Matamata Veterinary Services Small Animals | Pet Information

Pet Information

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Pet Insurance

When your pet becomes sick, or suffers from an injury the last thing you want to be worrying about is how you will pay the veterinary bill.

 

A broken bone or ligament surgery can cost upwards of $2000, the bone or tennis ball the dog swallowed >$1500, or the cat with bladder stones >$1500. It isn’t possible to prevent all of these mishaps, but it can help the stress levels to be able to make decisions without financial restrictions.

Pet insurance is becoming more and more common in New Zealand. There are many different plans to cover different types of pets in a bronze, silver, gold type system. Some companies will have limits on surgical and medical claims and some require you to pay a percentage of the claim. This is all reflected in the amount per week you pay. You can now even get trauma insurance for your pets for a reduced rate. This can for example cover those nasty cat bites that end in surgical abscesses, or road traffic accidents.

 

It is very important when you choose an insurance provider, that you assess what is covered. Some companies exclude breed specific diseases, pre-existing diseases, and dental procedures. This makes it more beneficial to start pet insurance as early in your pet’s life as possible.

 

Having been involved in many decisions with owners about their pets and which treatment options are possible, we can highly recommend insurance as a way to provide the best care for your pet. If you have any queries about insurance, we would be only to happy to help.

 

 

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

What is feline AIDS
Feline Aids is caused by infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FIV causes a potentially fatal viral disease that interferes with the immune system of a cat. The virus lives in the blood of the infected cat and is carried in its system throughout its life. Infected cats may expose healthy cats with which they come in contact, mostly by biting.

Cats infected with FIV may remain healthy for up to 10 years. While some infected cats show no sign of the disease, others may display initial symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Lethargy
  • Swollen Lymph nodes

As the disease progresses, symptoms may occur such as:

  • Weight loss
  • Sores in and around the mouth
  • Eye lesions
  • Poor coat
  • Chronic infections

Eventually the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections or diseases. As a result, the cat will die from one of these subsequent infections.

How prevalent is feline AIDS?
It is reported that between 14% and 29% of cats in New Zealand test positive to the disease.

How is the disease contracted?
FIV is spread from cat to cat primarily through bite wounds, the virus being shed in high levels through saliva. Cats with outside access are at risk of contracting the disease due the territorial nature and fighting that occurs. The spread of FIV through watering bowls or grooming is unlikely. An actual bite wound is an integral part of the disease transmission. Although rare it is possible for a mother to pass the infection on to her unborn foetus. Even though the feline virus is related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), no human has ever been reported to be infected with FIV.

What can I do to prevent feline AIDS?
Keeping your cat indoors and away from other cats will prevent infection, however most of our New Zealand cats love to go outside and are therefore at risk.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease in at-risk cats. There is no treatment or cure for an FIV infected cat. A vaccine is available that can aid in the prevention of infection by FIV.

The vaccination course requires 3 injections 2-4 weeks apart, and then an annual booster shot is needed to ensure adequate immunity. Vaccination can start as young as 8 weeks.

If you are looking to start vaccination in an older cat that could have been in a fight or bitten by other unknown status cats then a blood test prior to vaccination is warranted.

Please don’t hesitate to call us for any further information or to book your cat in for the vaccination course.

Cat and Kitten Vaccinations

We can start vaccinations from 6-8 weeks of age, but some kittens will be given their first vaccinations with the breeder.

Thereafter vaccines will be given every 4 weeks until they are over 16 weeks old (as per the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines)

A final kitten booster is then given once they are over 26 weeks ( ie 6 months) and from then an annual health check and vaccinations

These vaccines are to protect against Feline Panleukopoenia and the respiratory diseases of Herpes Virus and Calicivirus.

Cats at high risk of respiratory virus infection may need annual boosters.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) vaccination is sometimes recommended for at risk cats. Fighting is the single biggest risk factor.

Dog Safety Tips For Kids

Check its sweet before you meet!
Before going up to a dog ask permission from its owner.
Lots of dogs are friendly, but some aren’t. The owner can tell you if it is safe to go up to their dog. But still be careful. Let the dog approach you – don’t chase it if it moves away, it might not feel like meeting you that day.

To understand – they sniff your hand!
When meeting a dog let it sniff the back of your hand.
Dogs have a sense of smell that is 50 times stronger than ours. Dogs use their sense of smell to get to know strangers. Using the back of your hand keeps your fingers out of the way. Let the dog come up to you and sniff – don’t push your hand under the dog’s nose.

