Meadows Vet News
Horse owners if you have a horse on Omoguard we have some great news for you. We have been able to get a special bulk buy meaning that the price works out to only $50per tube!
All dog owners please make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. We recently have had a confirmed case of Parvo Virus and this is very contagious. Please note that the virus can be carried on shoes in dirt so even if your dog never leaves your property it is still advisable to have them vaccinated for protection. Also, this month we are seeing a lot of dogs with ear infections. If your dog is showing signs of ear discomfort, please do not wait before seeking treatment. All ear issues can be very painful but if left can also be much more difficult and more expensive to treat!
August is National Pet Dental Health Month!
At Meadows Vet Centre we are participating in several ways to promote better dental care. This initiative is part of a worldwide effort to reduce the incidence of the most common ailment in adult pets: oral disease.
According to veterinary research, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are 3 years of age! Signs of disease include:
persistent bad breath,
a yellow-brown tartar crust at the gum line,
red and swollen gums,
pawing at the mouth and face,
bleeding, sensitivity to touch,
changes in eating & chewing habits (often a reluctance to eat)
depression (recognisable as listlessness).
Left untreated, pet oral disease causes significant pain through tooth decay and gum infection and can pass damaging and even life-threatening bacteria through the bloodstream to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Such scenarios are easily preventable with proper dental care.
During August we are offering dental check-ups with a vet for only $30.
If your pet does need dental work the $30 fee will go towards the work that needs to be done! Any dental check-up for small animals during August will receive some free samples of food designed to promote good dental health. There are also going to be some freebies given out during the month to some lucky clients who bring their pets in to see us. We are also offering Free dental x rays valued at $85 to every pet who has a dental booked in during August. Why are we doing this??? It is because we continually find issues below the gum line that only show on an x ray often well before any outward signs of disease appear! By picking up these problems early we can save our clients’ money by initiating early treatment! Note that all our consultations include a dental check-up as a standard procedure throughout the year!
Some products that will keep your pets teeth healthy include: foods such as Hills t/d, toys such as Dental Kongs, treats such as dental chews and raw bones as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste formulated for pets (please note human toothpaste can be toxic and should not be used!). Please ask us for the best and most appropriate products for your pets!
Horses should not be forgotten either!
Dr Greg Rodda has had a special interest in Equine Dentistry for many years. He has attended a number of Post Graduate courses and workshops including ones held at The Colorado State University focusing on the latest Equine Dentistry techniques. Whilst in the USA he also purchased the latest equipment and has a “Power Float” designed for use solely by veterinarians to provide the best preventative care and treatment in Equine Dentistry for your horses. He has spent time in NSW helping other veterinarians improve their skills in this particularly important area and spent time on the standing committee advising the Australia Equine Veterinary Association on areas of concern in all aspects of equine dentistry.
Good dentistry is not just rasping any more. To thoroughly examine a horse’s mouth and provide thorough treatment a full mouth speculum (gag) is necessary. It is also much easier, quicker, and kinder if dental work is performed using mild sedation. Please remember that only an Equine Veterinary Dentist can legally use sedation, take x-rays, extract teeth, and provide medications if oral infections are present! If you have not established a Dental Routine for your horse/s please make an appointment today. For Dental Month we are offering the special price - Receive 50% off Equine Vaccinations with every dental booked this month! That means only $150 for the routine dental, sedation & vaccination!