Keep up to date with all our latest news, articles of interest, and case studies from the veterinary world around Hawke’s Bay.
In recent years there has been an emergence of grain free diets, and these have been advertised as the “best” way to feed your pet. We suspect this trend has jumped over from the increasing amounts of human gluten-free diets. These foods are often marketed as feeding your dog a “natural” diet or something that…
Details
Worms are a concern for all cats and dogs but the risk is much higher for puppies, kittens and immunocompromised animals (due to illness, age or medication). In puppies and kittens, severe worm burdens can be life threatening due to underdeveloped immune systems. Wormy puppies and kittens will often be weak, have a swollen tummy,…
Details
Remember, remember the 5th of November! As Guy Fawkes rolls around each year our night skies begin to light up with colour and booming noises. While some of us enjoy the excitement, these celebrations can have a really negative effect on our animals. Here are some tips to keep your furry friends happy during this…
Details
Christmas is fraught with potential dangers to your pets. Items safe and enjoyable for humans can be dangerous for our furry friends. Here are the most common potential hazards. Chocolate. Wrapped up easily accessible under the Christmas tree, the festive season is the most common time to see chocolate toxicity in dogs. Containing theobromine, which…
Details
What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes dogs to have sudden, uncontrolled and recurring seizures. Dogs can have seizures because of trauma, exposure to toxins, brain tumors, genetic abnormalities, issues with the dog’s blood or organs, or for a number of other reasons. Other times, seizures may sometimes occur for unknown reasons…
Details
Duck shooting doesn’t seem to cause many concerns for our canine companions, usually only a few cuts and bruises that are insignificant compared to the enjoyment derived from the exercise. However getting damp in water for long periods can give rise to a flare up of ear disease (otitis externa). Some dogs seem prone to…
Details
Ear inflammation and infection is one of the most common conditions we encounter at Vet Services, especially in dogs. The ear is divided into three sections, the external ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. Inflammation/infection can affect any one of these three compartments separately or combined. Dr Neil Stuttle explains the cause &…
Details
Ongaonga (Stinging Nettle) (Urtica ferox) Adventuring in New Zealand bush is usually a fairly safe activity, aside from possible issues with weather conditions and navigation, we luckily don’t have to worry about snakes, spiders or predators. However, there are some plants that can pose dangers to human and animal health. Ongaonga is one of the…
Details
New regulations are in force meaning that if you leave your dog in a parked car and it is showing signs of heat distress you can receive a fine and a broken car window. Dogs quickly suffer and die in hot cars, so please leave your dogs at home. If you leave a dog in…
Details
Whisky was admitted in a critical condition earlier this month after eating a significant amount of rat bait. Upon arrival the 11-month-old ridgeback was lethargic, pale, coughing softly and refusing to eat or drink. He didn’t improve with initial treatments and urgently needed a lifesaving blood transfusion. Basil, a 7-year-old greyhound came to the rescue…
Details
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO HAVE YOUR DOG DESEXED? Recently, if and when to spay (female) or castrate (male) your dog has become a topic of debate and everyone seems to have slightly different opinions. The reason for this is that there is pros and cons of performing this procedure at different ages, and these…
Details
Over the last few weeks, we have had a series of dogs presenting to the Dannevirke & Waipukurau clinic with suspected ionophore toxicity, following ingestion of calf milk replacer or meal. While these feeds are fantastic for rapidly growing young calves, the products can pose a very serious danger to dogs and other…
Details
