WOUND MANAGEMENT
ASEPTIC WOUNDS like spays and castrations seldom need any after care.
Stitches are removed in 14 days time.Inspect the wound daily for any adverse
reactions. A slight swelling and redness is normal. If you have any queries,
do not hesitate to contact us.
BITE WOUNDS can be very deceiving, and what
appears to be a small puncture wound may be massive internally or subcutaneous
lacerations.
It is best advised to do emergency treatment by
cleaning the wound with Savilon, and a pressure bandage in the event of
profuse bleeding. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
CONTRACEPTION
Contraception is best applied in anoestrus (middle
of cycle, ie. Not on heat)
An injectable product is used to postpone heat by
at least 3 months.
If the dog happens to be on heat already, tablets
may be used if first given within the first 2 days of the onset of heat
signs. (Bleeding and swelling of the vulva.)
MISMATING
If an undesirable male accidentally covers the
bitch, a contraception injection may be given within 72h of mismating.
The bitch will be on heat for another 2-3 weeks though.
PLEASE NOTE: All forms of contraception are
expensive and have side Effects. Sterilization is much preferred.
WHELPING
The normal gestation period for the dog is 63
days. Late fertilization could delay this with up to 7 days.
The bitch will become increasingly restless and
stop eating 24h before whelping. The temperature will drop below 38°C.
A transparent, bloody mucous discharge is usually
evident when the parturition commences. The first pup should be delivered
within 2 hours of the water having broken.Pups should be born with hour
intervals. A prolonged birth process will weaken the other and contractions
may cease. Any black or dark green discharge indicates foetal problems
and the dog should be seen by a vet as soon as possible.
ORPHANS
PUPPIES should drink 10% of their body weight
per day, divided into 2 hourly feeding for the newborn.
A commercial formula is available from us, or you
can mix as follows:
1 tin ideal milk
equal tin water
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon glucose/golden syrup
few drops cod liver oil
FOALS
500 ml cow milk
125 ml lime water
30 g of glucose
Feed every 2 hour up to 4 weeks
Thereafter every 4 hours
From 2-3 weeks Calf starter pellets and good
quality hay
LAMBS:
1L milk
1Tsp oil
1tsp glucose
1 egg yolk
Give 50 - 100ml every two hours
| ANIMAL |
|
TEMPERATURE
|
PUSATION BEAT PER MIN
|
BREATHING
PER MIN |
| COW |
|
38.3 |
60-90 |
26-30 |
|
BULL
|
|
38.9 |
40-60 |
10-30 |
|
CALF
|
|
39.4 |
100 |
30 |
| SHEEP,GOAT |
|
39.4 |
68-90 |
10-20 |
| PIG |
|
38.9 |
60-90 |
10-20 |
| HORSE |
|
37.8 |
28-42 |
8-16 |
|
FOAL
|
|
38.3
|
40-58 |
10-15 |
| DOG |
|
38.3 |
52-80 |
14-30 |
| PUPPY |
|
38.9 |
90-130 |
16-30 |
| CAT |
|
38.3 |
110-130 |
20-30 |
| FOWL/DUCK |
|
41.7 |
120-160 |
15-48
|
VACCINATIONS
WHAT EVERY PET OWNER SHOULD KNOW
As a responsible pet owner, maintaining your pet's
health is a primary concern. In addition to providing a loving environment
and a quality diet, prevention of infectious diseases is one of the most
important steps you can take to keep your pet illness free. Through routine
regular checkups, your veterinarian is able to evaluate your pet?s health
needs and plan an appropriate preventive health program, including vaccinations.
Maintaining a routine schedule of physical examinations and vaccinations
provides your pet with the best possible chance to resist the common diseases
they encounter.
Here we discuss common questions regarding infectious
diseases, prevention of illness and the importance, effectiveness, and
risks associated with vaccinations. Please read this information carefully
and direct any additional questions to us or one of our staff members.
WHAT ARE INFECTIOS DISEASES?
Infectious diseases are caused by microscopic organisms
such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. These germs invade and multiply within
your pet?s body, or in some cases, on the skin surface and cause illness.
If your pet's immune system does not stop and infection and its left untreated,
many infectious diseases can cause serious, permanent damage; including
death.
HOW IS MY PET EXPOSED TO DISEASE CAUSING ORGANISMS?
Many diseases are transmitted to susceptible animals
by am infected animal in various ways, viz. Close contact, sneezing, coughing,
vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Healthy appearing animals may also spread disease-causing
germs, without showing any signs of illness themselves. People can also
spread infectious diseases by coming in contact with an infected animal
or fluids. They may unknowingly carry the disease-causing germs on their
hands, clothing or shoes to an unsuspecting and unprotected pet. This is
particularly true with common diseases such as canine parvovirus and ringworm.