Chin or chest – thats the best!
After permission is given, stroke only the dog’s chin, chest or shoulders and remember to be gentle.
Dogs don’t really like being patted on their heads by strangers. They might think you are trying to hurt them.

To meet a pup – ask a grown-up!
Ask an adult before cuddling a puppy.
Mother dogs are naturally protective and may growl or snap at you to protect their puppies. But even if a puppy’s mother isn’t there, puppies can bite, jump and scratch like older dogs– so be careful and gentle. Puppies and adult dogs don’t like being picked up and hugged or kissed.

If a dog has a snack – keep well back!
Stay away from a dog that is eating or has a bone.
When they are eating, dogs might think you want to take some of their food if you try to pat them. They want to protect their food.

Keep your face – out of their space!
Never kiss or put your face down close to a dog’s face.
It’s just common sense for you to keep your face away from a dog’s teeth. Even if it doesn’t want to nip you it could hurt you accidently.

Don’t run and shout – it freaks us out!
Do not run around or shout near a dog.
Dogs react to the way we behave. If you shout or run a dog might chase or attack you. Playing fetch or obedience games with your dog is better than playing chase or tug of war games.

A dog’s not a toy – don’t tease and annoy!
Never tease, hurt or annoy a dog.
Dogs can tell us to stop only by growling or biting. Don’t tease a dog by waving food or a toy in front of it – the dog might make a grab for the food or toy and hurt you by mistake.

Quiet and slow – is the way to go!
If you are scared of a dog, move quietly and slowly away from it.
Don’t run. Stand like a tree – stand still, look at your feet and keep your arms in front of you. Don’t scream or shout. Walk away quietly and slowly. Don’t stare at the dog as you move away. If you stare, a dog might think you want to fight.

Euthanasia

Losing a family pet can be as traumatic as losing a member of family. We understand the grief and sadness that can be overwhelming at this time. Although Euthanasia is often the best option for the pet, the decision can still feel impossibly hard. Our team of vets, nurses and support staff aim to help owners through this difficult time and offer the following services:

  • House calls for euthanasia upon request
  • Cremation
  • Cremation and return of ashes. This service is performed by Pet Farewells in Hamilton. They are a trusted pet cremation service www.petfarewells.co.nz

Ageing animals

Seeing your pet grow old is like watching a family member age. As we grow older, regular health checks are increasingly important. This is also true for our pets. Pets can experience the same aches, pains and health problems associated with ageing in humans. Older dogs are at higher risk for diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer and other serious conditions.

Many of these health problems are treatable if diagnosed in time but, unfortunately, many pets don’t see their veterinarian as often as they should. Taking your dog or cat to the vet once a year is the same as a person seeing their doctor or dentist once every seven years! You wouldn’t wait seven years to see your doctor for a check-up, so why wait a whole year to have your pet examined by their vet? The greatest percentage of disease occurs in an animal’s later years so regular health checks are essential.

Dentistry for cats and dogs

Plaque and tartar accumulation are a common finding in our pets and can quickly cause gum infection, tooth root disease pain and infection in the blood stream, heart and kidneys. We believe pets deserve the best in dental care, so provide the best dental services we can.

 

All of our dental patients are under a full general anaesthetic with intubation to protect their airways from the moisture of the dental procedure. They are placed on a warming pad with warm blankets over their bodies and have monitoring equipment to include pulse oximetry (monitoring heart rate and blood oxygenation), respiratory and blood pressure where needed.

 

Intravenous fluids are administered using an automated drip pump to ensure accurate fluid administration.

 

Teeth are charted before and after the dental and photos can be taken to show owners the difference the dental procedure can make.

 

Pain relief is given in the form of oral nerve blocks, opioids, and post-op non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Antibiotics are given when necessary.

 

We have a high speed iM3 GS deluxe LED dental cart with an iM3 scaler, which allows our vets to give the safest and most effective dental care available.

 

Our CR 7 VET Digital Dental X-ray processor allows us to quickly and safely assess the health of your pets teeth prior and/or during your pets dental.

 

After the dental procedure we are able to have a detailed consultation with you to help maintain your pet’s oral health to minimise the need for dental procedures in the future.

Nutrition for cats and dogs

As with humans, nutrition is the basis of good health in animals. Overweight or underweight animals can have serious health problems later in life.

