Autumn has arrived and although we are experiencing cooler nights, the day temeratures are still high so beware of the danger of hyperthermia (excessively high body temperature) in all pets, but pay particular care to those little pets out in cages (rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets) who can be at extreme risk by the weather. Provide ice cold plastic bottles and full shade.

This month we focus on some behavioural issues in pets and have a refresher on the deadly bacterial disease tetanus in horses.

We welcome Claudia Vegter who will spend her gap year working with us before she embarks on a university course in 2018. 

Our minimally invasive surgery case list continues to grow as clients are aware that procedures such as abdominal organ biopsies and desxing can be performed via keyhole wounds (laparoscopy). Arthroscopy (keyhole joint surgery) is now also on offer for those animals suffering from joint issues. 

We offer this timely reminder to check your pet's vaccination records and make sure they are up to date prior to the Easter school holiday period. Be aware that for pets unvaccinated or not up to date with their vaccinations, please allow up to five weeks in case two vaccinations are required to have your pet ready for kennel/cattery entry and avoid disappointment.

And finally we look at the new deadly rabbit calicivirus strain due for release statewide on 6th March 2017. Recent government trials indicate the current vaccination offers protection, however vaccine stocks are almost depleted. CALL US on 57622788 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

We all loved the 'Red Dog' films. Well this month we have a tragic story about a local red kelpie Maverick who was willfully kicked in the hind limb by a dog owner in Benalla recently whilst harmlessly meeting and greeting the 'gentlman's' dog in an off leash area. 

Maverick, a lovely five year old male, was rushed to our clinic because within minutes after the trauma he was experiencing excruciating pain and was not able to put weight on his left hind leg. The kicks had left him with a dislocation of his hip joint. He was anaethetised and xrays were taken to rule out potential fractures and to allow the hip to be put back into place. Less than 24 hours later the hip re-dislocated. A second attempt to replace the hip was only successful for a further 24 hours and this can often occur as the hip joint has endure great force which breaks the ligament in the hip and damages the joint capsule rendering the hip unstable. 

Dr Steph Miechel recommended surgical correction of the hip dislocation as the best way forward for Maverick to be able to return to as close to his original hip functionality as possible. He may still develop hip arrthritis in future which will be a dreadful reminder to the callous and thoughtless actions of a fellow dog owner.

He underwent this hip toggle surgery and is currently recovering quietly at home. This surgery involves replicating the original ligament inside the hip joint and repairing the hip joint capsule to maintain the hip in its correct location and generally we see very good outcomes.  We will update you on his future progress in future newsletters.

The take-home message is that in our parks off leash dog play areas carry inherent risks, not only from dog attacks, but also from other dog owners who can inflict serious damage whilst attempting to protect their own pets from perceived threats. Luckily this issue is not a common occurence in Benalla as the majority of us are not cruel.   

Since 1995 Australian pet rabbits have been under threat from the deadly rabbit haemorrhagic disease which has become endemic in the wild rabbit population. Around that time the Cylap vaccine was made available to Australian vets and since then many rabbit owners have chosen to vaccinate their pets.  

On 6th March a new even more deadly calicivirus strain called K5 (Korean) is due for release at over 600 sites accross Australia including the Benalla district.  According to information recently provided by our local government vets, recent trials of this strain in wild rabbits revealed 100% protection in vaccinated rabbits and similarly 100% deaths in those poor unvaccinated bunnies. The virus can however alter its potency once released, so we can only hope the current Cylap vaccine protects our domestic bunnies.  Work is underway on an updated vaccine which can not come soon enough.

The current recommendation is to vaccinate adult rabbits every 6 months from now on, and young rabbits can start at 4 weeks of age.  However unfortunately Cylap vaccine supplies are all but exhausted as people rush to protect their pets.  We will be trying to source vaccine as fast as we can to keep our local domestic rabbits immune to this deadly killer disease.

For more information on vaccine recommendations and on clinical signs of rabbit haemorrhagic disease, visit our website.    

Has your pet always been well behaved but all of a sudden things have changed?

Has toilet training gone out the window?

Is your dog suddenly digging up the garden or barking non stop?

Is your cat clawing at your favourite piece of furniture?

Behavioural problems in our pets are very common and they can begin at any point during your pet's life. 

This is where a medical examination with us is absolutely essential. For example, if your pet is suddenly urinating in the house, we need to rule out medical problems such as a urinary tract infection or urinary incontinence.

Perhaps your dog has started growling at you when he is picked up - have you thought that your dog might be in pain due to the onset of arthritis?

If your pet's behaviour has gone to the dogs you should arrange an appointment with us as soon as possible so we can get to the bottom of the problem. If we are able to rule out any medical problems we have plenty of tools up our sleeve to help treat and manage behavioural issues.  

