Not displaying properly? Click here to read online.

In the news....what is Megaoesophagus?

Earlier this week we saw a media alert for dog owners regarding a condition known as megaoesophagus.

You may have heard OVH Vet Nickala on ABC 2CR this week giving an overview of this condition for dog owners.

In summary megaoesophagus is a condition resulting in decreased oesophageal motility, impairing the transport of food and liquids into the stomach. Basically the oesophagus doesn't push food into the stomach for digestion and the food sits in the oesophagus until it is regurgitated back up. 

Megaoesophagus can be caused by a number of underlying diseases such as neuromuscular disorders, toxins, or from congenital disorders (birth defects) and can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Overall treatment is aimed at managing the condition by preventing regurgitation and allowing food to move through the digestive tract. Affected animals are seated in an upright position for meals, which are altered in consistency to suit each case.

The current media story of an unexplained increase in the number of cases presenting seems to point to a common food source although no causal link has as yet been identified. The company manufacturing this food - Advance Adult Dog Dermocare - has recalled their supplies. Investigations are ongoing. 

If you have been using this food and have any concerns please call us - 63618388.

Nickala

Nickala when not at the ABC in work mode

Contents of this newsletter

01  The best ways to care for a senior pet

02  Can my dog get dementia?

03  Lenno's dry eyes

04  Children and dogs - keeping everyone safe

05  "The Family Dog" video

01 The best ways to care for a senior pet
SetWidth600-dog-2417805
SetWidth600-catlookingup

Did you know that dogs and cats are considered senior when they reach 8 years of age? Most importantly, senior pets require some extra special attention to help keep them happy and healthy.

Here are some of the best ways you can care for your senior pet:

1. Regular health checks

More regular health checks are absolutely essential for your ageing pet. There can be many changes that occur to your pet's health over a year (equivalent to 6-8 years in human years). A check up every 3 - 6 months will help us pick up on any changes and allow us to initiate a treatment plan to help your pet live a healthier and more comfortable life.

2. Appropriate diet

Our ageing pets have changing nutritional requirements. Older animals may be less able to cope with excessive nutrients or particular deficiencies. We recommend you feed your senior pet a complete and balanced premium food suitable for a mature pet. These help to maintain ideal body condition and will improve longevity. Ask us for a specific diet recommendation.

3. Keep an eye out for changes

Fluctuations in weight, appetite, thirst and urination can be a sign of an underlying disease. As can the presence of a cough, a change in sleeping habits, stiff joints and accidents around the house. It's also a good idea to run your hands over your pet every week and feel for any new lumps or bumps. If you find anything new or unusual, arrange a lump check with us as soon as possible. And don't be tempted to just put these changes down to 'getting old' as they are not normal!

Phone us if you have any questions about your senior pet, we are here to give you the best advice.

02 Can my dog get dementia?
SetWidth600-olddog

Yes! Doggy dementia (also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction) has been recognised for some time and has many similarities to Alzheimer's disease in humans.

Some of the signs of this disease can be subtle so you may not even realise your elderly canine is suffering from the disease. 

Watch out for:

- Disorientation and confusion
- Lack or decreased levels of interaction with family members or other pets
- A disturbance in sleep patterns, pacing at night, unable to settle
- Forgetting toilet training
- Reduced activity levels
- Barking for no reason, staring at walls, getting stuck in corners

The most important point to remember is that there are many other diseases that can lead to any of the signs of dementia so diagnosis involves assessment of your pet and is a process of elimination. This is just another example of why regular checkups are essential for a senior pet. 

The good news is that we have a prescription diet available that may help improve brain function as well as medications that may improve the condition and others to help reduce any anxiety your pet may be experiencing.

Ask us for more information if you are worried about your pet.

03 Lenno's dry eyes
SetWidth600-lennopic
SetWidth600-lennostt


Lenno having the quality of his tears assessed using a Schirmer tear test.

Meet Lenno. Lenno is an 8-year-old cavalier cross who snores very loudly and is obsessed with food. We will be following Lenno's health journey over the next few months. 

Lenno is considered a senior dog and has regular health checks to manage his early arthritis. 

At a recent visit, Lenno's eyes looked a bit red. They also had a mild yellow discharge and so a thorough eye examination was performed. 

A routine tear test (known as a Schirmer tear test) indicated that Lenno's tear film was not sufficient enough and confirmed Lenno was suffering from a condition known as dry eye. 

A lack of 'healthy tears' means the eye is not nourished properly and without tears, the eye becomes very dry and uncomfortable. This condition can be very painful if not diagnosed and treated properly. It can also lead to secondary problems such as corneal ulcers and even blindness.  

It is most commonly caused by an immune-mediated condition that leads to damage to the tear producing glands. Breeds that are predisposed to the condition include the English Cocker spaniel, West Highland White terrier, Cavalier King Charles spaniel and Shih-Tzu. Other breeds include the Yorkshire terrier, Bulldog, Pekingese, Pug and Lhasa Apso.

Lenno will need to be given eye drops every day for the rest of his life to manage the condition and we will update you on his progress next month (as well as venturing into the management of his arthritis).

In the meantime, if you ever look into your pet's eyes and notice any redness, change in size or colour, discharge or squinting you should arrange a check up with us ASAP. Eye conditions can be extremely painful and generally require swift veterinary treatment. Call us if you are worried.  

04 Children and dogs - keeping everyone safe
SetWidth600-boyanddogs
SetWidth600-girlanddog

When it comes to children and dogs, many people say that supervision is essential. But it is critical to understand that supervision alone may not always be the way to prevent a dog bite.

The key to helping prevent a dog bite is being able to recognise when a dog is feeling stressed or threatened. It's important to be able to pick up on the signs and intervene before it's too late. 

Everyone needs to know what to look out for and this includes parents, grandparents, friends and the babysitter. No matter how "trustworthy" or safe you think a dog is, it always pays to take care and remember that kids can push dogs to new limits or even unintentionally hurt a dog. 

Some of the stress signals to watch out for in dogs:

1. Lip licking (not in the context of food)
2. Yawning when not tired
3. Whites of the eyes visible
4. Immediately standing and leaving the environment 
5. Turning head away
6. Hiding behind another person or furniture
7. Ears back 
8. Tail low or tucked between legs and only the end wagging

If you notice any of these signs you should separate the child and the dog immediately. Never allow a child to be around a dog when there is food involved and take care if a child is in a dog's territory (such as a dog bed). These can all lead to increased stress for a dog.

We also encourage you to watch and share the video below that expresses how a dog might feel when put under stress by young children.

If you have any questions about your pet's behaviour, please ask us.

05 "The Family Dog" video

Last month we talked about OVH's Little Pet Vet Program which aims to educate children (& their families) and give them an opportunity to learn how to handle a dog, how to look after a family pet and discover what a vet does. 

Our team have been busy in the community delivering this program to a very engaged audience. If your child is at a daycare centre, pre school or primary school that would like us to present this program please contact our Practice Manager, Kim Dale 63618388.

The relationship between dogs and children can be a magic however it's important to appreciate this from both the child's and the animal's perspective.

Here's a short video on YouTube created by "The Family Dog" that expresses how a dog can feel when put under stress by young children. It might give you a different perspective on how kids and dogs should interact.