Vet Health Focus

Here at Imberpark our aim has always been to keep you informed with relevant seasonal topics from health issues and advice through to dietary developments.

This time round Health Focus speaks to Louisa Cheape.

Louisa graduated from Liverpool University in 2009 and joined the Shepperton Veterinary Clinic in 2011 after working for a year and a half in rural mixed practice in Scotland.

Health Focus: Dog Vaccinations

Vaccination primes the immune system to recognise and respond quickly to certain infections before they cause serious illness. They contain harmless strains of the viruses or bacteria that your dog needs protection against. Most of the diseases that are vaccinated against have no specific cure, and treatment can only support the animal before its immune system can hopefully fight off the disease.

Vaccines are usually used in puppies from a minimum of eight weeks of age. Generally, two doses of vaccine are given 2 weeks apart and then every year a single booster injection is given to keep their immunity at fully protective levels. It is advisable to ensure that your puppy is fully vaccinated (ie. a week has elapsed after the second vaccine) before allowing it to come into contact with other dogs that may be carriers of the diseases.

WHICH DISEASES ARE COVERED BY THE COMBINED VACCINE IN THE UK?

Canine Parvovirus – An aggressive disease that attacks the immune system and the cells lining the intestines, causing serious, often fatal, vomiting and haemorrhagic diarrhoea. Young unvaccinated puppies are especially susceptible.
Canine Distemper – This virus attacks the respiratory system, the intestines and finally the nervous system. Distemper is frequently fatal and survivors may go on to suffer serious neurological problems, including seizures. Vaccination has done much to reduce the prevalence of this disease but it is still seen in urban areas.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis – Ingestion of urine, faeces, or saliva of infected dogs is the main route of infection. The liver, kidneys, spleen, eyes and lungs are the main target organs. Cases can be fatal whilst some dogs can recover. Chronic kidney lesions and corneal clouding (“blue eye”) are common in dogs which recover from the disease.
Canine para influenza – Sometimes confused with kennel cough, this virus has been identified as one of the components of kennel cough , a highly infectious upper respiratory tract infection of dogs. It causes inflammation of the upper airways and if untreated, can progress to pneumonia in puppies or to chronic bronchitis in older dogs.
Leptospirosis – Disease is caused by bacteria from the family Leptospira. Both strains of Leptospira affecting dogs can be vaccinated against. One strain is contracted from watercourses contaminated with the urine of infected rats. This strain can also cause disease in humans. The second is caught from the urine of infected dogs. Whilst antibiotics can help to treat Leptospirosis, cases can often be fatal or cause lifelong damage to the kidneys.

INTRA-NASAL BORDETELLA VACCINE AGAINST 'KENNEL COUGH'.

Canine kennel cough is also called canine infectious tracheobronchitis and has both bacterial and viral components. As a result of it's multifactorial nature, there is not a single vaccination which can be given to prevent a dog from becoming infected with kennel cough. However, vaccination can help decrease the severity of the disease when a dog is exposed to kennel cough.

Intra-nasal vaccinations against Bordetella bronchiseptica can be given as early as 3 weeks of age. Only one vaccine is needed and immunity will last 12 months. Intra-nasal Bordetella vaccines generate a local immune response in the respiratory tract.

Ideally, avoidance of exposure is the best way to prevent your dog from developing kennel cough. However, in reality, this is often not possible or practical. Making certain that your dog is up to date with vaccines against canine parainfluenza as well as vaccinating at risk dogs against Bordetella can help protect dogs from canine kennel cough. Of course, a healthy dog with a strong immune system is also much less likely to develop disease.

"Offering the Utmost In Veterinary Care"

Shepperton Veterinary Clinic
w: http://www.sheppertonvet.com/
e: info@sheppertonvet.com
t: 01932 22 99 00

7 Station Approach
Shepperton
TW17 8AR

PREVIOUS HEALTH FOCUS:

Fleas & Worms Read more
Health Focus speaks to veterinary surgeon Leigh Sobye.

Leigh qualified from Liverpool in 2000 and joined Willet House after a period in a mixed practice in Cornwall. Leigh later joined the Partnership in 2004, and now divides his time between working at their Hampton Surgery and has taken on the role of practice manager.

Fleas and worms can be annoying and unpleasant in both cats and dogs but importantly they can pose serious health risks to both you and your pet. You should be protecting your pet against:
- Roundworms – Extremely important because of the risk of causing a number of human health problems such as blindness in children. Whilst Cats can pick up roundworms, dogs, especially puppies, most commonly pass these on to people.
- Tapeworms – Your pet commonly picks these up hunting or from fleas. They commonly cause irritation around the anus and digestive upsets.
- Lungworm – Angiostrongylus vasorum is a parasite that lives in the heart and major blood vessels of the lung. Left untreated it can be fatal. This parasite is carried in slugs and snails and can be purposefully ingested or accidentally ingested, for example when your dog drinks from puddles or eats grass.
- Fleas – Can cause irritation to both your pet and humans in the house. Some pets develop allergies to fleas, which can cause several skin disorders. Any adult fleas seen on your pet are unfortunately usually the tip of the iceberg with many eggs and larvae in your carpets and furniture.
In order to determine which flea and worm treatments are most suitable for your pet you should contact your local vetinary practice for further advice.