If you want to improve your pet's behaviour, start by giving us a call. 

Here are a few of the behavioural issues we talk about with our clients on a daily basis.

Dog Behaviour

Barking: It's important to understand that barking is a normal way that dogs communicate with others. Dogs might bark to get attention, during play, hunting, territorial defence, and in fearful and anxious situations. We can help you identify the reason your dog is barking and provide advice about how to control it.

Aggression: Many clients ask how to control aggressive behaviour in their dog. Remember that aggression is a normal behaviour expressed by dogs in a variety of situations. All questions about aggressive behaviour need to be dealt with professionally by us so that a full work-up can be performed and treatment plan formulated.

Destructive behaviour: Dogs do not destroy things vindictively and there are many other reasons your dog may be destructive including boredom, inadequate exercise, investigation, anxiety, fear or phobias. We'll try to determine the cause of your dog's destructive behaviour and what to do about it. 

Cat Behaviour

Scratching: Scratching is normal cat behaviour that is used to communicate or mark territory. It's something they must do and it can be easier to direct their scratching towards an acceptable surface, especially in the early stages, rather than trying to stop the damage later. Ask us for tips.

Yowling: Owners can find that this is a common problem, particularly early in the morning. This might occur because your cat is hungry, in pain, seeking attention, demanding food or defending his territory.

Spraying: This problem is frequently reported to us by cat owners. You can read more about this issue in the article below.

If you have a question about your pet's behaviour, we are the best people to ask. 

If you've ever seen a cat spraying you may have been intrigued. It's a strange looking activity where the cat stands with a vertical tail (sometimes quivering at the tip) and delivers a squirt of urine against a vertical surface. 

Urine spraying is considered a normal part of a cat's scent-marking. It is thought that the spray contains information about sex, age, hormonal state and general health and it may also deter other cats from coming into a cat's territory. Both male and female cats will spray - cats that are not desexed may spray more often.

Cats will also spray when they are frustrated, upset or feel threatened by another cat. It's fascinating feline psychology and by marking with a squirt of urine and leaving a familiar smell, a cat feels a greater sense of security in his or her territory. 

Most cats won't spray indoors as they feel sufficiently comfortable in their own territory. Sometimes this can, however go out the window and simple changes may rock the boat.

Why might a cat start spraying indoors? Triggers include: 

• The arrival (or departure) of a new cat, dog or person in the family (or next door!)  
• Changes in the home area such as a new piece of furniture or new carpets
• Disruptions such as building construction next door
• An addition of a cat flap which can suddenly make the cat feel insecure indoors

Medical problems such as urinary tract infections or inflammation can also cause a cat to suddenly start spraying urine indoors. This highlights the importance of getting your cat checked with us as the treatment for a urinary tract infection will be very different to the management of behavioural spraying.

If you are concerned about your cat or have any questions relating to your cat's toileting habits please ask us for advice.

Anxiety disorders are probably the most common type of behaviour problem we see in dogs.

For most dogs, stress plays a key role in the development of an anxiety problem but there may also be a breed predisposition in some cases. 

It is important to understand that anxiety in dogs is a medical condition and requires veterinary attention and careful management.

Some signs of canine anxiety to watch out for include:

• Destructive behaviour such as digging, chewing furniture, scratching at door frames
• Pacing or trying to escape
• Aggression - to other dogs or people
• Yawning
• Avoiding eye contact or looking away
• Standing with tail tucked under

For us to accurately diagnose an anxiety problem we'll be relying on you to give us essential information about your dog's behavioural and medical history. We will ask you lots of questions and also perform a thorough physical exam and possibly blood and urine tests, especially if your dog's treatment plan includes medication.

Punishment should never be used when training an anxious dog as this will only further increase anxiety and this can impair the retraining process. 

If you are worried about your dog's behaviour please call us.

Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disease of horses caused by a toxin. Clostridial bacteria, commonly found in soil, can infect your horse through wounds, the mouth and the intestines. Once infection is established the bacteria produce the deadly tetanus toxin which spreads around the body.

Signs of tetanus include: stiffness of the head and neck, over-reacting to stimulation, unsteady movement, increased breathing and general pain.

Treatment of tetanus is hit-and-miss, however vaccination is extremely effective in preventing the disease. The most commonly used tetanus vaccine is combined with the strangles vaccine and known as a 2 in 1. 

• Two initial intramuscular injections are given four weeks apart, followed by a booster 12 months later
• Boosters every 4 to 5 years will maintain protection or tetanus
• Foals should be vaccinated at 3 months of age and pregnant mares should be given a booster 4 weeks prior to foaling
• Non-vaccinated horses can be given a tetanus anti-toxin to provide immediate but short-term protection if required

Call us for expert advice on protecting your horses against this heartbreaking disease.