Some bacteria, viruses and fungi can remain infectious
for very long periods in the environment without an animal host. In these
cases, animals can be exposed to infectious diseases without coming in
contact with another animal or person.
As you can see, there are numerous opportunities
for your pet to be exposed to disease-causing organisms. When such exposures
occur, their immune system must be prepared to protect them from severe
illness or death.
HOW DOES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM FIGHT DISEASE?
When an animal is exposed to infectious organisms,
the immune system is called upon to prevent infection by forming antibodies.
These antibodies then fight off the invading organisms.
WHAT ARE VACCINES AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
Vaccines are made by killing or altering the disease-causing
germs so that they no longer create illness. When they are injected in
the form of a vaccine, They cause the immune system to stimulate the production
of antibodies and ?memory cells? specific for that disease. In this way,
vaccines prepare the immune system to be ready to stop infections and prevent
illness quickly when the ?real? disease strikes. It is important to realize
that vaccines, by themselves, do not prevent disease. Vaccines only act
as a "trigger" to stimulate the immune system. It is up to the animal?s
immune system to actually prevent infection and disease.
IF I HAVE MY PET VACCINATED, DOES THAT MEAN IT WILL NEVER GET SICK?
There are literally thousands of microscopic organisms
that can cause illness in our pets. Therefore, It is not possible to vaccinate
for every possible infectious disease. However, vaccines have been developed
to assist your animal's immune system in preventing the most common diseases.
Although modern vaccines are highly effective, not
every vaccinated animal will be equally protected. Some animal's immune
systems will respond very well to vaccination, while others may not develop
a high level of protection. Due to this variation in response, it is impossible
for vaccination to prevent all disease. In addition, some animals may be
exposed to such high numbers of infectious microorganisms that their immune
system is overwhelmed and they become ill. Fortunately, the vast majority
of vaccinated pets will be protected.
WHY ARE MULTIPLE BOOSTERS GIVEN IN THE INITIAL SERIES?
The need for multiple boosters is especially important
in young animals. Their immune system may not respond as quickly or as
effectively as an adult?s may. In addition, they receive antibodies through
their mother?s first milk (colostrum) that protects them from infectious
disease during the critical first months of life. Unfortunately, these
maternal antibodies also react with vaccines and may reduce the vaccine?s
effectiveness. These first antibodies have a short and variable life span
and decline over a month?s time.
Giving multiple vaccinations to young animals helps
to ensure that they have the best possible opportunity to develop protection
when they are most vulnerable.
WHY ARE BOOSTERS GIVEN OVER THE LIFETIME OF MY PET?
Generally, immune protection declines after a
period of time. Revaccination intervals can vary depending on your pet?s
risk of exposure, the type of vaccine used, your pet?s age and its health
status. The precise interval between revaccination will be determined by
your veterinarian. Historically, yearly revaccination intervals have been
effective in controlling many infectious diseases.
ARE THERE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH VACCINATION?
Although rare, an animal can experience complications
from vaccination. Most of these reactions are transient, but some can be
life-threatening. Various components of vaccines are foreign to the body,
as a result, some individuals may react to normal vaccination in unexpected
and abnormal ways.
self-limiting, usually lasting only 24 to 48 hours
and require no treatment. Such symptoms are not unlike what many humans?
experience after receiving an influenza or tetanus inoculation. Although
not expected in every animal, these mild symptoms are signals that you
should monitor your pet?s progress but, by themselves, should not be cause
for alarm.
Vomiting, diarrhoea, itching, difficulty in breathing,
swelling of the face or extremities and hives are more serious signs of
allergic reactions. Allergic reactions usually occur within a matter of
minutes to a few hours after vaccination. These more severe signs should
be reported to your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can then
determine whether additional close observation or treatment is indicated.
Please advise your veterinarian if your pet has experienced
an allergic reaction to vaccinations in the past, so that they can take
precautions to minimize the risk if additional boosters are given.
Abnormal reactions to vaccinations are rare.The benefits
of providing protection against infectious diseases greatly outweigh the
risk associated with vaccination. In order to minimize the risk associated
with vaccination, consider scheduling your pet?s inoculations when you
can spend several hours with your pet after vaccination. By observing your
pet?s behavior after vaccines are given, you can contact your veterinarian
if complications should arise.
YOUR VETERINARIAN IS COMMITED TO YOUR PET'S HEALTH
You have entrusted your veterinarian with the
care of a valuable family member. This information is provided to assist
you to be more informed about the recommendations of your veterinarian
regarding your pet?s preventive health program. Ask your veterinarian or
their staff members any additional questions you have regarding your pet?s
needs.
