Issue 15 GREAT MONEY-SAVING. It pays to be insured... Oscar s story OFFERS

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1 Issue 15 It pays to be insured... Oscar s story GREAT MONEY-SAVING OFFERS

2 Welcome to the latest issue of Paws - Ark House Vets quarterly magazine It s been a busy few months at Ark House, with the team out and about attending various community events, visiting schools and training some pet lovers in First Aid for pets. We always love to hear about the fascinating things that your pets get up to when they re not visiting us. In this issue we feature one of our working friends - Fudge, an Explosives Detection Dog. It s everyone s dream to do what you love for a living (and we re lucky enough to do just that!), so seeking out interesting smells and looking for balls isn t really work when you re a springer spaniel! We also feature the story of Oscar who was diagnosed with cancer. You can find out what happened to him on page 7. We d love to hear your thoughts, as well as updates on our patients progress, news and photos of your own pets. You can either speak with our reception team, give us a ring, or us at enquires@arkhousevets.co.uk. Why not post a photo of your pet on our facebook page or tweet us your favourite photo - we d love to see your loved ones. There are some fantastic pictures in the Gallery section of our website, but we ve always got room for more! With best wishes to all our friends, from Kate Semple and the team Here for you, whenever you need us We continue to work hard to ensure that we are able to see your pet quickly when needed, so we offer long opening hours and a comprehensive emergency service. O ur opening hours are currently: 8.00am pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am pm on Saturdays, whilst our emergency service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Did you know that you can also book your pet s appointment through our website: Simply request an appointment using our easy online form and we will confirm by . If you need an appointment within 36 hours (or just like the sound of our lovely receptionists) you can still call us on ! Emergency service: Because we use Vets Now to give you and your pets the best emergency service, we are able to provide emergency clinics in 3 locations to suit your needs. 1. Our phone lines automatically divert to Barton le Clay Clinic. Their direct line, if you prefer is For our clients who prefer to use Milton Keynes Vets Now in Fyfield Barrow you can call Hemel Hempstead Vets Now is on All those clinics through any notes to us at 7am each morning so we will always know what may have happened if you need to visit them. 2 we care like you care

3 Practice news At Ark House we re here to help at every stage of your pet s life, and we know that in the early days you might need a little more help and advice than usual! FREE health checks - Is your puppy, kitten or rabbit less than 8 weeks old? They might be too young for his or her vaccinations, but we d love to see them anyway! Bring your newest family member along for a FREE veterinary health check and plenty of advice our friendly team are always on hand with handy tips to help settle your new pet into the family and keep them happy and healthy! Simply call reception on to arrange a convenient time to drop by. Online advice You ll find lots of help and advice for your new pet on our website, You can download a simple check list with tips, ideas and a list of key health care needs for your new bundle of joy! We hope to equip you with all the skills you need to raise a happy, secure, confident puppy. This is a unique opportunity for very early socialisation as we accept puppies that have only had their first vaccination (from 8 weeks old). Puppies can join the class until they are 13 weeks old but if you have a pup between 13 and 16 weeks who may need some confidence boosting please call to see if we can help. Puppy Playgroups Puppy Playgroups Puppy Playgroup is as much for you, the owner, as it is for your puppy! We cover different topics week-by-week including body language, parasites, dental health, nutrition, basic training, handling skills as well as house training and fear related issues. Prevention of behavioural issues such as food guarding is discussed and handouts provided to accompany the sessions. Puppy Playgroup is held on Wednesday mornings at 11am and is run by our Pet Health Adviser, Debbie Culley a Registered Qualified Veterinary Nurse with over 30 years of experience who also holds behaviour qualifications. The programme comprises four weekly sessions at for the course, and a FREE worming treatment is included. Please call for the next start date. 3

4 Practice news We were at the Appledown Dog and Craft Show in May, where Kate Semple judged the Dog Show. As you can see from the photo, a great afternoon was had by all! Toby Getting set up for the show Alpaca Show 2013 Sophie, Laura & Leanne We also joined in the Dog Trek at Hill Farm to raise money for Dogs for the Disabled and attended the British Alpaca Show at Bury Farm in Slapton. We met lots of fabulous pets at both events and took loads of pictures for you. Check out our COOL Dogdanas Please send us a photo of your pet wearing their dogdana, we would love to see them. Aggie Riley Noah Look out for us this summer Look out for us over the summer as we continue to get out and about in the community: we ll be at the LORC Companion Dog Show on July 14th, at the Linslade Canal Festival on July 27th and at Appledown Rescue s Open Day on September 14th. 4 And of course we ll bring you and all the news and photos from each of these events in our next issue of Paws.

