Tabby all patched up

Remember Tabitha? She was diagnosed with kidney disease earlier this year. After a bit of persuasion she took  to her special diet for failing kidneys with relish, although she misses her weekly fresh rabbit.
This week she had her progress tests. Her potassium levels were fine - diseased kidneys lose potassium - and her phosphorus levels were normal too. If phosphorous gets too high or potassium too low then cats lose their appetite and feel ill.
We were concerned to find that her creatinine levels were creeping up but as they are not affecting her appetite or quality of life we will just monitor her again in 3 months time.
Overall the special low protein, low phosphorous, high potassium kidney diet is keeping her healthy and happy so that she can properly supervise the next patchwork project - and at 16 years of age that's pretty important!

Disaster readiness

Are your pets disaster ready?

The 10th anniversary of the fires that devastated many parts of the ACT in January, 2003, reminds us that we should always be prepared for the unpredictable. Storms, fires and floods can come at any time and affect pets as well as people. Many pets were lost in the fires of 2003. Some were injured or died, others never found their owners and were re-homed or euthanased. 

Catch-me-if-you-can Cleo

Make sure that your cats are microchipped and that your contact details on the ACT register are up to date. If you have time attach a tag with your mobile number and address, and your vet’s phone number to your cats’ collars so that if someone without access to a microchip scanner picks them up you can be contacted. 
Have an emergency kit packed in advance. Include non-perishable food like dry cat kibble, water in spill proof containers, a cat carrier, litter tray and blankets as well as a first aid kit. 
The first aid kit should have gauze swabs, bandages, disinfectant, cotton wool, scissors and a towel to wrap your patient in. Even the most placid animal may react unpredictably when in pain.
Decide where your cats will go if you have to evacuate. You may have family or friends outside the danger zone who would look after them. 
If you leave your cats at home leave them in the safest enclosed room in the house, usually the bathroom, with food and water.  Leave a notice on the gate or door of the house with your contact details and saying that there are pets inside.

How to catch a cat

Some truth in this! If you put the cat carrier out in the lounge or bed room a few days ahead of your cat's vet visit he may just find it a comfy and secure hiding place.... instead of something to avoid and make a fuss about!

how to get your cat to come inside....

Cats can have hypos too!

Ivo is a diabetic on insulin. For many months his dose was stable but just lately we have had to increase it to control his blood sugar levels adequately.
The last dose increase was one too many. Last Wednesday night he was wobbly on his feet and looked a bit spaced out. His attentive owner soon realised he was having a hypo and gave him an early dinner. Within minutes he was back to his normal self.
Ivo spent a chilled out day with us today while we checked the fluctuations in his blood glucose. With the dose reduction we hope he will have a much better week this week.

Dr Kate meets Myanmar cats

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Sorry I've neglected you for the last month - I've been making some new friends in South East Asia.
This very friendly fellow lives in a monastery on Inle Lake, Myanmar. We were told that the cats sometimes perform for visitors but on the afternoon we visited they were very definitely on holiday, too. I had to pick this cat up before he roused even slightly.
Very few dogs live in the homes built over the water on Inle Lake but I saw cats on every window sill.

Thinking of a new pup?

Preparing to meet the new pup