INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIVING YOUR CAT A PILL

1. Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth pop pill into mouth allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.

3. Retrieve cat from bedroom and throw soggy pill away.

4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.

7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains.Carefully sweep shattered Doulton figures from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans,drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing.Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus jab. Throw tee-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

12. Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil-wrap.

13. Tie cats front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed, force cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour ½ pint of water down throat to wash pill down.

14. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room,sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.

15. Arrange for RSPCA to collect cat and ring local pet shop to see if they have any Budgies.

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DOGGY DICTIONARY

1. LEASH: A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your person where you want him/her to go.

2. DOG BED: any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread in the guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room.

3. DROOL: Is what you do when your persons have food and you don't. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their laps.

4. GARBAGE CAN: A container which your neighbors put out once a week to test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs and try to push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are rewarded with margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy crusts of bread.

5. BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards the person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away.

6. DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their person want them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person, then running in the opposite direction, or lying down.

7. THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your eyes wildly, and following at their heels.

8. WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes, and old candy wrapper. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew the papers all over the house until your person comes home

9. SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your whiskers clean.

10. BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.

11. LEAN: Every good dogs's response to the command 'sit !', especially if your person is dressed for an evening out. Incredibly effective before black-tie events.

12. BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

13. LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail. If you're lucky, a human will love you in return

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ARTHRITIS AND YOUR DOG

Is your dog having problems getting going in the morning, especially in the winter? Chances are its stiffness is not laziness but is due to arthritis.
ARTHRITIS is a very common problem in older dogs and is due to cartilage degeneration and inflammation in the joints. The signs of arthritis include:

• stiffness on rising especially in the mornings or after a rest
• difficulty jumping up, climbing stairs or hopping into the car
• lack of desire to play or walk
• sometimes pain is present on rising from rest or climbing stairs

ARTHRITIS CAN BE TREATED

Pentosan is a relatively new treatment for arthritis that makes a significant improvement in eight out of ten dogs. Pentosan is not a cortisone has no side effects and works by restoring the joint cartilage and helps to increase lubrication in the joint. 80% of all dogs treated improve significantly, some becoming like puppies again.
The effects generally last for 6-12 months. Pentosan is best given before winter every year when arthritis is most prevalent.
Pentosan is given as a course of injections once weekly for four weeks. The cost covers your consultation fee plus drug costs for the first injection then just drug costs only for the remaining 3 injections.

It often takes up to four weeks for the Pentosan injections to work. We generally give a course of Rimadyl tablets at the first visit. Rimadyl is a very effective anti inflammatory drug with a very low incidence of side effects. Rimadyl will give your pet immediate relief while we are waiting for the Pentosan injections to work. We generally find that dogs who receive Pentosan and Rimadyl do better that those who receive Pentosan alone, especially in the early stages of the treatment.

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MICROCHIPPING

Microchipping is now a requirement of State law which comes into effect on the 1st July 1999. The procedure is a simple one, in which a small microchip is inserted beneath the skin. It then provides your pet with a permanent means of identification should it become lost. Microchipping includes lifetime membership with the Microchip Registry.

SPECIAL OFFER

Mention you have seen this information on our website,
and with a Microchip Insert we will include a   free  
consultation and health check.

For further information on microchipping, see the Companion Animal Act Home Page

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PUPPY ADVICE

1. DIET We recommend a puppy variety of canned food and puppy dry food such as "EUKANUBA PUPPY". Larger breeds have special dietary requirements and we recommend "EUKANUBA LARGE BREED PUPPY" for these dogs. Daily raw lamb shanks, brisket bones or chicken thighs or wings aid in maintaining dental health.

2. WORMS "SENTINEL" monthly or "DRONTAL ALL WORMER" fortnightly until 3 months, monthly until 6 months, then 3 monthly.

3. HEARTWORM "SENTINEL" monthly tablets. Start at 6 weeks of age. "PROHEART 12 INJECTION" gives protection for 12 months. It can be given from 6 months of age.

4. FLEAS "SENTINEL" is an effective monthly flea control medication that prevents fleas from breeding and is safe and easy to administer. "ADVANTIX" is a product that can be used on puppies. Your puppy's environment should be kept clean.