5 Pet Professionals LORC Noah & Hannah Our vet Hannah has recently given two lectures on First Aid for Pets - one for the Linslade Obedience and Ringcraft Club (LORC) and for our Pet Professionals Group Evening. First Aid Bags Hannah has also been doing plenty of school visits with her springer Noah. We gave out some First Aid Kits, which, as you can see, are rather amazing! Remember Crystal, our sponsored Dogs for the Disabled? Well here she is, all grown up! She has progressed well through her training, and is now ready to join her new owner. We ll be continuing our support for this important cause by sponsoring another young dog at the very beginning of the training process, and well have more news on this in the next issue of PAWS. 5

6 The smart way to keep your pet and your purse healthy in 2013 Did you know that when you and your pets join our Paws Club, you ll save 10% on your vet bills as well as benefitting from monthly budgeting for your pet s care? Our Paws Club offers: vaccinations, flea and worming included. Regular checks and maintenance of good general health for your pet. Convenient monthly payments for routine services. 10% discount on all products and services. Optional Accidental Injury Cover. Extended payment scheme for high-cost treatments. Paws Club is an affordable and cost-effective way to keep your pet in great shape whilst you keep an eye on the pennies, with membership costing as little as 9.17 per month: Small dogs (under 10 kg) Medium dogs (10-20 kg) Large dogs (21-40 kg Giant dogs (41 kg+) Cats Rabbits Plus 1 discount per month for every additional pet registered! You can find out much more online at or ask at reception for more details. FREE Dry Eye check during July Do you own one of these breeds? West Highland White Terrier Cocker Spaniel Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shi-Tzu English Bulldog Lhasa Apso These breeds are twice as likely to suffer from Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye, which can lead to blindness. This disease occurs when not enough tears are produced to keep the surface of the eye healthy. The surface of the eye then dries out, leading to pain, inflammation, discharge and the spread of pigment over the surface of the eye, which can eventually lead to blindness. In July we are offering FREE SCREENING TESTS for these breeds - easy, quick and pain free screening that might save your dog s eyesight. Testing is done using a test strip called a Schirmer tear test that is gently placed in the eye to measure tear production. Inadequate production can then be investigated and appropriate treatment begun. To take advantage of this special offer, and to book your appointment, just call

7 It pays to be insured... Oscar s story Denise was distraught when her beautiful Cocker Spaniel, Oscar, was diagnosed with cancer. Oscar was referred to a specialist who performed major surgery to remove the growth, but sadly that wasn t the end of the story, as Denise explains: Oscar was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma on the 1st December His prognosis was very poor, but as he was insured he was referred to a specialist. Oscar had major surgery to remove both the original cancer along with additional metastases in his lymph glands. The total cost was in the region of 4,000, which was all paid by Vetsure. He then had three months of chemotherapy, which was also very expensive, but fortunately Vetsure paid once again. Oscar seemed to be cancer free for about six months after that, but a routine check up discovered more metastases in his lymph glands. An x-ray then confirmed the cancer was also now in his lungs. Despite all this Oscar remained happy and seemingly well. We decided to try tablet chemotherapy at home, and I m thrilled to say that on 10th May 2013 we celebrated his 10th birthday! I am so glad we took out a Premier Plus Lifetime Policy with Vetsure - Oscar has had access to the best veterinary care and medication throughout. This would not have been possible without good pet insurance, and our beautiful spaniel would not still be here. Thank you Vetsure, so very much. The Ark House team wish Oscar a belated Happy 10th Birthday for earlier this year and send our very best wishes both to him and his owner Denise. If you d like more information about the peace of mind that comes with Vetsure insurance, please ask a staff member or visit vetsure.com 7

