added 6th February 2012

In so many ways this is the hardest part of the winter - especially this year, where the cold snap has come so late after a long, mild spell. To protect them from the weather, most people’s horses are spending a lot more time in the stable at this time of year, and that increases their risk of respiratory problems.

Infectious causes (like Equine Influenza) are often preventable by vaccination (check out our prices on equine vaccines!). However, the most common respiratory condition in horses in the UK is probably RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction, aka COPD, aka Heaves aka lots of other names). This is sometimes described as being “like asthma” in humans - although the details are very different, the effects can be pretty similar.

Like asthma, RAO is an allergic response, and its usually triggered by dust and/or fungal spores in the air. It seems to be more common in older horses, but it can affect horses of any age; and its much more common in stabled horses than those at pasture (because there’s more dust and crud in the air in a stable - no matter how well mucked out it is, the air inside’s never going to be as clean as it is out in the field!)

The result is that the small airways close down (called bronchospasm), making it harder and harder for the horse to breathe. This creates a characteristic “wheeze”, often when breathing out as they try to force air out of the lungs. Over time, the muscles on the belly and chest that drive breathing get bigger and stronger, resulting in a “heave line”.

Occasionally, some horses have an acute respiratory crisis, where the RAO kicks in suddenly, over a few hours, rather than weeks. In these cases, the horses are really struggling to get enough air down. This is a real emergency, and needs urgent veterinary attention; while you’re waiting for the vet to arrive, it’s usually best to get the horse out of the stable into the cleanest air you can find.

The condition isn’t generally curable, but it can usually be managed with medication (e.g. Ventipulmin granules), or inhalers. There are also a range of herbal and nutritional supplements designed to improve general respiratory health, help in the clearance of secretions from the lungs, and boost local immunity.

This month, MyVetMeds are offering specially reduced prices on respiratory supplements... AND we’ll also give you Double Reward Points on everything in the Respiratory Assist selection!

added 26th January 2012

Cats, as so many of us who keep them have learnt, have very sensitive bladders. One of the commonest reasons we vets see them is because they’re having trouble urinating. “Cystitis” (or more properly, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder, FLUTD) in both male and female cats is usually recognised by 3 major signs:

1) Pain when urinating

2) Difficulty urinating (e.g. spotting, urinating in unusual places)

3) Blood in the urine.

Unlike humans, however, most cases of cystitis in cats aren’t actually caused by an infection (in older cats, it can be up to 25%, but in cats under 8 years old, less than 10% are associated with any bacterial growth).

By far the commonest cause is called FIC: Feline Idiopathic Cystitis, accounting for ? of all cases. In this strange condition, the primary cause is stress. This causes change in the nerve supply to the bladder, making it’s protective lining thinner, allowing urine to scald the sensitive membranes. This is painful, resulting in more stress, so escalates into an ever worsening spiral. The stress-event varies from cat to cat, but may be as major as moving house or a new baby; or as (apparently) minor as the litter tray being moved, or a change in diet.

To manage this, the key is to control stress - covered litter trays, a steady routine, and Feliway or Zylkene if needed all help. Its also very important to maximise water intake; if your cat will drink, that’s great (fountains are really good for many cats); if not, a diluting food like the Royal Canin Urinary Dry Food or, even better, Pouches can be really useful. However, sometimes its not enough, so there are a wide variety of supplements available to help reinforce the bladder lining. The old favorite was always Cystaid, but there are now a number of newer ones, including Cystease, Furinaid (which comes in a tasty liquid form for easy dosing) and the brand-new Cystophan, which also contains L-tryptophan, which is known to act as a de-stressing agent in its own right.

The second most common cause of cystitis is a build-up of stones (or calculi) which irritate the bladder lining. Eventually, they can pass into the urethra (the tube carrying urine out of the bladder) and block it, most commonly in toms (especially neutered ones). This can be an emergency - a “blocked cat” is all too common (usually at about 6pm on a Friday night!). If left untreated, it can be fatal, leading to bladder rupture and shock. Once the stones have formed, they will need veterinary attention. However, managing crystals in the urine to prevent stones is very important, and can be done by using special diets - the Hills Feline s/d is specially designed for dissolving Struvite crystals. The all-new Hills Feline c/d Multicare range is designed to help with all the major causes of cystitis: it dissolves struvite, and addresses FIC, oxalate crystals and urinary plugs.

This month, we’re running special offers on our whole Urinary Range! We’ve got specially reduced prices on all the urinary supplements, the Royal Canin Urinary range and Hills s/d. And to celebrate the launch of the new Hills c/d Multicare, we’re offering a FREE Hills Urinary Cat Pack (containing two types of food, cat litter and loads of information about FLUTD) with every order of marked Special Offer c/d food! 

added 28th December 2011

Hopefully everyone had a great Christmas!

However, its likely that at least some of us have put on a few pounds... And that goes for our pets, too: some studies suggest that as many as half of all dogs and cats in the UK are overweight or obese.

Dogs and cats suffer from obesity just as much as humans. It can cause a reduction in mobility, even full-blown arthritis, together with heart disease, liver problems and diabetes.

The answer is simple - weight loss! However, actually doing it is often remarkably hard... Most veterinary practices offer weight control clinics. They are really, really helpful. Don’t be shy about it - if you think your dog or cat is overweight (or you’re told they are!), the vets and nurses will be really professional. Remember, they’re there to help you and your pet, not to judge you!

