- Common diseases of dogs, cats and rabbits
- Myxomatosis
- Dental disease in rabbits
- Flystrike in rabbits
- Sore hocks in rabbits
- 'Conjunctivitis' in rabbits (dacryocystitis)
- Arthritis
- Kennel cough
- Abscesses, cats
- FeLV
- FIV
- Anal gland disease
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Hyperthyroidism in cats
- Diarhoea
- Feline stomatitis
- Feline cystitis
- Diabetes
- Heart failure, dogs
- Kidney disease in cats
- Poisons
- Parasites
- Travelling abroad
- Behind the scenes
- Positive health
- Medications
- Giving medication
- This section provides information on a number of subjects. It should be realised that it is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Travelling abroad with a Pet Passport.
To take your pet on holiday in Europe you will first need to obtain a Pet Passport. The steps and time scale are:- Microchip (if not already done) and first Rabies vaccine
- 2 weeks later second Rabies vaccine
- 2 weeks later blood test for Rabies antibody
- 2-4 weeks later issue of passport following a positive result. (We have so far not had any animals fail the blood test when given 2 vaccinations)
- You may take your pet to Europe and some other countries after issue of the passport but you cannot return to the UK until 6 months have elapsed from the time of a positive blood result(see point 3)
- 24-48 hours (and the timing is essential) before re-entry to the UK you must have your pet treated by a vet in the country of departure for internal and external parasites. This is a safegaurd for UK animals and people not your pet!
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What risks are involved in taking my pet on holiday?
General. Life is full of risks so we wouldn't want you to think that we are trying to put you off taking your dog abroad! At the same time we feel you should be aware of potential problems and thus be able to minimise the risk.Diseases.There are a number of diseases in mainland Europe, which do not occur here, that affect dogs and can be fatal. These are Heartworm (transmitted by mosquitoes), Leishmania (transmitted by sandflies), Babesia and Erlichia (both transmitted by ticks). There are no vaccinations that can be given, they may be difficult to diagnose and treatment is not always effective. Despite this we can do something to reduce the risk. By using a spot on called Advantix we can reduce the risk of contracting the diseases as a result of its repellent activity on mosquitoes, sandflies and ticks. It also kills ticks before disease transmission can occur. We also advise avoiding times and areas of greater risk. Sandflies do not frequent beaches but are more likely found associated with woodland, animal burrows and other dark holes. They generally feed dusk to dawn. Mosquitoes are generally associated with water and again are active dawn to dusk. Ticks are general found in rough vegetation especially associated with livestock. Local advice should be sought. We recommend specific products for the prevention of heartworm such as Stronghold.
Climate. Most people travel to sunnier climates on their holiday and this can be a problem for their pets. If not accustomed to high temperatures or with airway problems pets can suffer and die from heat stroke. Dogs lose heat by panting. Unfortunately the effort required to pant generates heat. Above a certain point the heat generated excedes that lost and the dog's temperature rises instead of falling until it causes fatal organ damage. Dogs with short noses, breathing problems, excess weight, are very excitable, exercise moderately to heavily or have no access to shade or water are all at risk.
Regulations and language. Re-read information on pet passports especially the official defra site. Timing of worming and tick treatment is very important if you don't want to miss your sailing/train. Have your id chip checked prior to leaving to go on holiday. It may not be checked on the way out and then be discovered not to work on the way back - six months quarantine!. This is very rare but has happened. One of our nurses will check it for free. Make sure you keep your pets passport safe. Re-issuing abroad is not easy! Finally consider the language. Medical problems can be difficult to understand in your english. How well do you speak the local language? Is there a local vet that speaks good English? You will hopefully only need to see them for your pre-return wormers and tick treatment, but just in case.....
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