8 Fudge is a three-year-old English springer spaniel, born in County Tipperary. She was initially bred to be trained as a gun dog, but for reasons nobody knows, she found herself in a rescue centre. Things soon took a turn in the right direction though, when she was identified as a potential candidate for training to become a Detection Dog. BBC broadcasting suite at Headingley In total, her specialist training took six months. There are various training methods, but all start with the finding of nothing more sinister than a tennis ball! Gradually, the substances that you want the dog to find are introduced - first inside the tennis ball, and then decreasing amounts of only the substance itself. In this way, the dog builds and remembers a scent picture for each substance. Fudge s training has covered the detection of all known explosive substances - plastic (both commercial and military), homemade and liquid-based. Now that she is fully trained, Fudge still undergoes assessment training each month, along with quarterly testing and yearly re-accreditation. Fudge has worked in some pretty impressive venues and situations. After first completing a Metropolitan Police assessment, Fudge and her handler were accredited to conduct search activities during the 2012 Olympic and England Cricket team changing room at Headingley - messy boys Paralympic Games. Recent assignments have included the 2012 Epsom Derby, providing assistance to a Close Protection team covering the visit of the Dali Lama to the UK (including searching the Royal Albert Hall) and providing her services to the visiting Saudi royal family at Stansted Airport. Most recently, Fudge was at Headingley, covering the England and New Zealand test matches. She ensured that offices, mail rooms, broadcasting suites and changing rooms were clear prior to the arrival of staff, press and players each day. To Fudge, the detection work is just a big game that she enjoys immensely - fundamentally she is driven by the determination to find her tennis ball! When she is not working, Fudge lives at home with her handler and enjoys all the same things as any other family pet, blissfully unaware of her hugely important role! Thank goodness for Fudge, and all the other detection dogs working every day to keep us safe! 8

9 Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine (hormone) problems in cats and dogs, occurring when there is too much sugar in the blood. This can be because the body does not produce enough insulin to control sugar levels (Type 1) or because the body has become insensitive in some way to the action of Insulin as well as reduced production (Type 2). Dogs mainly suffer with Type 1 disease whereas cats usually have Type 2. Canine diabetes is quite common, with up to 1 in every 100 dogs developing the condition. Diabetes typically occurs when dogs are between 4 and 14 years old, and females are twice as likely as males to suffer from diabetes. In contrast, in the cat, males are twice as likely to be affected and obese cats are at increased risk. Again, diabetes is surprisingly common with around 1 in 200 cats being affected. Burmese cats are known to be particularly predisposed. Any dog can develop diabetes, but certain breeds are more susceptible: Miniature and Standard Schnauzers Bichon Frise Spitz Samoyed Fox terrier Cairn terrier Miniature poodle Fortunately, diabetes can be successfully treated using insulin, along with some changes to diet and lifestyle. Obese animals will also need to lose weight. We run Diabetic Clinics at the practice to support our clients and pets, as without treatment diabetes leads to severe and life threatening disease. This August we are running FREE urine screening for Diabetes. Simply pop a sample of your pet s urine in to us in a clean pot and we will screen the sample for Diabetes. we care like you care 9

10 supporting your cat through Chronic renal failure, sometimes referred to as kidney disease, is one of the most common conditions affecting older cats. It can occur in younger cats, but is most commonly seen in middle to old-aged cats, becoming increasingly common with age. It has been estimated that around one in five cats aged over 15 years has renal failure. In most cases, chronic renal failure is progressive over time, with gradual advancement and worsening of the disease. The rate of progression varies considerably between individuals. Appropriate support (dietary management) and treatment can both increase the quality of life of affected cats and prolong life by slowing down the advancement of the disease. Cats with renal disease are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, so this is measured and managed if elevated Initial signs can be quite vague a reduced appetite, lethargy, weight loss and often thirst and more urine production. Diagnosis is confirmed with urine and blood tests to measure any build up of toxins and check the ability of the kidney to concentrate urine. Our Kidney Clinics support clients and pets that are dealing with renal disease - providing regular weight, urine and blood pressure checks, support with food choices and general advice to ensure that cats with renal disease are living life to the full. You can book an appointment at the Kidney Clinic by calling or visit our website 10

11 FREE* Dry Eye check during July to book your appointment, just call We are running FREE urine screening for Diabetes Mellitus Simply pop a sample of your pet s urine in to us in a clean pot and we will screen the sample for Diabetes. Book an appointment at the Kidney Clinic by calling or visit our website Recommend a friend and get 5 off your next treatment!* We always like to welcome new faces to Ark House, so when you recommend a friend, we ll give you both a 5 voucher to spend in the practice! Once your friend registers with us, we ll give you a 5 voucher and they will also receive the same discount off their first transaction. Ask at reception for further details, or your friend can fill in their details quickly and simply online at co.uk, mentioning your name on the registration form. 11

12 Issue Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1HJ Tel: Fax: Surgery hours Monday to Friday 8.00am pm Saturday 8.30am pm and 1.30pm pm Our of hours emergencies Our emergency service Vets Now in Barton (previously Beds Vets) - is available at night and weekends. Please call our usual number and you will be automatically connected. I f however you would prefer to use the Vets Now service in Milton Keynes, you should call The clinic there is open 7.00pm to 8.00am and over the weekends from Saturday 12.30pm to 8.00am Monday morning. Alternatively, Hemel Hempstead Vets Now can be contacted on Find us on Facebook and Foursquare Designed and produced by Onswitch Limited we care like you care