Puppies (less than one year)

  • Small and medium breed puppies should be on a growth, small or medium breed puppy diet
  • Large breed puppies should be on a large breed diet (large breeds are classified as any puppy that will be over 25kg as an adult eg.Labrador) until 18 – 24 months of age.
  • No supplementation is needed as they are getting a balanced diet from the puppy food (ie calcium and phosphorous rates

Adults (one to seven years old)

  • Adult dogs should be on a maintenance adult food as per their breed size (small, medium, large)
  • No supplementation is needed as they are getting a balanced diet

Mature (over seven years old)

  • Mature dogs should be on mature food as per their breed size (small, medium, large)
  • Special diets are available for pets who experience joint pain, which is common in older animals.

Never feed cooked bones to your dog as they can splinter and cause blockages resulting in vomiting and constipation. You also need to be aware that raw chicken can contain salmonella and may also cause gastric problems with your dog.

Biscuits as a predominant diet are usually easier to deal with. Wet food is made up of 80% water and tends to stick to their teeth and can cause tooth decay. Dry biscuits are better for their teeth and cleaner for their owner to deal with. Pets on dry food need regular access to fresh clean water

Cats and Kittens

  • Kittens should be on a good quality diet formulated especially for kittens. Cats have very different nutritional requirements to dogs and should not be fed on dog food. Avoid significant amounts of meat in the diet as this is low in calcium and will result in bone defects. They should stay on this diet until around 12 months of age.
  • No supplementation is needed as they are getting a balanced diet from the kitten food.
  • From around 8-10 years of age cats should be on a mature cat food.
  • Dry foods are usually better for your cat and more convenient to use. They are better for the teeth and have consistent ingredients. When buying wet food you are purchasing 80% water.

Please note that de-sexed animals may need 25% less food than non-desexed animals. This is because de-sexed animals are more prone to putting on weight.

Desexing for cats and dogs

Kittens can be desexed from as young as 10 weeks and this is common in rehoming shelters, such as the Animal Trust. You can however wait until 4-5 months.

 

There are different age recommendations for de sexing of dogs based on their breed and sex. Please discuss this with your vet at your puppies next vaccination appointment or phone the clinic on 07 888 8197 for further advice.

 

Please discuss this with your vet at your pet’s puppy/kitten vaccinations.

Microchipping for cats and dogs

There is a legal requirement to have your puppy microchipped by the age of 5 months.  This is often done at the time of the last vaccination.  Alternatively it can be done at the time of desexing.  We will provide you with microchip certification with which you must provide to your local council.

New Zealand Companion Animal Registry
There is also an option to have your dogs details loaded onto this national register. If a dog goes missing anywhere in the country, the owner can still be located using the national database to check the microchip number.

There is no legal requirement to have your cat/kitten microchipped, however we recommend these pets are microchipped as they can go missing more often than dogs. Microchipping can be done at any stage but it is recommended at either the last kitten vaccination or at the time of desexing. A cat needs to be registered on the national Companion Animal Register. This national registry allows owners to be contacted regardless of where in the country their cat goes missing.

Dog Registration

All dogs must be registered with their local council at 3 months of age.

Flea treatment for cats and dogs

Not many people realise quite how serious a problem fleas can be for your beloved pet. The most obvious problem is skin irritation and this can be quite severe, particularly in pets that are allergic to flea bites. As always prevention is better than cure. In most cases by the time you see fleas on your animals you may already have a flea infestation in your house.

To prevent a build up of fleas in the environment it is essential that the flea treatment kills ALL adult fleas on the animal quickly before they have time to lay eggs. It is important to treat all animals in the household at the same time to break the flea life cycle. With heavy burdens it will probably be necessary to treat the environment as well. The ideal flea treatment should also have long lasting action, be easy to apply and be non-toxic to both animals and humans.

There are a wide range of flea treatments available such as pour ons, tablets, collars, sprays, shampoos and powders. Some of these items which are not purchased through a Veterinary Clinic may contain toxic properties of organpophosphates or permethrin.

 

At Matamata Veterinary Services we stock safe and effective quality products. The names and features of these products are:

 

  • Revolution

How to Apply Revolution on Dogs & Cats - McLean Animal Hospital

Covers: Dogs

Lasts: One month

Pack Sizes: 3 packs

Treats: Fleas, Flea larvae, Worms – excluding Tapeworm and Ear Mites

Age: 6 weeks

Additional: Use in conjunction with a worming tablet every 6 months–1 year

 

  • Revolution Plus

Revolution Plus 6-Count Left-Facing Carton Family Shot Product 1

Covers: Cats only

Lasts: One month

Pack sizes: 3 pack

Treats: Fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworm and hookworm

Age: 6 weeks old

 

 

  • Nexgard spectra for cats

Nexgard Spectra for Large Cats (2.5-7.4kg)