5. TICKS "PROBAN" tabs every 2nd day or "ADVANTIX" every 2 weeks can be used to control ticks on pups. Search your pup daily between
   July and January.

6. VACCINATIONS Pups are vaccinated for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvoviris and Kennel Cough at 6-8 weeks, 12-14 weeks and 16-18 weeks. Keep your dog isolated until 2 weeks after the last vaccination. Your dog should receive an annual booster.

7. DESEXING Various health and behavioural problems can be prevented by desexing of males and females at 6 months of age.

8. MICROCHIPPING A small microship is inserted beneath the skin provides your dog with a permanent means of identification if it becomes lost.

9. PET HEALTH INSURANCE Well worth considering. Vet care can be expensive. A fractured leg could cost over $1,000 to fix.

PUPPY PRESCHOOL is a puppy training and socialisation program that we run weekly for 4 weeks. It is a great way for you to pick up some tips on handling and caring for your puppy. The puppies have a great time playing and socializing with other pups. For further details, ring 4365 2300 for more information.

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KITTEN ADVICE SHEET

1. DIET Commercial tinned and dry food is recommended. IAMS cat food will prevent bladder blockage in male cats. A daily raw chicken wing aids in maintaining dental health. Hills T/D dry food will also help clean teeth

2. WORMS "REVOLUTION" applied to the back of the neck every month is an easy and effective worm and heartworm treatment. "FELEX PLUS PASTE" or "DRONTAL" worm tabs are oral treatments for worms.

3. HEARTWORM "HEARTGARD" monthly chewable tablets are available to prevent heartworm in cats.

4. FLEAS AND TICKS "REVOLUTION" applied to the back of the neck monthly kills adult fleas and their eggs. "PROGRAM" injection every 6 months will stop fleas breeding. "ADVANTAGE" or "FRONTLINE" spot on monthly will kill adult fleas. "PROBAN" syrup or tabs can be used to control ticks on kittens. Kittens should be searched daily in the tick season (July - Jan).

5. VACCINATIONS Kittens are vaccinated for Feline Interitis and Cat Flu at 6-8 weeks, 12-14 weeks and 16-18 weeks. Feline Leukaemia virus vaccination is also recommended. Isolate your cat for at least 2 weeks after the last vaccination. Your cat should receive an annual booster.

6. DESEXING Various health and behavioural problems can be prevented by early desexing of males and females. This is best performed at 6 months.

7. MICROCHIPPING This is now required under state law for new kittens.

8. LIBERATOR CAT COLLAR The LIBERATOR CAT COLLAR is a high tech leap activated alarm that helps prevent your cat catching wildlife.

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ADULT DOG ADVICE SHEET

1. VACCINATION Vaccinate your puppy at 6-8, 12-14 and 16-18 weeks then annually. An annual booster is necessary to give full protection.

2. HEARTWORM Dogs should have a regular blood test and be on a monthly "SENTINEL SPECTRUM", or the yearly "PROHEART 12 INJECTION".

3. WORMING "SENTINEL SPECTRUM" monthly or "ALL WORMER" every 3 months should be given to adult.

4. FLEAS "SENTINEL SPECTRUM" is an effective monthly flea control medication that is safe and easy to administer. "ADVANTIX" spot on ampoules quickly kill adult fleas.

5. TICKS "PROBAN" tabs every 2nd day or "ADVANTIX" every two weeks should be used throughout the tick season of July-January. "TICK COLLARS" can also be used in dogs that don't swim.

6. DIET A diet of canned for or dry food (e.g. EUKANUBA) provides a balanced diet for your dog. Daily raw lamb shanks or brisket bone aids in maintaining dental health. Daily tooth brushing is also a good idea e.g. "C.E.T. Dental Kits".

7. DESEXING Many health and behavioural problems are prevented by early desexing of both male and female dogs. This is best done at 6 months of age.

8. MICROCHIPPING A small microchip inserted beneath the skin can provide your dog with permanent identification if it becomes lost.

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ADULT CAT ADVICE SHEET

1. VACCINATION Vaccinate your kitten at 6-8, 12-14 and 16-18 weeks for Feline Enteritis and Cat Flu. Feline Leukaemia virus vaccination is also recommended. Feline AIDS vaccinations are also available and recommended, especially for outdoor cats. Keep your cat isolated for 2 weeks after vaccination. An annual booster is necessary to give full protection.