To help, many vets recommend a weight loss diet. To help you out this month, we’re running special reductions on Hills Reducing Diet (R/D) and Royal Canin Obesity Control. In addition, we’ve got a great deal on Royal Canin Satiety Control - a diet specially designed to make dogs feel fuller than they are. It certainly can help to reduce those pleading looks if you’re finding it hard to stay resolute!

We’re also offering special deals on a range of energetic toys to help blow away the cobwebs and get them (and you!) exercising. With every two New Year Reductions for Dogs items bought (including food!), there’s a free B-Seen glowing collar (really useful with these early nights!); and with every 2 cat items, there’s a free Collar (nice and fresh for the new year!).

So, here’s to a great, healthy 2012!

added 22nd December 2011

Remember, there can be health risks to dogs at this time of year - our festive foods and decorations can cause major problems for our pets...
Chocolate: can be very toxic to dogs, especially dark chocolate. Take care with all chocolate
containing treats e.g biscuits - there are special dog-chocolates available, just don’t get them mixed up!
Tinsel and Rubber bands: dogs often enjoy playing with tinsel and rubber bands but they
can be dangerous if eaten as they can cause gut blockage, often needing urgent surgery
Raisins/grapes: (eg in cake/pudding/mince pies): can cause kidney failure in dogs due to oxalate poisoning
Xmas trees: climbing (OK, only smallish dogs, usually) and electrocution risk from lights (chewing or urinating); also, pine needles if swallowed can cause gut perforations
Presents under the tree: depending on the contents!
Table scraps: often much richer than normal causing diarrhoea
Bones: can cause dietary upsets and blockages, especially the fragile bones from turkey or goose
String (wrapping and cooking): dangerous if eaten, and if it gets wrapped around leg or tail it can act as a tourniquet, cutting off the blood supply
Holly berries and Poinsettia: can cause dietary upsets and abdominal pain
Mistletoe, Cyclamen tubers and Christmas Rose: can cause dietary upsets and neurological
signs (e.g. seizures)
Lily pollen: can cause kidney failure
Pet toys: ensure they are good quality to prevent injury or swallowing of small parts causing
blockages
Alcohol: dogs don’t cope with alcohol very well, and a carelessly abandoned glass of sherry can cause real distress to an unsuspecting pet!
Paracetamol and ibuprofen: good for our hangovers, but can cause liver or kidney failure

So, take good care of them - and have a Merry Christmas!

added 14th December 2011

While Winter can be a beautiful time (cold, crisp days, maybe a light snowfall, icicles reflecting the light of a low, red sun...), for those of us who work outdoors, this time of year usually means...

MUD!

And mud and horses are a pretty bad mix. Not only do they always manage to find the muddiest wallow to roll in (meaning more grooming at best and a new rug at worst), mud and wet can contribute to the development of several diseases. Of these, the most important are Thrush, Rain Scald and Mud Fever.

Thrush is a fungal infection of the hooves, especially round the frog. It is caused by standing in the wet, which allows the fungi to multiply, and is easy to identify because when you pick out the hoof, it stinks to high heaven! In severe cases, the frog turns black and slimy, and it can even progress to full-grown mushrooms growing out of the hoof (yes, I really have seen this!). Treatment is drying... but that’s not always practical! Application of cleaning products like Keratex Hoof Disinfectant or povidone iodine (e.g Betadine) can help to prevent and control the infection, but if its severe, you may need advice from your vet or farrier.

Generally, Rain Scald occurs on the back of the horse, and is easily recognisable - small scabs appear, which may be a bit pussy underneath. When the scabs come off, the hair comes with them, so they look like tiny paint brushes. Rain Scald can occur even if a horse is rugged up - especially if the rug isn’t changed often enough! Its is caused by a bacteria - Dermatophilus congolensis - and when the skin gets wet and stays wet, the bacteria can invade and set up the infection. Treatment is usually just a matter of keeping the horse dry, and perhaps using a chlorhexidine based wash (e.g. Hibiscrub or Vetasept). In severe cases, however, the horse may need antibiotics.

Mud Fever, aka Greasy Heels, aka Cracked Heels is a much more complicated disease! Usually presenting as hot, painful scabs (with or without pus and even lymphangitis in severe cases) behind the pasterns, it has many possible causes, but its usually triggered by prolonged wet, muddy conditions. There are often bacteria involved - frequently the same ones as in Rain Scald - but other problems include Chorioptes mites and yeast infections. The basic first-aid treatment is the same: keep it dry and clean! There are now products available that are specifically designed to protect the skin, for example Muddy Marvel Barrier Cream.Once the scabs have formed, it is useful to try and remove them, but don’t just yank them off - its a great way to get kicked! Wetting them can help (use a chlorhexidine based wash e.g. Hibiscrub or Vetasept), and the Muddy Marvel De-Scab Cream is specially designed to make them easy to remove. Once the scabs are off, an antiseptic ointment (e.g. Cut-Heal or Filtabac) or lotion (some people recommend Aloe Vera Juice as a natural antiseptic) can be very useful in treating the raw skin left behind. However, if in any doubt, contact your vet, as Mud Fever can become very serious, very fast, even if treated properly.

And don’t forget those joints! Muddy ground puts extra stress on the joints, so we’ve extended our special offer so there a double Reward Points on all equine joint supplements!

David Harris BVSc MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

If in any doubt about your horse’s condition, contact your vet! They will be able to advise you over the phone whether or not a visit is required.