Covers: Cats Only

Lasts: One month

Pack sizes: Individual and 3 packs

Treats: Fleas, Ticks, ear mites and worms – lungworm, hookworm, roundworm and tapeworm

Age: From 2.5kg upwards

Additional: Safe to use in breeding, pregnant or lactating queens

 

  • NexGard Spectra

Covers: Dogs only

Lasts: One month

Pack sizes:Individual only

Treats: Fleas, Ticks, Mites, Roundworms, Hookworms and Whipworms

Age: From 8 weeks and over 2kg

Additional: Soft beef-flavoured chewable tablets,  Safe to use in breeding, pregnant or lactating bitches

 

Advocate

Covers: Cats and dogs

Lasts: One Month

Pack sizes: 3 and 6 packs

Treats: Fleas, Flea Larvae, Worms – excluding Tapeworm, Lung worm, Ear Mites, Sarcoptic and Demodectic Mange and Lice

Age: Dogs – 7 weeks old; Cats – 9 weeks old

Additional: Can be used off label on Hedgehogs

 

  • Advantage

Covers: Cats and dogs

Lasts: One month

Pack sizes: 4 packs and singles

Treats: Fleas and larvae

Age: Puppies and kittens from one day old

Additional: Safe to use on pregnant or lactating bitches or queens

 

  • Seresto

Covers: Cats and dogs

Lasts: 8 months

Pack size: One collar lasting 8 months

Treats: Fleas and ticks

Age: Dogs – 7 weeks old; Cats – 10 weeks old

Additional: This is a collar. Water resistant

 

  • Bravecto Cats

Covers: Cats

Lasts: 3 Months

Pack Size: Singles only

Treats: Fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworm, hookworm and lungworm

Age: 9 weeks of age and over 1.2kg

Additional: The safety has not been established during pregnancy and lactation

 

  • Bravecto Dogs

Covers: Dogs

Lasts: 3 months (chewable) & 6 months (topical)

Pack Size: Singles only

Treats: Fleas, ticks & mites

Age: 8 weeks of age and over 2kg

Additional: Safe for use in pregnant and lactating bitches.

 

  • Simparica Trio

Simparica Trio Flea, Tick & Worm Treatment

Covers: Dogs only

Lasts: One Month

Pack Size: 3 pack

Treats:  Fleas, Ticks, hookworms and roundworms.

Age:  Dogs – 8 weeks of age and over 1.25 Kg

Additional: Not tested in pregnant, lactating and breeding bitches

Worming for cats and dogs

Worms are a common cause of ill health in cats and dogs and can cause symptoms ranging from loss of appetite, pot belly, vomiting and diarrhoea, coughing, anaemia and even death.

 

  • The Worming Regime for Dogs

Puppies should be wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then every month until 6 months of age and then every 3 months thereafter. Tablet dosage is based on the weight of the animal and here at MVS we use 2 products called Drontal and Endogard.

 

  • The Worming Regime for Cats

Kittens should be wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then every month until 6 months of age and then every 3 months. Tablet dosage is based on the weight of the animal and here at MVS we use 2 products called Drontal (from 4 weeks of age) and Endogard. There is also a pour-on option Nexgard Spectra for cats who are not easy to tablet.

 

If your pet will be around children under 5 years of age, playgrounds, immunocompromised family members, fed raw meat, is a hunter or will be an Assistance Dog, there may be a need to worm more regularly. Please do not hesitate to discuss this with one of the Small Animal Team.

 

Cats and Dogs are affected by four worm types in New Zealand – roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms.

 

Roundworms

Roundworms are a problem mainly in young puppies and kittens. Most puppies are born with roundworms because they become infected by their mother while still in the uterus. Although this hasn’t been shown to happen in kittens they can also pick up roundworm infections from the environment and their mothers once born. Roundworm infections are most likely to be a problem in young animals and can cause ill thrift, rough hair/coat and a pot-bellied appearance. It can cause death in severe cases as well through the massive number of worms within the intestines.

Roundworms can also infest humans and although generally these infestations are not serious, there are some cases in which roundworm infestations can cause serious disease. Most at risk are small children and cat and dog owners. As mentioned, puppies are generally born with a roundworm infection and so will start to shed egg in their faeces from three to four weeks of age. This is why deworming puppies every two weeks is especially important.

 

Hookworms

Hookworms can infect both cats and dogs. They are generally picked up from the environment. They are mainly a problem in puppies and kittens although they can infect and cause disease in adult animals as well. Hookworms feed by sucking blood and can cause severe and life threatening blood loss. Once again puppies draw the short straw as they can be infected through the milk from their mother. Adult worms can survive in the small intestine for up to 2 years!