2. WORMING "REVOLUTION" is a monthly spot on wormer that treats intestinal worms and heartworm. "DRONTAL", "MILBEMAX" or 'FELEX PLUS PASTE" are oral treatments that should be used every 3 months.

3. FLEAS AND TICKS "REVOLUTION" is an effective spot on treatment that kills fleas and will worm cats as well. "ADVANTAGE" or "FRONTLINE PLUS" are effective topical treatments that kill adult fleas and are easy to apply. "PROBAN" given every 2nd day in the tick season (July - January) will aid in tick prevention.

4. DIET Commercial cat food provides a balanced diet for your cat. IAMS cat food is specially designed to aid in preventing bladder blockage in male cats. A daily raw chicken wing aids in maintaining dental health. Hills T/D dry food also helps keep your cats' teeth clean

5. DESEXING Many health and behavioural problems are prevented by early desexing of both male and female cats. This is best done at 6 months.

6. MICROCHIPPING is now a requirement of state law for new kittens. Existing cats must either wear a collar and tag or be microchipped.

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   TICK PARALYSIS
   1. SYMPTOMS When a paralysis tick attaches and feeds it injects a poison into the animal. The poison mainly affects the nervous system and may take from 3 - 5 days to start causing signs. Some symptoms are:
      • vomiting, reduced appetite, lethargy or depression
      • weakness or wobbliness, especially in the hind legs, or reluctance to move
      • a grunting type of breathing, a change in bark or meow
      • complete paralysis and eventually death

   2. TREATMENT Treatment involves administration of anitserum, injections to lower blood pressure, antibiotic and sedative injections. Even the mildest tick case can deteriorate quickly and need oxygen or intensive care. For this reason it is generally necessary to hospitalise animals with tick paralysis. Failure to do this could result in the death of the animal. Tick paralysis can be a serious poisoning and needs to be treated quickly and intensively. Despite the best treatment some animals still die from tick paralysis, especially if the poisoning is advanced.

      Cost for the treatment of tick paralysis varies according to the severity of the case, the size of the animal, whether an after hours visit is required and how long it takes the animal to recover. Tick cases require intensive treatment to save the life of the animal, which includes initial consultation, tick antiserum (tick antiserum is very expensive), injections, hospitalisation and nursing care, tick rinsing and preventive treatment to take home. Payment is required at time of discharge.

   3. PREVENTION The tick season is mainly from July to January.
      • Daily tick searching concentrating on the front half of the animal especially the head and the neck.
      • Clipping long haired animals aids in tick detection.

   4. INSECTICIDAL TREATMENT
      • DOGS   "ADVANTIX" every 2 weeks is easy to apply. Other methods of tick control are "PROBAN" tabs every 2nd day or "VIRBAC"paralysis tick collars replaced every two months for dogs that don't swim.
      • CATS Only "FRONTLINE" spray is registered for tick control in cats, however "PROBAN" tablets every 2nd day or "FRONTLINE PLUS" every 2 weeks seems to be effective. "PREVENTIX" or "ADVANTIX" should not be used on cats.
   

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   FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS

   The bite of one flea can trigger off the allergy so regular flea control is an essential part of a dog's treatment. Flea allergy dermatitis cannot be cured with a once only treatment but can be controlled by various veterinary medications in combination with flea control.

   ENVIRONMENTAL FLEA CONTROL One flea can lay 50 eggs a day and so fleas can quickly reach plague proportions in the dog's environment. "ADVANTIX" or "SENTINEL" in dogs will all stop egg production if used monthly. "REVOLUTION" in cats will kill adult fleas and stop egg production. All animals in the household must be treated all year round. Cats are often the source of fleas for dogs even if they appear to be unworried by fleas. Never use ADVANTIX in cats. It is toxic to cats and can kill your cat! Never let your dog sleep under the house, under sheds or in dirt patches - make sure it sleeps on a smooth, clean surface that is swept daily. Carpets, hessian bags and thick rugs tend to breed fleas. The best type of bedding is old towels that can be washed once or twice a week. If your dog lives in the house vacuum and spray his resting spots.

   FLEA CONTROL ON DOGS. "ADVANTIX" or "SENTINEL" will result in an elimination of the flea problem in dogs, and "REVOLUTION" will remove the flea problem in cats.

