AUG2013_UQ VETS DAYBORO NEWS
Thank you everyone for your support throughout the whole building process over the last year. It was wonderful to be finally able to celebrate with you on our open day, which was a huge success. There was something for everyone and many of you took the opportunity to have a look through our new clinic and get an idea of the services we are able to offer your pets.
Katherine and Meghan did a wonderful job explaining the workings of a modern veterinary facility and the variety of special interest groups ensured there was plenty to take in.
A big thank you to the North Pine Poultry Club, the Greyhound Adoption Program, Justin Jordan (Dog Tech), Wildlife Warriors (Annika and Penelope), Madonna and Janet, Ross and Diane North (Dayboro Llama Walks), Karl Penna (Zoetis/Hendra stand), Provet and Zebravet (who provided coffee and sausages), all our sponsors who provided the prizes (Elanco, Novartis, Hills, Virbac, Dermcare, Zoetis) and our dedicated group of students.
To coincide with our official opening we have also had a name change. We will now be known as “UQ Vets Dayboro”. The name change reflects our connection with the University of Queensland but doesn’t change the way in which we operate. Our dedicated team of vets and nurses remain unchanged.
Now a timely reminder about ticks, yes, they’re around and active!
Tick paralysis is a potentially life threatening condition all pet owners have heard of and unfortunately, some have had to have their pet treated for.
Tick paralysis is caused by the Paralysis Tick, Ixodes holocyclus, and causes ascending paralysis (i.e. paralysing the body from the hind legs forward) and eventual death due to the paralysis and secondary conditions which may develop. The paralysis tick becomes more prevalent as the months become warmer and more humid. Statistically, we treat more cases of tick paralysis in spring, but cases are seen and treated throughout the year here in this part of Queensland.
Affected animals can lose their ability to swallow, blink, urinate and, in severe conditions, the ability to adequately breathe.
Signs to watch for:
· Weakness or wobbliness in the hind legs
· Altered bark sound (voice)
· Retching, coughing, regurgitation (similar to vomiting) and vomiting
· Laboured breathing
· Paralysis of other parts of the body (eg.front legs, unable to lift the head)
· Not all animals will show all signs.
What you should do:
· Contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs
· Keep calm – both the owner and the pet
· Search for the tick and remove it. Then search for more ticks and remove any found. The most common place ticks are found is in the region of the head, ears, neck and forelimbs.
DO NOT FEED YOUR PET
Treatment:
If the veterinarian determines that your pet requires treatment, the pet will be treated with tick antiserum and receive intensive supportive care. This could include intravenous fluids and supplementary oxygen therapy. Often the pet’s coat will be clipped to help in the search for ticks and to minimise the risk of missing any. They will also receive a tick preventative (spray, top-spot or bath).
Patients should remain in hospital until they have recovered from the effects of the paralysis.
Treatment can be costly. Patients do die from tick paralysis or the secondary effects. Those that do recover can be left with serious conditions which can develop secondary to the effects of the toxin. Some of the secondary conditions that may occur include heart abnormalities, oesophageal stricture (scarring of the oesophagus), pneumonia and inability to urinate or dribbling urine.
Prevention:
· Tick searching your pet daily
· Paralysis tick collar
· Top spot
· Spray
It is vital that the preventatives utilised are reapplied at the recommended time.
In peak season using more than one preventative is recommended (eg. Top spot and collar).
Prevention is better than treatment. If you’re concerned about your pet please contact us, don’t wait until it may be too late.
Dayboro Veterinary Surgery
Phone 3425 1544.