Like roundworms hookworms are zoonotic which means they can infect people as well. In healthy adult dogs that only have a few worms there may not be any signs of infection. In puppies and stressed or unhealthy adult dogs, hookworms can cause severe disease related to the loss of blood. Signs of infection include pale gums, ill thrift, not gaining weight and the animal can have black sticky poos, which is a sign of digested blood. Sometimes larval hookworms can cause skin irritation when they penetrate the skin, usually on the feet.

 

Whipworms

Whipworms have a characteristic whip-like shape. Because of the length of time it takes them to mature they usually occur in older puppies (4 months onwards) and adult dogs. Adult whipworms consume blood, tissue fluids, and the tissue lining the intestines. Feeding habits of the worms can result in bloody diarrhoea, weight loss and dehydration. The developing worm lives in the lining of the small intestine usually without causing disease. Adult worms migrate to the cecum which is part of the large intestine. If the dog is infected with a small number of worms there may not be any clinical signs of the infection, but the dog will be spreading eggs into the environment.

 

Tapeworm

There are various types of tapeworm. The most common is the flea tapeworm. This worm goes through a development stage in the flea. Infection occurs when a cat and dog groom themselves and swallow an infected flea. In general, infections with tapeworms do not cause clinical disease in cats or dogs. They are important however because this type of tapeworm includes both the sheep measles and hydatids worm. New Zealand was declared provisionally free of hydatids in 2002.
Infection in dogs occurs only when dogs are fed infected, uncooked sheep and goat offal containing cysts at the developmental stage. Hydatids has a zoonotic potential which is why we continue with the prevention measures put in place to ensure NZ stays free of hydatids.

 

Sheep Measles while it poses no risk to human health can cause blemishes in sheep meat which can result in downgrading, or in extreme cases condemning of sheep or lamb carcasses. For this reason there are strict worm programmes in place for dogs that reside on sheep farms.

 

There are a number of ways to help prevent worms from spreading to you and your children:

  • Talk to your vet. Your veterinarian can recommend a treatment plan for deworming.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water after playing with your pets or other animals, after outdoor activities and before handling food.
  • Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection.
  • Do not allow children to play in areas that are soiled with pet or other animal faeces.
  • Clean your pet’s living area at least once a week. Faeces should be either buried or bagged and disposed of in the trash. Wash your hands after handling pet waste.
  • Teach children that it is dangerous to eat dirt or soil

 

MVS Worming Programme
We offer a worming programme to our clients for adult animals. Tablets are sent to you every 3 months to worm your pets. This saves you having to remember. If you are interested in the worming programme please contact us on 07 888 8197.

Dog and puppy vaccinations

There are 3 different vaccines which cover a number of diseases.

 

Vanguard 5 plus covers for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo virus and Parainflenza. This is what we call a core vaccine and we recommend this for all dogs.

Leptoguard covers Leptospirosis, and disease carried by rats and spread in their urine. Most dogs in our area are given this vaccination as there are not many that are totally housebound and not walked in urban areas.

Canine cough covers respiratory viruses which are spread by direct contact with other dogs. This is compulsory for all dogs going into boarding facilities or doggy day care, and advisable for dogs that are regularly out and about, or go to grooming facilities. If your dog will never see other dogs, then your dog would not need this vaccination.

 

We can start vaccinations from 6-8 weeks of age, but many puppies will be given their first vaccinations with the breeder.

Thereafter vaccines will be given every 4 weeks until they are over 16 weeks old (as per the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines)

 

A final puppy booster is given once they are over 26 weeks ( i.e. 6 months) and from then an annual health check with relevant vaccinations is needed.

 

We recommend waiting 1 week after their FINAL puppy vaccination before interacting with other dogs of unknown vaccination status and being taken on walks in the general public.

Please ask us for advice on socialising or attending puppy classes before the vaccination course is finished.

 

Antibody titre testing is now available for some of the vaccines we give our pets  (parvo-virus and distemper.) This is as a blood test which measures the level of antibodies against certain diseases. If your pet has a positive test this can avoid re-vaccination.

 

Choosing a puppy

There are many considerations when choosing a puppy, including which breed or type. Obviously you want to choose a dog that is best suited to you and your lifestyle. Before you make a decision we suggest you check out Dr Ian Dunbar’s website www.dogstardaily.com

Dr Dunbar is a world renowned Dog Behaviourist and provides a wealth of information on dog training.

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