   TREATMENT OF SKIN CONDITION

   1. BACTERICIDAL SHAMPOO This should be applied to the affected areas daily for 3 days then twice weekly for 2 weeks then once weekly once the condition has resolved. Massage the shampoo well into the affected areas - leave in contact with the skin for 10-15 minutes then rinse off and dry.

   2. SKIN CREAMS OR LOTIONS. Apply to affected areas 2-3 times daily. These medications are designed to reduce inflammation and infection.

   3. ANTIBIOTIC TABLETS In many cases of allergic dermatitis there is a secondary bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus Bacteria. Staph are resistant to the more common antibiotics thus we may need to use more potent (and expensive) antibiotics to clear up your dog's skin.

   4. CORTISONE INJECTIONS AND PREDNISOLONE TABLETS These medications quickly remove the itchiness and redness from the skin and thus makes the animal much more comfortable. They will have minimal side effects if used at the recommended doses. After about a month of Prednisolone therapy most of the hair should have regrown.

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   HEARTWORM TREATMENT REGIME
   1. PRE TREATMENT TESTS are performed to determine if heartworm disease has caused any damage to vital internal organs. A course of PRE TREATMENT MEDICATION may be initiated to improve the dog's condition prior to killing the heartworm.

   2. IMMITICIDE INJECTIONS are given to kill the adult worms. Your dog will be admitted to hospital and receive one injection and be observed for 24 hours. This injection will kill about half the worms. Your dog will then be sent home. During the next month the dead worms will leave the heart and travel to the lungs where they will be absorbed by the body.

      After heartworm injections it is imperative that you restrict the animal's activity for 1 month after the injection, otherwise a serious reaction, even death could result. Only take it for short walks (5 minutes) on a lead. Your dog should not be allowed to run or play.

      After 1 month your dog will return and we will have him in hospital for 2 days and will give him 2 injections. These injections will kill all the remaining worms. Once he goes home he must remain inactive for another month as before.

      The cost of this treatment will vary with the severity of the condition, the dog's age and health and with the dog's weight.

   3. REVISIT AND DIFIL TEST.     Seven days after the second series of injections your dog is checked and a difil test is performed to ascertain the presence of microfilarae or "baby heartworms".

   4. IVOMEC TREATMENT   is given after Immiticide only if your dog tests positive for microfilarae. Ivomec is not registered for use in dogs in injectable form, but is superior and has less side effects than other available treatments. Dogs are admitted on a weekday morning, are given the injection and are monitored in hospital for 24 hours.

   5. SECOND DIFIL TEST   two weeks after Ivomec. If negative, "Sentinel" or "Heartgard" chewables can be commenced for prevention.

   6. FINAL ANTIGEN TEST (DIROCHECK)   3 months after Immiticide treatment.

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   BREEDING ADVICE
   1. AGE: It is better to wait until animals are at a mature age. This is to ensure they have grown to a suitable size for breeding. In general dogs and cats should not be bred before their second season this usually occurs around 12-14 months of age for cats, and from 12-18 months of age for dogs (depending on their size and breed). A hormone treatment is available to prevent your pet becoming pregnant during the first heat period, however the effect may be unpredictable and the subsequent season may not come when expected.

   2. PRE-BREEDING: Before breeding from your dog or cat, they should have a physical examination and we can discuss any potential transmissable problems. We may recommend screening procedures such as x-rays (e.g. for hip dysplasia in dogs), or blood tests (e.g. for feline leukaemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus in cats, or heartworm disease in dogs), or a faecal test for intestinal parasites. Some breeders may require a swab to be taken from the vagina to assess the stage of oestrus and better predict time of mating with microscopic examination of vaginal cells. We recommend animals be fully vaccinated and wormed prior to mating.

   3. PREGNANCY: Pregnancy can be confirmed by palpitation 4 weeks after mating and x-rays 42 days after mating. X-rays give an accurate indication of the number of pups/kittens - this is beneficial if there are any problems during the birth. Once mated, be careful with the use of any drug unless under veterinary supervision. Heartworm preventatives are safe. Proban should not be used. For flea control "Sentinel", "Program" "Advantage" and "Frontline" are safe to use in pregnancy. Worming is advised at least twice during pregnancy - once at pregnancy diagnosis, and also within 2 weeks of giving birth. Drontal is safe to use. Pregnancy lasts 63 days ± 3 days. A commercial food diet is recommended. Towards the end of pregnancy regular small feeds should be given, but overall intake should be high (up to twice normal intake).

