Eden Vets February Newsletter
Health Awareness
Ear Disease
Chronic ear disease in dogs, commonly known as chronic otitis, is a long-lasting condition that affects the ear canal. It can stem from a variety of underlying issues, such as allergies, infections, or structural abnormalities. This condition often requires ongoing management and may persist due to incomplete or ineffective treatment, or a failure to identify the root cause.
To enhance treatment, we frequently use a video otoscope, which offers outstanding clarity for evaluating the ear canal, eardrum, and sometimes the middle ear. This procedure typically necessitates anaesthesia because of the delicate nature of the ear and the need for the patient to remain completely still. In many instances, this examination is needed only once, while some cases may require multiple assessments to effectively address specific infections or complex conditions.
For more information or to book an appointment please contact James our dermatology nurse on 01270 439289
Meet a member of the Eden Vets team:
Emily Philip RVN NCert (Dent)
Massive congratulations to one of our RVN’s, Emily for passing her dentistry certificate.
We’re incredibly supportive about our nursing team pursuing their passions within veterinary so we’re so thrilled for Emily.
The certificate in dentistry for veterinary nurses (RVNs) offers several benefits, including:
- Enhanced Knowledge: It provides veterinary nurses with up-to-date knowledge of small animal dentistry, improving treatment quality.
- Skill Development: The program helps nurses develop practical skills, such as dental examinations and radiography, which are essential for effective dental care.
- Impact on Patient Care: The certificate equips nurses to provide advanced care, contributing positively to the overall health and well-being of pet patients.
These benefits collectively enhance the professional capabilities of RVNs in the field of veterinary dentistry.
Please join us in congratulating her on her achievement.
Eden Vets highlight of the month…
Did you know that we donate all profits from our toy sales to charity?
We have recently raised another £1000 from our toy stall here at Eden Vets.
We have split the money over 2 charities this month. £200 has gone to Pet Blood Bank to help support them with the fantastic work they do, helping save dogs lives. £800 is going to Street Vet which is a charity started in 2016 to help support homeless people and their pets.
We would like to thank all our clients who help us reach these targets.
Take a peek behind the scenes at Eden Vets
Cat Only Consultation and Waiting Area
Our purpose built cat-only consulting room is designed with comfort and calm in mind. It allows physical separation of feline patients from dogs and ensures visual contact between them is avoided . We have dedicated Feline qualified vets and nurses who ensure that their individual needs are met.
The new facilities include:
- Separate waiting area — no dogs allowed!
- Feliway used throughout for relaxation
- Cozy, quiet, and feline-friendly environment
- Feline enrichment used including wall apparatus
We are a Gold accredited cat friendly practice with the ISFM.
What does this accreditation mean?
“An ISFM Gold Cat Friendly Clinic is a veterinary practice accredited by the International Society for Feline Medicine (ISFM) (part of International Cat Care) that meets the highest standards for cat care, demonstrating superior facilities (separate waiting/ward areas, pheromone diffusers, cat-specific housing) and staff training in low-stress handling, making vet visits less stressful for cats and their owners, with Gold being the top tier of Bronze, Silver, and Gold accreditation. These clinics have dedicated Cat Advocates and specialized equipment, focusing on a positive feline experience through understanding cats’ unique needs for a calmer visit. “ Reference icatcare.org
Eden Vets Star Patient of the Month…
This month’s star patient is the very handsome Bruno!
Bruno is a 3-year-old crossbreed who came to see George as he hadn’t been quite right for a couple of weeks, seeming dull and uncomfortable. Bruno also had a history of mild intermittent lameness affecting his hindlimbs.
It was decided that further investigations were required and under sedation, x-rays of Bruno’s pelvis, and stifles (knees) were taken. They showed bilateral changes to his hip joints consistent with hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is a condition in dogs and cats in which the hip develops abnormally as the animal grows, resulting in abnormal articulation, and joint instability of the “ball and socket” hip joint between the femur (thigh bone) and pelvis.
Joint instability results in further abnormal development of the hip joint, with the femoral head (‘ball’) becoming flattened, and the acetabulum (‘socket’) becoming shallow so that the femoral head is not properly located within the socket.
Over time, the cartilage covering the femoral head and acetabulum becomes damaged, and osteoarthritis develops.
Many factors play into the development of hip dysplasia including genetics, breed, bodyweight, high impact exercise and growth rate.
Common signs include:
– Stiffness of the hindlimbs
– Reluctance to exercise
– Difficulty getting up/down
-Swaying of hips
– Difficulty climbing stairs – Bunny hopping gait
– Lameness or limping on hindlimb
Common signs include:
– Stiffness of the hindlimbs
– Reluctance to exercise
– Difficulty getting up/down
-Swaying of hips
– Difficulty climbing stairs – Bunny hopping gait
– Lameness or limping on hindlimb
Treatment for Bruno focuses on reducing his pain and slowing down the development of osteoarthritis using different anti-inflammatories and pain killers, and improving his leg musculature and strength through physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy. With the potential for surgical intervention in the future.
Despite his hip dysplasia, Bruno is still a very active dog and enjoys running and playing with other dogs in the family!i
