June 2014: Issue Click here to become a Westvet fan on Facebook

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1 June 2014: Issue From the Editor s Desk 2. 5 tips for a Healthy Happy cat 3. Hills Kitty beds availalble 4. Arthritis in aging pets - an aching issue 5. No reason for your pet to suffer - Hills j/d offer 6. Westville Vet Rehabilitation and Wellness centre offer will help your pet Beat the Winter Blues Editor: Dr Alan Isdale Click here to become a Westvet fan on Facebook Design and layout: Debra Müller Please ensure that we are in possession of your current address so that we may send you our newsletter, and any other important information should the need arise.

2 During the 1800 s, before the advent of motor vehicles,the horse was the main mode of transport, whether it was for individual transport, the movement of farm machinery, general transport wagons or carriages. Military horses were of prime importance. In those days the veterinarian was in great demand to attend to various horse ailments insuring that the animals were fit to perform their various duties. These were not only important to the individual but to the economy as a whole. Keeping farm animals well and free of disease was another top priority of the local vet. The health of domestic pets was low on his list of priorities and were often treated by a vet visiting farms or stables almost as an afterthought- Oh while you are here would you mind having a look at my dog and often these services were not even charged for. It was only in the middle of the 20th century that vets treating domestic pets became common. Vets in those days would usually fit in seeing these animals after him ( in those days most vets were men!) Had done his farm visits for the day, small animal clinics as such were a very new concept. At that time you could buy a car for a few thousand rand, buy a house for what people earn in a few months today and the cost of food, medical and veterinary treatment was in today s terms, very cheap. How things have changed! Cars cost hundreds of thousands of Rand, houses often into the millions and a very full shopping trolley is now a very large number of Rand. Along with everything else veterinary fees have become substantial and the cost of looking after an animal has had to become a consideration in the family budget. Today veterinary medicine and surgery have become very sophisticated and animals are being saved when long ago this was, in many cases, just not possible. This is done with the help of hi tech machinery in the form of blood testing machines, ultra sound, digital x-ray machines, anesthetic machines and the like. Drug costs have also escalated. In these difficult times when families are stretching their Rand to last to the end of each month unexpected veterinary accounts are not what are wanted. This can be overcome by budgeting for your pet s treatment by taking out a medical insurance as most pet owners in the UK and USA do. A set monthly payment will allow you to have the peace of mind that should your pet become ill or meet with an accident of any kind, unexpected costs will be taken care of. The best time to take out this type of cover is when you first get your young puppy or kitten and have it cared for the rest of it s life.

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4 Keeping your cat healthy, groomed, and well fed is important. Take a look at these five easy tips for maintaining your cat and you re sure to have a lovely companion for many years to come. Whether you re a new cat owner or someone with a few other furry, four-legged creatures around, one thing is for certain - pets do depend on you to keep them in tip-top shape. Follow these five easy tips and you'll make your cat healthy for many years to come. 1. Essential Cat Requirements Your cat has certain needs, some of those are basic: food, water, litter box, and bowls for food and water. Carriers are also important, as are ID collars and microchips, especially if your cat spends time outside. Did you know cats can sleep up to twenty hours a day? But when they re not sleeping, eating, or showing off in windows for passersby to admire, they are playing. Toys, therefore, are a great way for your cat (or kitten) to hone its hunting skills, stay fit, and not get bored while you re away at work. A piece of colourful string, toy mice filled with catnip or a ball are all good toys. Rotating the toys is also a good idea, as the kitty will enjoy rediscovering an old friend (or foe). 2. A Healthy, Good Quality Diet 5 tips for a Healthy, Happy Cat Food and water are essential for any living being. Like-wise, cats like their water fresh and clean. You can even splurge and buy water fountains that provide your cat with filtered, flowing water. Now we know what you're thinking, "I'm not spending that kind of money!" Don't worry. Just make sure they have access to clean water, allowing them to quench those parched lips whenever they please. It's important you only put enough food for the cat s recommended meal allowance. If cats are given too much food, they tend to overeat. Remember, fat cats are made, not born. Dry food as well as tins and pouches are recommended by many vets. Make sure you ask your vet for good brands.

5 3. The Litter Box "Thing" Cats are very fastidious creatures. They like their litter box to be clean. If it isn t clean, they might start going elsewhere, and you certainly don't want to deal with that. It s a good idea to change the cat litter daily, re- moving all the old litter and giving the box a thorough cleaning. 4. Good Grooming While cats are very clean creatures with saliva containing natural deodorants and cleansing properties, they do need a little help every now and then. Some advocate a bath once in a while. This is your decision and may depend greatly on how cooperative the cat is. If you do decide to wash your cat, use a special cat shampoo and warm water. The best thing to help your cat with grooming is brushing. It will help remove excess hair, which leads to hairballs for cats. If your particular cat has long hair, then it is essential to keep it tangle free. Brush often, most cats enjoy it. 5. Vets are important Making an appointment with a vet is paramount when purchasing a new cat, especially if it hasn t been spayed or neutered. Make sure you bring in your cat to the vet's office for its shots and once-a-year "wellness" check-up. Being proactive will allow the vet to catch any medical conditions or problems in your cat earlier, thus reducing For more information click here For more information click here

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8 Arthritis in aging pets - An aching issue! A common reason for impaired quality of life in aging pets is that of joint pain. As vets we commonly see this problem rearing its head as the days shorten and temperatures begin to drop at the onset of winter. At this time of the year the old joints begin to stiffen and getting up in the morning becomes a chore! Arthritis (actually osteoarthritis) affects many joints in dog, including knees, hips and elbows. A key feature of this disease is degeneration of the cartilage which lines the surface of these joints. This stiffness and pain may result in a significant impairment of your pets quality of life. these supplements in the correct balance. Please consult your veterinarian for advice regarding these products. Dr Phil Rees BVSc (Hons) MMedVet (Med) Veterinary Specialist Physician A lot can be done to alleviate pain and support normal joint function in these dogs. Pain killers/anti-inflammatories are an important part of this treatment, and can be obtained on prescription from your vet. Other avenues include use of dietary supplements such as glucosamine, omega-3- and-6 fatty acids (as found in fish oils) and chondroitin sulphate, and institution of a weight loss program if appropriate. A range of premium and prescription veterinary diets is available which already contain

9 For more on shedding and general coat care click here

10 Do you want to have a star puppy? Click here to register for puppy classes or for more information

11 Cats are connoisseurs of comfort - James Herriot