   4. WHELPING/KITTENING: The mammary glands fill with milk and may even drip from about 7 days before giving birth. About 24 hours before birth dogs/cats get restless, stop eating, may pant and show "nesting behaviour". Once abdominal contractions start, note the time, and then disturb the mother as little as possible. Difficulties are not common but contact the vet if:
      • the first pup/kitten is not produced within 3 hours of straining.
      • if more pups/kittens are obviously present and there has been no straining for over 2 hours.

      Once a pup/kitten is born the mother should tear off (and may eat) the membranes, and lick the newborn to clean and stimulate respiration. A whelping/kittening box should be provided a few weeks prior to birth and the bitch/queen allowed to get used to it. It should be warm and draught free. A heat source may be needed around the box so that pups can't crawl away.

      You should visit the clinic with the mother and litter the day after the whelping for a post-natal oxytocin injection to ensure removal of the afterbirth and to enhance milk flow. At this visit the mother and litter are thoroughly checked and further advice is given. If tails and declaws are to be removed this is best done at 2 - 3 days of age.

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      DENTAL ADVICE

      Dental problems start as dental plaque - an invisible film of bacteria that covers the teeth. Within a short period of time the plaque starts to mineralise and a hard calcium deposit is laid down - this is dental calculus and unless removed will cover the teeth and lead to gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).

      Some facts about dental disease:

      • Untreated dental disease can lead to a foul smelling mouth and loss of teeth
      • Untreated dental disease can lead to serious heart and kidney disease later in life

      TREATMENT involves scaling the teeth under a general anaesthetic and treating any gum infection with antibiotics. Some seriously infected teeth may need to be removed. We prefer to do dental scales on Monday to Friday. Your pet comes in at 8.00am on an empty stomach and goes home after 4.00pm on the same day.

      PREVENTION involves giving cats and small dogs a daily uncooked chicken wing or giving larger dogs daily access to uncooked bones (brisket or lamb shank). MAXIGARD 1 drop on each side daily will slow down calculus formation. CET Chews or brushing with CET kits also help slow calculus formation.

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      OBESITY IN DOGS

      Obesity in dogs can lead to a range of medical conditions. Normally you should only be able to feel about 1/2cm of fat over the ribs and rib bones. Obesity can lead to the following conditions:

      • heat stroke
      • diabetes
      • ligament rupture
      • stress on arthritis joints
      • hot spots
      • breathing problems
      • reluctance to exercise

      In our experience the most successful way for a dog to lose weight is a course of the Eukanuba Restricted Calorie Diet. The diet is:

      • Satisfying Althought it has 1/2 the calories of normal dry food it expands in the stomach to satisfy the dog's hunger.
      • Nutritionally Balanced - Restricted Calorie diet has all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. (Most home made diets are difficient in vitamins and minerals, so the dog will still feel hungry). Whilst on the diet his coat will look great and his motion will be firm.
      • Tasty - the Restricted Calorie Diet is well accepted by most dogs, and dogs that are fussy generally respond to a small amount of tinned food mixed in with the diet.
      • Guaranteed To Work If you bring your dog in for a weekly weighing and he doesn't lose weight we will refund your money in full.
      • Economical No more expensive than what you are currently feeding the dog. We can determine your dogs required daily intake.
      Once your dog loses weight he will look great and feel happier.

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      MANAGING KIDNEY FAILURE

      1. FORTEKOR TABLETS reduce high blood pressure caused by kidney disease and improve appetite, weight gain, quality of life and survival time.
      2. MONTHLY INJECTIONS - A monthly Laurabolin anabolic injection has proved to be beneficial to kidney failure patients. Anabolics reduce muscle loss and slow down the progression of kidney disease.

      3. NUTRIGEL - Nutrigel is a high calorie food supplement that contains essential vitamins that are lost in kidney disease. Supplement daily.

      4. KALSTAT - Kalstat potassium supplement should be given daily. Cats with renal failure become defficient in potassium.

      5. DIET - Normal pet or human food contains up to ten times the required level of protein and phosphorous for pets with kidney failure.