VACCINATION RECOMMENDATION
KITTEN
6 WEEKS OF AGE Fel-O-Vaxâ PCT
Or
Fel-O-Vaxâ lV
9 WEEKS OF AGE Fel-O-Vaxâ LvK lV
12 WEEKS OF AGE Fel-O-Guardâ 4+FeLV-R
or
Fel-O-Vaxâ LvK lV+Rabvacâ 3
(Administered separately)
ADULT
CATS (WHEN PREVIOUSLY VACCINATION HISTORY NOT KNOWN)
Fel-O-Vaxâ LvK lV
3 weeks later
Fel-O-Guardâ 4+FelV-R
Or
Fel-O-Vaxâ LvK lV+Radvacâ 3
(Administered separately)
ANNUAL
BOOSTER VACCINATIONS
Fel-O-Guardâ 4+FeLV-R
Or
Fel-O-Vaxâ LvK lV+Rabvacâ
3
(Administered separately)
MANGE
A veterinarian should examine skin irretations
and the diagnosis of mange can only be made on a positive microscopic examination.
Primarily two types of mange is seen:
1.
DEMODECTIC
MANGE
Usually not itchy, and
not transmissible. Can cause severe pussy areas if left untreated. Treated
by dipping with Amitraz and Ivermectin injectable.
2.
SARCOPTIC
MANGE
Itchy and transmissible,
also to humans. Often causes pustules, especially on abdomen. Treated
by dipping with Diazinan and Ivermectin injectable.
FELINE LEUKEMIA
WHAT IS FELINE LEUKEMIA (FeLv)?
This is a serious disease in cats, caused by a virus infection. It's
also a complex disease, of which leukemia (cancer of white blood cells)
and cancerous tumors are only a small part. Various other related but non-tumorous
diseases are also involved.
WHAT OTHER DISEASES ARE A PART OF THE COMPLEX?
They include anemia, atrophy of the thymus gland,
ulcers of the mouth, skin lesions, reproductive problems such as miscarriages
and weak or dying kittens (fading kitten syndrome), chronic digestive and
respiratory problems and others.
WHY ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS INVOVLED?
The feline leukemia virus impairs the cat?s immune
system similar to the way the AIDS virus affects humans. As a result, cats
lose their ability to fight the bacteria, viruses and fungi, which cause
these disease problems.
HOW COULD MY CAT GET THE DISEASE?
Feline leukemia is spread by direct contact with
infected cats. It's usually transmitted in the saliva, but low levels of
virus can also be found in the urine and faeces.
Licking, biting and sneezing are common forms of transmission. Food
and water dishes and litter boxes are likely sources of infections, if
healthy cats share them with infected cats.
MY CAT NEVER COMES IN CONTACT WITH OTHER CATS.
IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO GET THE DISEASE?
It's not likely, unless it was born to an infected
queen. However, if your cat accidentally escapes or is ever boarded out,
Such as during vacations, or unexpectedly comes in contact with another
cat, the risk of exposure to the virus increased dramatically.
IF MY CAT HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH OTHER CATS,
HOW CAN I KNOW WHETHER IT HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS?
The only sure way is to have your pet tested by
your veterinarian. Because such a complex of disease problems and symptoms
is involved, it?s not easy to spot the disease by how your cat looks or
acts. However, certain signs - such as long lasting infections, unexplained
weight loss, reduced appetite, swollen glands, or gum problems - should
alert you to a health problem that warrants a closer look by your veterinarian
and possible FeLV testing.
IF MY CAT TESTS POSITIVE FOR FeLV, WHAT SHOULD
I EXPECT? DO SOME ANIMALS SURVIVE THE DISEASE?
Once a cat has been infected with feline leukemia
virus, there are three possible outcomes:
1)
About 40% develop immunity and became resistant to future infections.
2)About
30% become "latent carriers" of the disease, neither fully recovered nor
seriously affected. They may be susceptible to the disease at some future
time, and, if reactivated, they can pass on the virus to their offspring.
3)The
remaining 30% of exposed cats are persistently infected and, of these about
83% die within three years of the time of infection from leukemia and/or
the associated diseases. Death can be sudden or lingering and painful.
IS THERE ANY WAY TO PREDICT WHICH OF THE THREE
GROUPS A CAT WALL INTO?
Unfortunately, not at the present time.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREVENT MY CATS FROM GETTING
THE DISEASE IN THE FIRST PLACE?
The most obvious is to limit or eliminate all
contact with other cats. This however, isn't always possible or practical.
The best solution is to see your veterinarian and have your cat or cats
vaccinated with an effective vaccine.
IF MY CAT GETS INFECTED WITH FELINE LEUKEMIA
VIRUS, CAN I GET INFECTED TOO?
No evidence currently links FeLV in cats with
any known human disease problems.
|
