Just another warning to all pet owners that the tick season is well and truly here! All four clinics are treating pets with paraylsis with Vetcall Mudgeeraba seeing the most cases.

Dangerous paralysis ticks are usually picked up when pets move through bush land, thick grass or vegetation. Once paralysis ticks latch on, they suck blood and secrete a toxin. This toxin can then result in signs of tick toxicity.

If you own a dog or cat, there are several signs of tick toxicity you should be aware of. Signs can include: 

• Loss of coordination in the hind legs (wobbly or not being able to get up)
• Change in voice or bark (usually muted)
• Vomiting / retching / regurgitation / coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Progressive paralysis to include the forelegs
• Noisy grunting, respiration and salivation
• Anxiety, hypersensitivity and distress

NOTE: signs often do not appear until the tick has been attached for three to five days. Not all signs will present in all pets. Many of these signs can be confused with other ailments, causing some pet owners to delay visits to their local veterinarian. If your pet shows signs, it may need specialist treatment so it's important to take them to your nearest Vetcall Clinic as soon as possible. Sadly, delay in the removal of paralysis ticks or in the treatment of tick toxicity can result in death.

Keeping pets away from the tick habitat can help to decrease the chance of pets being affected by tick toxicity. The most important preventative measure, however, is a thorough search of your pet's skin and coat every day during the paralysis tick season, even if you are using a tick control product.

One way to search for ticks is to remove your pet's collar and run your hands against their fur. Feel for unusual lumps. If you find a tick call your veterinarian, remove the tick and continue to search for more. Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate this process the next time you visit your veterinary clinic. 

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PARALYSIS TICK 

Once on an animal, the tick attaches to become deeply and firmly embedded in the skin. When a tick attaches to the skin, the surrounding area may become red and a raised thickening of skin or 'tick crater' may appear. A crater may indicate evidence of a prior tick attachment. When an adult tick feeds on blood, it dramatically increases in size.

As well as searching daily, it's also very important to use an effective tick control product. Two products that are widely used for flea control and can also control ticks are FRONTLINE PLUS^® and FRONTLINE^® SPRAY. 

For paralysis tick control on dogs, FRONTLINE PLUS should be used every 2 weeks. For paralysis tick control on cats, use FRONTLINE SPRAY every 3 weeks. Always read the label instructions. By using a tick control product like FRONTLINE, avoiding tick habitats and checking your pets every day you can greatly reduce the risks of tick toxicity for your pet throughout the tick season. 

If you have noticed your dog has reddened or inflamed skin and is constantly scratching and itching, this may be caused by skin allergies.

Dogs that become allergic to substances such as pollen, food, moulds, or house dust mites in the environment may develop a disease called Atopic Dermatitis.

Affected dogs become especially itchy around the head, feet, and the inside of the legs causing them to scratch or rub themselves on the ground or furniture. The trauma from scratching can allow skin infections to develop.

An allergy, once formed, is usually present for life. Diagnosis involves ruling out other common causes of skin inflammation such as fleas, mites, infections or dietary causes.

If you suspect your dog may have allergic dermatitis the following information will be helpful to your Vetcall veterinarian.

-  When did you first notice your dog itching?
-  Does your dog scratch more at certain times of the day or year or after they have spent time in particular places?
-  What flea control measures are you using?
-  What do you feed your dog (including treats)?

There are many treatment options available to help control Atopic Dermatitis which aim to soothe itchiness and inflammation, treat infections and control the allergic response.

With the weather warming up we are seeing a lot more itchy pets! Call your local Vetcall clinic to make an appointment for your itchy pet.

The weather is getting warmer and it is the perfect time for fleas to emerge. Flea eggs that have been lying dormant in your carpet over the winter are stimulated to hatch in the warmth.

Your pet may be itching around the base of the tail but even if you can't see a flea, it doesn't rule out a flea problem. Fleas commonly bite your pet and then 'jump ship'.

The best thing to do is search for flea dirt. This is simply flea faeces or digested blood. Look for small brown flecks in the coat. Transfer these flecks to a damp tissue and in a short time they will appear rust coloured- this is the digested blood.

What is the best way to prevent fleas hatching?
Use a product approved by your vet. These break the life cycle of the flea, meaning there are no fleas breeding in your home.

Flea collars, flea powders and flea shampoos are not effective and may have side effects for you and your pet. Remember: never apply a dog product to a cat or vice versa, as this can be very dangerous.

Ask us for more information.

Advantage provides the fastest relief possible from fleas. It is the only topical product to kill exclusively on contact, not on bite. Flea larvae are killed within 15 minutes, preventing flea infestations in your home and avoiding flea allergy dermatitis on your pet.  For more information go to www.advantagefleacontrol.com.au

Smudge the Siamese had always experienced a cough but it had suddenly deteriorated. A visit to her vet revealed she was wheezing and breathing more rapidly; further investigation was required.

A blood test ruled out heartworm and revealed a high number of inflammatory cells in her blood stream, meaning there was something irritating her airways. Xrays showed that her lung tissue had changed, the result of constant inflammation.

The next step was an 'endotracheal lavage'. Under an anaesthetic, a small amount of fluid is washed into the airways and the remnants from the wash are examined at a pathology lab.

Thankfully this ruled out the parasite lungworm and it helped to confirm the diagnosis of feline asthma.  

Smudge's owner is a cigarette smoker and was shocked to learn that this can cause asthma in cats. But why did Smudge's cough suddenly get worse? We discovered the likely culprit  - a new brand of very dusty kitty litter.

Smudge required medication to help settle her cough and she went back to using the normal, dust free litter. Her owner quit smoking and they are both now much happier and healthier.   

Does your cat ever 'knead' you? You may notice her frequently extend her claws, digging them into your legs with an alternating action. She may also do this to her favourite blanket or while finding a nice spot to sleep on your bed.

This strange behaviour is known as 'kneading' and it starts in kittenhood when a kitten is suckling milk. It has been suggested that kittens do this to stimulate faster milk flow while some suggest it is 'nesting' behaviour. No matter what, it means your cat is feeling safe and content and may be associating you with happy memories of her time with her mother.

Click here to see an entertaining video of a cat kneading

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi originated in the hills of Western Wales. He was used as a farm dog, moving the cattle to open fields or to market. He commonly nipped at the heels of the cows in response to the farmer's whistle. 

The Cardigan has a long tail and is larger than his cousin, the Pembroke. He is very loyal and affectionate and makes a great family pet or companion for an older person.

Attributes: loving, devoted and easily trainable

Size: approx 30cm, 9 to12 kg

Lifespan: 12 to14 years

Maintenance: regular brushing to remove undercoat

Exercise:  a short daily walk

Call us and we will recommend a Welsh Cardigan Corgi breeder.