A surprise from the sea
We all know that dogs LOVE to roll in stinky, smelly things. Well Myer, a Siberian Husky, received quite a surprise after rolling in a dead sting ray at the beach! The sting ray's barb became embedded in her right shoulder, poor Myer.
Our vet, Dr Angela Willemsen, was able to remove the embedded barb and flushed and cleaned the wound. Lucky for Myer, it was only a small sting ray, and only resulted in some mild swelling and pain.
Sting ray barbs have the ability to cause mild envenomation causing pain, swelling and muscle twitching. Or in a more serious case you may get vomiting, a slow heart rate, tremours and circulatory collapse.
We are happy to report that Myer is back to her cheeky self!
How to avoid a Christmas Catastrophe!
Christmas-it’s the most wonderful time of the year; however it can be a dangerous time of year for your pet. We have put together a small list together of things you should be aware of so you can avoid an emergency trip to the Vets over the holidays!
1) FOOD –A lot of the food that we eat during the holidays can be quite toxic to our pets. Others can cause gastro-intestinal upsets. So when you have family over, make sure they aren’t feeding the following to either your cat or your dog:
-Ham (can be quite fatty and cause diarrhoea, or if severe enough, pancreatitis)
-onions and garlic (raw or cooked, can be toxic and cause serious blood disorders)
-cooked bones e.g. chicken, turkey, ham (can splinter or cause obstruction and constipation)
-chocolate (the higher the cocoa percentage, the more toxic)
-grapes/raisins/sultanas (toxic and can cause acute renal failure)
-macadamia nuts (toxic and can cause seizuring)
-satay sticks (skewers) - often attractive to dogs even when the meat has been taken off them
-corn cobs (if you have a greedy guts that eats the whole thing, a bowel obstruction is imminent)
-alcohol (very toxic to our pets)
2) PLANTS- there are too many to list, some cause mild irritation to the skin, eyes or gastrointestinal tract others are lethal . Some are commonly brought inside at Christmas and put in flower arrangements or given as presents.
A few examples include:
- Lilies - particularly toxic to cats, even small amounts of the pollen can cause fatal kidney disease
- Cycads- can cause hepatic dysfunction
- Dracaena (happy plant) -like lilies, the entireplant is toxic when chewed/ingested
- Cyclamen (Alpine/Persian violet)-Often given as presents at Christmas. The entire plant is toxic, but especially the roots and bulbs.
- Brunsfelsia (yesterday/today/tomorrow) -the entire plant, especially the berries, are toxic
For a more comprehensive listing, see “poisonous2pets” by Nicole O'kane, available in book stores or through www.palmerhiggsbooks.com.au.
3) TOYS/DECORATIONS- Particularly dangerous in the young inquisitive pet, Christmas toys are particularly hazardous. Examples include:
- String- Often from wrapped presents, or on ornaments, is particularly attractive, and can be deadly if ingested.
- Glass tree ornaments- Can be chewed by dogs and cats, causing them to break. The shattered glass may be ingested and cause trauma
- Toys -Both human and pet toys can be hazardous -check them to see if they can be swallowed or have parts that are likely tobreak off when chewed
- Sewing pins- Often used in decorations, may be ingested
- Essential oils e.g. potpourri oils- can be toxic
The Vetwell group of practices wishes you and your pet a safe and fun holiday season. However, if your pet is sick over the Christmas period and we are closed, our phones will be diverted to Pet Emergency (3359 5333) where they will be open 24 hours a day. Happy Holidays!
A grooming good time
Hi Everyone at Mitchelton Vet,
Sky came to you for a haircut today. My boys ( 13, 11, 7yrs old ) told Sky she was going to the Furdresser! I want to compliment Beth on a fabulous job. It's the nicest cut Sky has ever had. She looks so sweet, and oh so cute...simply irresistable!! My boys are so impressed she got an "A" on her report card...actually they were impressed she got a report card at all..haha! That's a great idea. Her Christmas ribbon was very pretty. My boys were impressed with that too, as was I! Please thank Beth from me. Most impressed. I will happily bring Sky for a cut from you from now on. I just wish I had realised that you did grooming there earlier.
I always get great service from everyone there. Holly is always very helpful and friendly and most welcoming. Shane is a wonderful vet. Everyone is most helpful and nothing is ever too much trouble. I also want to thankyou for letting Sky stay a few hours longer today after her hair cut while I went to my son's grade 7 graduation. I am very grateful for your help. I'm the one that worries when leaving her, as we spend so much time together and you calm me with that also! You know how much I love Sky... she is everything to me. It's nice to take her somewhere where I know you care about her as much as I do.
Anyway, thanks once more and I am very happy Sky can come to you for her hair cuts as well as her health. Makes it very convenient and accessible all in one place for me with my mobility.
—Karen, Mitchelton
Puppies Part 1
Wilma is now the proud mummy of three beautiful British Bulldog Puppies! Wilma was brought in by her owner for an elective caesarian, performed by our Dr. Louise and nurse, Esther. They came in recently for a recheck - take a look at them now!!!
