News

Please see below for our latest news.

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  Kynoch Vets Pet Slimming World

  17 January 2012

   

  New Year.... New You (and Your Pet!)
  

  We all know the feeling... the last of the selection box chocolates has been eaten, and the settee has started to groan under the enlarged mass now occupying it, but 2012 has begun! The year of the Olympics is as good an excuse as any to get into shape – and this should include your furry friends!

  Here at Kynoch Vets, we are encouraging our vets and our pets to make 2012 a happier, healthier year. We need your help!

  Does your dog or cat look a little large at the moment? Is he or she struggling with their ‘walkies’? Are less mice being hunted by your cat due to lack of stamina? Or are you simply a little unsure as to what your pet’s ideal weight should be?

  We are asking you to download our Pet Slimming World Application Form from the website, complete it and drop it in to your local Kynoch practice, where we will arrange a free nurse clinic to discuss the best weight loss regime for your pet.

  Obesity in pets is estimated at 25-30% in the UK, with 1 in 4 dogs or cats being classified as overweight. This can lead to health problems, as well as a general decrease in quality of life. As a simple test, stand over your animal and check if you can see a waistline. There should be a depression, even if only slight, behind the ribcage – rather than a bulge.

  If you can’t find your animal’s waist – then come and we’ll help you!

  In addition, two of our vets are making their own strides into the realms of fitness by undertaking the Moonwalk, an overnight marathon through the streets of London to raise money for Breast Cancer.

  Each practice can then nominate their ‘Slimmer of the Year 2012’ at the end of the programme and, with any luck, your furry friend could feature on the website with an account of their success story, not to mention a certificate to display with pride. So download a Pet Slimming World form now and let the weight loss begin!

  
  Pet Slimming Application
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  Amanda Bowsher's dog Lydia at the UK Agility Competition, Maple Durham

  21 April 2011

  Wokingham's Reception Manager Amanda Bowsher's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lydia, age 6.
  
  Lydia jumped two clear rounds at the UK Agility Competition at Maple Durham on Saturday 2nd April 2011.
  
  Amanda and Lydia recently joined the club and it was the first time they had competed.  They have been members of the "Happy Dogs" agility club in Swallowfield for the last 2 years.
  
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  The story of Spot Ranson

  05 April 2011

  Working in a vet practice every day you see lots of different and special animals come and go for boosters, checkups, minor and major procedures or even just a weight check and to say hello, we are always pleased to see them.  Then there will be a sad case, which results in a patient staying in hospital for a really long time.  You spend so long caring for them on a daily basis and a strong bond is formed.
  
  Spot was one of those patients who spent a lot of time with us and made an impact on the veterinary teams of two of our surgeries in particular.  He was rushed into our Yateley surgery on the 1st of March 2011 after being hit by a car, he was in a great deal of shock and on further examination by Jonathan it was found that he could not move any of his limbs.  Due to the quick thinking of a passer by he was able to be treated quickly for shock, his owners were found and Spot slowly began to show some changes in his condition.  He was then whisked off to a referral practice for an MRI scan to determine the extent of the damage.
  
  Once back from the referral practice he was transferred to our out of hours clinic at Crowthorne, the referral practice had expressed great hope that the bleed on Spot's spinal cord would resolve itself and he would become functional again.  So now it was down to the nurses to work their magic and nurse him back to health, and that we did.  At first we had to syringe feed him as his co-ordination was not brilliant, he took it really well and loved his treats!  Slowly as the weeks went on Spot began to eat by himself, tucking into his Whiskas, chicken and salmon and treat sticks. 
  
  We gave Spot physiotherapy throughout the day, rubbing and moving the limbs to help with circulation and get the muscles working.  Spot was quite a favourite with all of us and got a lot of attention while he was in hospital, he loved his zoom groom!! We also got to know the Ranson family very well and enjoyed their daily visits.  A highlight was when Spot took his first steps, I turned around to clean a kennel turned back and Spot was walking towards me, the squeals of delight are captured on the iphone that was used to record it.
  
  Spot is now at home and doing really well, although he is a little wobbly, we miss him a lot at Crowthorne but are really pleased he is home and doing so well!  We look forward to his check ups!
  
  Carrie Aldham
  Deputy Head Nurse
  Crowthorne 
  

• Pet Friendly Festive Tips

  23 December 2010

  Dog and cat proof your festivities with some handy tips courtesy of The Animal Health Trust this Christmas:
  
  Chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, sultanas and grapes are poisonous to dogs.  Christmas pudding, mince pies and Christmas cake are definately off Fido's menu!
  
  Unshelled nuts, turkey and chicken bones and small toys can get stuck in the digestive system so keep them out of harm's way.
  
  Cats and dogs unfortunately love anti-freeze because it tastes sweet but it can cause fatal kidney damage if lapped up so make sure you mop up any puddles by the car and keep any containers firmly closed and well out of reach.
  
  Some animals find lots of visitors a bit overwhelming.  Make sure they have an escape route to somewhere peaceful and quiet.
  

• Parvovirus: An old foe returns with a vengeance

  01 September 2010

  Parvovirus was a word that used to strike dread into every vet’s heart about 25 years ago. Back then it was the new disease on the block and became an epidemic killing many many dogs. Fortunately an effective vaccine was developed and until recently we thought we had this nasty disease licked.
  
  However it has reared its ugly head in the last few months and vets are now seeing parvo infection on a regular basis. In our practice alone we have had several cases, the most recent of which have been confirmed by testing at the lab as being caused by the virus.
  
  The disease starts as diarrhoea and quickly develops into a life threatening gastroenteritis with a lot of blood being passed in the faeces. Apart from the obvious outward signs, affected dogs very quickly become dehydrated and severely depressed. If left untreated, death can follow in as little as 2-3 days. Puppies, old dogs and those with poor immune systems are most at risk but any dog which has not been vaccinated can become infected. The virus is easily passed between dogs through infected faeces, and can be carried by foxes.
  
  Augustus (not his real name - he has asked to remain anonymous!) is a lovely terrier puppy. Unfortunately he was not vaccinated soon after leaving Mum and was taken to the park too soon. Within days, and the incubation period can be as long as a week, he started to slow down and soon developed diarrhoea. Within 24 hours he was showing signs of bloody gastroenteritis, became very weak and dehydrated. Fortunately his new mum and dad realised the seriousness of his illness and sought our advice. He was immediately hospitalised for intense treatment and nursing care. He recovered, although it took a few days of anxious waiting for the treatment to work, as the virus, unlike a bacterial infection, will not respond to antibiotics. He was one of the lucky ones. Sometimes the virus is so nasty it damages the gut and heart beyond repair and despite aggressive treatment can still cause death.
  
  Because there is no specific medication, prevention is vital and this is easily achieved through vaccination. The vaccines used by any reputable vet are very effective in preventing infection. They have been tested rigorously and are continually updated to keep pace with the changing strains of the virus. But they will only work if they are given as a proper course, usually 2 injections for a puppy or unvaccinated dog, and then boosted according to veterinary advice.
  
  If you are unsure whether your dog is protected contact your vet who can advise you on vaccination. If your puppy or dog shows any signs of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis contact your vet as soon as possible – it could make all the difference! Just ask Augustus!
  
  Authors:
  Nick Tremlett MA VetMB MRCVS
  & Kate Marriott BVetMed MRCVS