Willet House Vetinary Surgeons
http://www.willetthouse.co.uk/
t: 020 8941 8791

Dietary Developments

Pedigree® Joint Care™+

It's a good job there's Pedigree® Joint Care™+. To help ease joint stiffness so he can keep active.

BRINGING BACK THE BOUNCE

Dogs of all types and sizes can develop joint problems as they get older. As their joints stiffen after years of use, they become less and less mobile, and generally slow down. Pedigree® Joint Care™+ treats are developed with these dogs in mind. These tasty treats contain CPA Complex®, a unique blend of natural active ingredients together with methionine. When fed daily, they can help ease joint stiffness in as little as six weeks.

IT'S WHAT'S IN IT THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

The secret of Pedigree® Joint Care™+ is in the CPA Complex®, a unique blend of natural, active ingredients, fed daily they can help ease joint stiffness in as little as six weeks. Glucosamine is an essential building block of healthy joints. Ours is derived from shrimp shells. A steady supply of glucosamine helps the body regenerate joint tissue, especially the cartilage which cushions joints. As such, it has a supporting role to play in maintaining the condition of healthy joints and in helping to deal with normal wear and tear. Omega 3, from fish oils, is recognised for its role in helping to promote natural suppleness and flexibility. It can also help to ease stiffness in joints. Green Lipped Mussel Powder from New Zealand is a rich source of chondroitin, an important component in building healthyjoints. The powder also contains unique fatty acids that help to ease jointstiffness and works as an antioxidant to help deal with free radicals. Methionine is an amino acid used by the body to support your dog's own natural processes for dealing with joint stiffness. A steady supply of this nutrient is important for dogs who are showing signs of joint wear and tear. Micronutrients in Pedigree® Joint Care™+ include a number of additional vitamins and minerals with anti-oxidant properties.

A GLIMPSE INSIDE A JOINT

So far, we've talked a lot about joints. But maybe it's time we had a closer look at them. Why are they so important and why exactly do we need to keep them healthy? Think of your dog's joints like shock absorbers. They are in constant use, cushioning his bones to prevent wear and tear. Inevitably, as your dog gets older, he experiences the same wear and tear on his joints as we do. Sadly though, due to a dog's rapid development from puppy to adult dog, it's much worse for your furry friend. To help understand what a complex part of your dog's body these joints are, here's a brief look at how they work around his bones. Nowonder they need some TLC.

WHAT ARE JOINTS?

The joint is an intricate piece of the body that prevents wear and tear on the bone. It consists of ligament, cartilageand synovial fluid.

Ligaments

These are the “bracing”, holding the joint together to prevent dislocation. Trouble is, they can weaken with age.

Cartilage

Acting like a cushion, the cartilage absorbs impact every time your dog runs and jumps. So it's easy to see how itcan become worn with age.

Synovial Fluid

This is the lubrication to prevent friction. It's simply a liquid layer between the cartilages but it tends to thicken with age and cause stiffness. Hopefully, you can now see how important Pedigree® Joint Care™+ treats are and how these active ingredients can help.

KEEP ON MOVING

It goes without saying that keeping your dog slim and fit will help to reduce extra stress on his joints. And, of course, once he has his bounce back, regular exercise will help to keep his joints supple, and keep his heart and lungs healthy too. Exercising with your dog really helps to build that dog and owner bond, as it's a great way to show him you care.

The amount of exercise your dog needs obviously depends on his size. For example, a little Yorkshire Terrier won't need the huge run that a Labrador would need. But whatever kind of dog you have,there's no reason why you can't incorporate more play into your walks, as it will help him stay healthy and agile. Ball throwing is a great example, but dogs also love playing with frisbees, as they're great fun on land or in water. You could even try a game of tug of war with a piece of rope or simple game of fetch. Not only will it provide intellectual stimulation,but it's great fun for both of you.

Finally, whenever you take your dog out, always remember to take water for him and, on hot summer days, aim to go out early morning or late evening when it's cooler.

TIME TO DUST OFF THE WALKING BOOTS

Planning some lovely long walks with yourdog? The great thing is that walking is good for you too, as it lowers blood pressure, tones muscles and helps burn calories. So a good walk can not only help maintain your dog's mobility, but can also keep you fit too.

If you want to keep track of the progress you and your dog are making, why not take a pedometer on your walks? It'll tell you how far you've walked, how long it's taken and also how many calories you are burning in the process. If you are keeping a diary of your dog's progress on Pedigree® Joint Care™+, you can use the pedometer to track how much further your daily walks are taking the two of you. Not to mention how pleased you'll feel with yourself when you see how many calories your walk has burned.

