owners lack of knowledge.

80% of litters were reported to be accidental.

25% of owners  believed (incorrectly)  that cats could not get pregnant until they were at least 1 year of age.

Further 49% of owners believed ( again incorrectly) that a female cat should have a litter before being neutered. It is estimated that the number of unwanted litters being born could be reduced by 850,000 each year if owners did not believe this last point.

We have seen far more unwanted cats and kittens in the last 12 months than is usual, so responsible ownership  is needed more than ever.

We recommend female cats are neutered around 6 months of age or before if they start to come into season earlier (however it is unusual  for cats to come into season  before 6 months of age).  Male cats should also be neutered at the same age. Please phone the surgery if you think your cat needs to be neutered.

www.youngvets.co.uk

Christmas opening times

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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING TIMES

Our 24 hour emergency service will run as normal
over the Christmas and New Year period from our Ealing Surgery.
Please call 020 8567 2724/0711 for details

SURGERY OPENING TIMES  

24/12/12           All surgeries will close at 4.00pm

Christmas Day    Emergency Service Only

Boxing Day       Emergency Service Only – Emergency Consults
From 10.00am -11.00am

27/12/12           Normal Opening Hours
28/12/12           Normal Opening Hours
29/12/12           Normal Opening Hours
30/12/12           Emergency Service Only – Emergency Consults
From 10.00am – 11.00am

New Years Eve   All surgeries will close at 4.00pm

New Years Day   Emergency Service Only – Emergency Consults
From 10.00am – 11.00am

02/01/13          Normal opening hours

We wish you all a happy Christmas and send you our best wishes for the New Year!

Fatal cat disease confirmed in kittens

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Our vets have recently seen 2 unvaccinated kittens from West London, which were being rescued, which  developed diarrhoea, and dehydration.  Both kittens died rapidly. This was due to a viral infection called Feline infectious enteritis.  There is no specific treatment available for this virus, and many cases will die despite supportive treatment with antibiotics and fluids, with severe bloody diarrhoea and vomiting.  The virus (called a parvovirus) is highly contagious, is resistant to many disinfectants, and can persist in the environment for long periods, possibly years in some cases.  If infected cats survive they can continue to be infectious for at least  6 weeks, excreting the virus into the environment, and so spreading the disease.

There is a similar virus (parvovirus) that can affects dogs, with very similar symptoms, which is also usually rapidly fatal.  Each virus is species specific, so the cat virus will not infect dogs and vice versa. The canine parvovirus can also persist for long periods in the environment, and is resistant to many disinfectants.

Vaccination will protect against both fatal diseases, and we recommend all dogs and cats are vaccinated regularly (even indoor cats), to keep them safe.  With more unwanted, unvaccinated and potentially infectious cats on the streets we are concerned we may see more of this fatal but preventable disease.

Firework related pet anxiety

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Image courtesy of Bill Longshaw; freeigitalphotos.net

More than 80% of owners say their pet is afraid of firework noises. Signs of stress in dogs include trembling, shaking, hiding behind furniture, barking excessively, and trying to run away. Cats are much better at hiding their anxiety, but symptoms may include excessive meowing, refusal to eat, hiding, or vertical scratching and spraying.

Often mild reactions to fireworks can be managed with a pheromone (scent) spray; called Feliway in cats and Adaptil in dogs. These products can be purchased from our surgeries.

More severe reactions in dogs may be managed with a combination of sound desensitisation, using CD’s such as Soundsscary, and Adaptil.  Occasionally tranquilizers may be prescribed after consultation with your vet, but these are generally used as a last resort.

Further tips for reducing firework anxiety include:
i. Provide a den or hiding place; this works best if it is a place previously chosen by your pet when they have been frightened before.

ii. Plug a Feliway diffuser or Adaptil diffuser close to the den at least a few days before the fireworks start.

iii. Try to ignore behaviour such as whining and crying, panting or pacing.   Pets can pick up on their owner’s anxiety, and if you try to soothe them it can reinforce the belief that fireworks are something to be afraid of.  It is also important not to scold them.

iv. Close doors and windows, close curtains and turn on music or the TV to mask some of the noises.

v. Keep cats indoors and have them microchipped in case they escape.

Please contact any of our surgeries in West London for further information or a consultation.  Please see www.youngvets.co.uk for contact details.

Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show Sunday 23rd September

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Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show in association with Chiswick House Organised Dog Walkers (CHOW) Sunday 23rd September 2012

Young Veterinary Partnership will once again sponsor this very popular annual local event for the whole community held at Chiswick House. Last year more than 1500 visitors enjoyed the many fun classes on offer as well as the wide range of stalls and other entertainments present. The show provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to celebrate the variety of the canine community in a fun and safe environment and all dogs are welcome to take part, as well as visitors without dogs. All proceeds are donated to improve dog-related facilities within the gardens. Come and join in!

Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show

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Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show in association with Chiswick House Organised Dog Walkers (CHOW) Sunday 23rd September 2012

Young Veterinary Partnership will once again sponsor this very popular annual local event for the whole community held at Chiswick House.   Last year more than 1500 visitors enjoyed the many fun classes on offer as well as the wide range of stalls and other entertainments present.  The show provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to celebrate the variety of the canine community in a fun and safe environment and all dogs are welcome to take part, as well as visitors without dogs.  All proceeds are donated to improve dog-related facilities within the gardens.  Come and join in!