Pet loss and grief

Katrina Warren has created a website for people who have recently lost a pet or who are agonising over a decision to euthanase an old or ill pet. She encourages people to share their stories and tributes, read expert advice and honour the lives of their special pets.

Have a look at :


Our Wonderful Pets

The love we have for our pets never dies- they live on in our hearts and memories forever.

Veterinary nurse needed urgently

Our New Zealand nurse has unexpectedly had to return home to look after her dying dog and we are looking for a trained veterinary nurse to start as soon as possible. We expect a motivated, flexible self-starter ready and able to perform all nurse duties - helping in consultations, weight management consultations, kennel cleaning, pharmacy, surgical and hospital nursing, and occasional reception. If you think you would fit in to our pet-loving team focussing on high quality care for our patients and clients please email Lesa or send your CV and an introductory letter to Lesa at PO Box 259, Hall, ACT 2618.

Check us out on:
Hall Veterinary Surgery

Cat enclosures



Catnip enclosure



Sylvie hangs out in the garden

 These lucky cats run out in the fresh air under various type of enclosure.  They are safe from motor vehicles and dogs, and they can watch but not catch birds and other wildlife.

Catmax enclosed shrubs for cat explorers

Leenie

Ellie on the prowl

Both Catmax netting and Catnip enclosure are available here in Canberra!  See



Catmax and Catnip

Kitten with the runs.....

Kittens with diarrhoea are not pleasant house mates.  Unfortunately the runs are very common in kittens.  If we rule out dietary and parasite problems, and the diarrhoea continues then we must consider other rarer things.   

Six month old kitten Tully came to see us this week because he has had diarrhoea on and off for over a month and is now passing fresh red blood and mucus on very soft faeces. He’s also straining on the litter tray and repeatedly going back.

Cow’s milk or a sudden change in diet can cause diarrhoea in some kittens but Tully is on a combined cat biscuit and canned diet, and his owners are starting to build up his meat intake.  Worms can cause diarrhoea in some kittens but Tully was wormed last week.

Tully jumped up on the window sill and swung off the blind in the consult room.  His appetite is normal and he is otherwise bright and happy so we doubted that he had a viral or bacterial gut infection.

Because Tully has had the diarrhoea for a long while and originally was rescued from a cat shelter we sent off a sample of his diarrhoea to check for giardia, tritrichomonas and cryptosporidia.  These nasties are seen in kittens who have been stressed or starved, or come from crowded conditions.

Meanwhile we checked his faeces for worm eggs and other parasites under the microscope.  We also recommended that his owners fast him for 24 hours and then start a bland diet of chicken and rice or rice cereal 3 or 4 times a day.

As soon as we know what is causing the problem Tully will go on the appropriate targeted treatment.

The Pigeon Pair

Cats and dogs will live happily together – as long as the cat establishes the ground rules! You will have more success if you bring the cat home first and later introduce the dog. Better still if both are young and up for a game. As they play they will learn to socialise with each other and find their limits.
If they are older or you have had the first pet for a long time then you will have to introduce the new pet gradually and under close supervision.
Keep the new pet behind a closed door so that the two can become acquainted by smell and sound first.  Exchange their bedding or allow eye contact through a gauze door if possible.  After a few days allow them a short time together while you are present.  If all goes well increase the time they spend together.
Your cat will often show who's boss with a swipe to an eager nose so watch that this doesn't get out of hand.  Most cats will run away afterward and the dog will learnt some respect...
Pets are like children. Try not to pay too much attention to one pet or encourage competition. Share the love and make sure that both pets know what the rules are for getting attention – being calm and sitting patiently.

See this great site for other fabulous hints on keeping pets:

Pets in the City

The grass is riz...

Spring is here and Clyde thought he'd do a little gardening... trouble is a blade of grass became lodged behind his nasal passages.  Dr Alex tried to remove it last week but the blade just kept getting caught on the tiny spines along its edges.  On Saturday she tried again and this time it came out in one piece.  Here he is, still asleep, with the blade of grass safely removed:

Don't you love this???