We all know the benefits of regular exercise (for both of you!) but it's easy to skip days if the weather's a bit rubbish or if you have a hectic schedule. So the key is to make sure you find ways to stay motivated. Don't keep covering the same old ground:find different routes, especially ones with great scenery or something to look at. It'll provide more adventures for your furry friend as well as keeping things interesting for you. Also, why not make a "walking date" with a friend and their dog? That way, it becomes a regular event that you can all look forward to.

New Pedigree® Joint Care™+ 2011

PREVIOUS DIETARY DEVELOPMENTS:

Eukanuba Dog FoodRead more
CUSTOMISED NUTRITION BRINGS OUT THE GREATNESS IN YOUR DOG.

We believe dogs evolved from carnivores and should be fed accordingly. That's why we use high-quality animal proteins, mainly chicken or lamb - not vegetables - as the main source of protein in Eukanuba dog food. It's how we believe nature intended dogs to eat.

Eukanuba Breed-Specific Formulas

Eukanuba Daily Care Formulas

Eukanuba Puppy Formulas

Eukanuba Adult Dog Formulas

Eukanuba Senior Formulas

Eukanuba Premium Performance Formulas

Eukanuba Lamb & Rice Formulas

EUKANUBA'S VITAL HEALTH SYSTEM - NOW IN EVERY FORMULA

The Eukanuba Vital Health System consists of clinically proven ingredients in six key performance areas that work together to keep your best friend at his very best. And now find out how the Vital Health System is good for puppies too.

VITAL HEALTH SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The high-quality ingredients found in Eukanuba are selected based on the nutritional benefits they provide for your dog. And that also holds true for the ingredients that make up Eukanuba's Vital Health System. Whether it's natural protein, fat, calcium, or fiber, Eukanuba formulas have the right blend of ingredients for a specific breed, life stage, and lifestyle, to make them essential to your dog's diet.

THE SIX ELEMENTS OF THE VITAL HEALTH SYSTEM
- Strong Defenses: Clinically proven prebiotics help promote strong natural defenses. 65% of your dog's immune system is found in the digestive tract.
  Learn more »
- Skin & Coat: Optimal ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is clinically proven to help
  promote healthy skin and radiant coat.
  Learn more »
- Lean Muscles: Animal based proteins are clinically proven to help promote strong, lean muscles.
  Learn more »
- Optimal Digestion: Beet pulp is clinically proven to help promote digestive health.
  Natural fibre blend to optimise nutrient absorption.
  Learn more »
- Strong Bones: Contains calcium, clinically proven to help promote strong bones.
  Learn more »
- DentalCare System: DentalCare System clinically proven to help reduce
  tartar build-up by up to 55% in 28 days.
  Learn more »
Purina Pro Plan Read more

With puppy season nearly upon us, Health Focus takes from its shelves Purina PRO PLAN and finds out just why so many customers are switching from there usual brands to one of the worlds trusted leaders in pet nutrition.

A PUPPY HAS JUST ONE YEAR TO BUILD THE FOUNDATION FOR A HEALTHY LIFE

Puppies undergo enormous change between the time they are born and the time they become an adult.

Puppies receive antibodies from their mother's milk that gives them a certain level of immunity. Once weaned, they need the right nourishment to help their natural protective systems grow in harmony with each other to optimise their overall protection.

Immunity in puppies reaches a low at 6 weeks and remains low until 5 months*, during this time they experience an "immunity gap" while their immune systems matures.

Purina vets and nutritionists have developed new PRO PLAN Puppy OPTISTART to give puppies the specific nourishment they need for the best start of life.

PRO PLAN Puppy OPTISTART contains natural antibodies that are PROVEN to help support the healthy immune system and help re-inforce the natural protection his mother gave him, by helping to bridge the immunity gap**

* Ishikawa H, Tabuchi H and Ohashi E (1998), Changes in the Serum immunoglobulin concentrations in puppies. J Vet Med Japan 51: 801 – 805
** Data on file 2006. 50% increase of antibodies after 6 months after exclusively feeding a diet with OPTISTART versus a diet without OPTISTART to healthy dogs.

PRO PLAN FOR ALL LIFESTAGES

The nutritional needs of your dog will change throughout his life. For example, the requirements of a growing puppy will be quite different from those of a dog approaching healthy old age. With this in mind, PRO PLAN is available in seventeen varieties, covering the three main lifestages (Puppy, Adult, Senior) as well as specific lifestyles (Light, Performance). Whatever your dog's lifestage or lifestyle, there's a PRO PLAN product to suit him.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Leaders in Pet Nutrition and Innovation

Pets are our passion. As one of the world's leaders in pet care, we've been serving pets and their owners for more than 80 years, continually advancing the science behind pet nutrition and pet care.

At Purina we are committed to continued innovation. That's why nutritionists, food scientists, behaviourists, vets and other experts are working on an enormous range of initiatives across four major science centres in the USA and Europe. Purina is also working to set the pet health agenda for the twenty-first century by monitoring the most important health issues that are facing pets today.

http://www.purina-proplan.com/uk/