         HILLS KD Dry or Walthams Renal Support tinned and dry foods are recommended. If these diets are unsuccessful try the following home made recipe:

         INGREDIENTS

         • 340g boiled rice (slightly overcooked)
         • 340g sausage mince - fatty
         • 60g kidney or liver
         • 30g brewer's yeast
         • 1 egg yolk
         • 2 tablespoons Ricotta cottage cheese

         Combine ingredients, make into patties and store in fridge. Take patties out as necessary and cook. If the animal won't eat the above diet, mix in with his normal food, then gradually wean onto the special diet. Warming the food may help. If your animal won't eat the kidney failure diet at all then feed it canned pet food. Try to keep it off an all meat diet - this is the worst diet for kidney failure. Your pet should have unlimited access to fresh water.

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         DIABETES MELLITUS

         Diabetes Mellitus or "Sugar Diabetes" is a condition where the pancreas produces an insufficient amount of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of sugar or glucose in the blood stream. Diabetics have a high blood glucose level and as a result glucose spills over into the urine. (The urine of a normal animal is free from glucose). Typical signs of early diabetes include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite with weight loss and cateracts in the eyes. As the diabetes progresses the animal becomes emaciated, depressed and goes off its food.

         Diabetes is controlled by an insulin injection twice daily. The aim of the treatment is to provide enough insulin so that there is no glucose in the patients urine. The recommended treatment regime is as follows:

         • 7.00am ... Collect urine, record glucose level and give insulin dose.
         • 8.00am ... Feed 1/2 of daily food intake.
         • 7.00pm ... Give insulin dose.
         • 8.00pm ... Feed 1/2 of daily food intake.

         If the above times are inconvenient the whole schedule can be moved forward or back an hour or so. The important factor is to give each injection about 12 hours apart. We suggest that you keep a diary that contains the following information:

         DATE

         KETONES

         GLUCOSE

         INSULIN AM

         INSULIN PM

         If you continue to get glucose in the urine then please ring us. If your injection technique is correct we will probably suggest that you increase the dose of insulin by 1 unit daily until the urine is free of glucose. The urine should always be free of ketones. Ring us if you notice the ketones.

         INJECTION TECHNIQUE 1 unit is the smallest unit on the syringe. The syringe contains 100 units. Keep the insulin refrigerated, gently mix the bottle before each injection and inject a small amount of air into the bottle each time. Hold the bottle upside down when withdrawing the insulin, remove more than you need then tap the syringe to remove any air bubbles and inject the bubbles back into the insulin bottle. Inject the insulin back into the bottle until you reach your dose (measured from the top of the plunger). Any air bubbles present will mean that you are underdosing with insulin. Pick up your pets' skin and inject at a 45 degree angle down under the skin. If you are unsure as to whether the injection was given properly don't give another injection as you may overdose your pet. It is safer to underdose than overdose.

         HYPOGLYCAEMIA If the insulin dose is too high or if your pet does not eat then the blood glucose level could fall too low. This is called hypoglycaemia and can be a serious, even fatal condition. The signs of this condition are weakness, shaking, trembling, restlessness or being unusually drowsy, and sometimes convulsions. If you notice any of these signs then feed your pet immediately or add glucose to your pets mouth. It is wise to keep "Glucodin" on hand for such an occurrence. If hypoglycaemia is suspected then please ring the vet. It is imperative that if you give your pet the insulin that you remember to feed your pet. If you are likely to forget to feed your pet 1 hour later then feed your pet when you give the insulin.

         GENERAL You need to be diligent with the insulin and feeding schedule daily and be as punctual as possible. Don't feed your pet scraps or sweets in between meals. Constant moderate exercise should be carried out each day. Excessive exercise will reduce the blood glucose level.

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         GENERAL HEALTH PROFILE

         At your pet's checkup we can perform a general health profile. This is a blood test that examines all the blood cells, the electrolites and the various internal organs looking for problems such as liver disease, diabetes and various hormonal diseases.

         Just ask the vet at your pet's visit and we can take the blood and have the results within an hour. We have just installed a new analyser that lets us have blood test results immediately.

         This test is especially recommended for older pets over seven years of age.