Greetings and welcome to our October newsletter.

We trust you've been able to get out and about to enjoy this warmer weather we've been having!

This month, we touch on pet nutrition challenges, eye health in senior pets, celebrate our adorable Puppy Preschool graduates, and pay tribute to our dear friend Eric.

We hope you find these articles enjoyable!

Every veterinary clinic has its unofficial mascot, and for Mira Mar Vets, that was Eric.

Dr Jialin’s beautiful boy came along to meetings, photo sessions, staff parties, and any event with food to be shared! He was oh-so smart and the best guard dog, vacuum cleaner, cuddler and friend to us all.

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Eric a few weeks ago. Our deepest sympathies go out to Dr Jialin and family; his presence at the clinic and all throughout Albany will be greatly missed.

How cute can you get?  Look at this latest bunch of puppy preschool graduates!  There are some absolute sweeties among this group of clever pooches.

Congratulations to Archie, Buffy, Danny, Hilde, Louie, Rusty, Sir Jeffers and Zoe for coming along to our September puppy preschool class, and passing with flying colours!

If you think your new puppy would like to join in the fun, please give the clinic a call on 9841 5422.

With allergies in pets appearing to be on the rise, our team would love to bust a few common myths about food allergies in dogs and cats. Open wide for some bite-sized facts!

Myth 1: Food allergies are the most likely cause of recurrent skin issues
Studies indicate that food allergies are the third most common type of allergy in pets, with allergies to inhaled substances such as pollen and moulds (known as atopy) and allergies to flea bites being significantly more common.

However, it’s important to realise that some poor pets may be affected by more than one allergy at once, such as atopy AND a food allergy!

Myth 2: “It can’t be a food allergy, because I haven’t changed my pet’s diet!”
Food allergies take time to develop, so the pet may eat the same diet for months or years before they start getting issues.

Myth 3: You can diagnose food allergies in your pet through blood tests
Blood tests for allergies are designed to detect antibodies (an immune response) to certain food proteins. However, the presence of these antibodies doesn’t actually confirm that the pet is allergic to that food, only that they’ve eaten that type of food before!

Studies indicate that the only accurate way to diagnose an animal with a food allergy is to perform a strict prescription elimination (hypoallergenic) dietary trial for 8-12 weeks.

Myth 4: A grain-free food will fix your pet’s issues
Common food allergies in dogs include beef, chicken, dairy, lamb and wheat, whereas common food allergies in cats include chicken, fish, dairy and beef.

Therefore, switching to a grain-free food often will not remove the allergy-provoking ingredient from your pet’s diet.

For more information on the diagnosis and management of recurrent skin, ear or tummy upset issues in dogs and cats, consult our allergy-aware team!

(This fictional story has been created for educational purposes only and does not depict a real pet, owner or clinic.)

Buddy the six-month-old Beagle was attending his local veterinary clinic for a rather “personal” recheck. The reason? At his second puppy vaccination several months ago, the vet had noticed that little Buddy appeared to be missing something in the “downstairs department” – a testicle! Baby Buddy only had one testicle present in his scrotum.

The most likely explanation was that Buddy was affected with cryptorchidism – a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen down into the scrotum (via the groin). This is a developmental process that should normally occur by around two months of age, although very occasionally, it may take up to six months. Buddy’s vet had therefore advised a recheck of the pup just prior to his planned desexing at around six months old.

On re-examination, it was apparent that Buddy’s right testicle was still AWOL. The vet recommended that Buddy undergo desexing soon, as dogs with cryptorchid testicles are around ten times more likely to develop testicular cancer compared to normal dogs.

Cryptorchid testicles can be located within the abdomen or groin, so on the morning of his desexing procedure, Buddy’s vet performed a quick ultrasound scan of the pup’s left groin region to see if she could find the retained testicle there. With no testicle visible in his groin, Buddy was prepared for a more involved castration procedure, where his normal testicle would be removed through a small incision near his scrotum and his retained testicle would be located and removed through a larger incision in his belly.

Buddy’s wayward testicle was found up near his right kidney and was surgically removed without issue. With his owner Jamie diligently following the recommended pain relief and rest program from the vet, Buddy made a smooth recovery and didn’t seem fazed by his more involved procedure (although he eagerly accepted the special “recovery” meals that Jamie lovingly prepared for him afterwards!)

For more information on common health issues in puppies, consult our puppy proficient team.

You can help to keep your pet’s skin comfortable and healthy with an effective year-round program of parasite prevention against fleas, ticks and mites, and appropriate grooming and bathing routines. However, did you know that you can also support their skin condition through their diet?

Here are three ways that your pet’s diet can influence their skin health.

1. A nutritious balanced diet

Ensuring that your pet eats a good-quality diet that is balanced in macronutrients (fat, protein and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) is an important component of maintaining the health of their skin and coat.

Up to 35% of a dog’s daily protein intake is used to maintain its skin and coat, whilst dietary components such as zinc, B vitamins and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are particularly important for maintaining normal skin structure and function.

2. Food allergies or intolerances

In the case of food allergies, a pet’s immune system starts to become triggered by a particular substance in food (usually a protein) and produces an inflammatory reaction against it. This can lead to recurrent signs of tummy upset, skin irritation or respiratory disease, or in some unlucky pets, a combination of unwellness symptoms.

A food intolerance, on the other hand, is usually more of a digestive issue that doesn’t involve the immune system. Food intolerances may be triggered by proteins, grains, preservatives or additives.

If we suspect food-based allergies or intolerances in your pet, our vets can advise on a prescription elimination (hypoallergenic) dietary trial for them. Unfortunately, over-the-counter diets (even the fancy-looking ones!) frequently have unlabelled ingredients or protein contaminants in them that make them unsuited for food trials.

3. Additional supplements

If your pet is diagnosed with a long-term skin issue such as a food or environmental allergy, therapeutic doses of natural supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and PEA (palmitoyethanolamide) can help to control their symptoms.

For more information on helping your pet to love the skin they’re in, consult our skin-savvy vets!

Did you know that older pets can be prone to a few troublesome eye issues? But don’t worry - our team is here to help!

Below we’ve gone through some of the symptoms that would warrant a prompt eye assessment for your pet, and how regular health checks can help our keen-eyed vets to spot any developing issues earlier.

Cataracts

A cataract is an abnormal clouding of the lens within the eye. Some breeds have a hereditary predisposition to developing cataracts, but other potential causes include diseases such as diabetes.

Cataracts cause the black central area of your pet’s eye to appear hazy or white. They can also trigger painful inflammation within the eye, causing your pet to have a red, squinty, or watery eyes. Unfortunately, cataracts can cause blindness.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is when the internal pressure within the eye increases, due to an abnormal build-up of fluid. It causes pain and can rapidly lead to irreversible blindness. Glaucoma can occur due to inherited eye problems, or secondary to other issues such as lens damage or a tumour.

Pets with glaucoma will often have a very painful, watery eye. The clear surface of their eye may become cloudy or bluish in colour, and the surrounding white of the eye will often be red.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is when the retina (the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye) peels away from the inner surface of the eyeball, leading to vision loss. It is most frequently caused by high blood pressure, which is particularly common in cats suffering from untreated kidney disease or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). However, it can also be caused by other eye issues such as trauma or glaucoma.

The most noticeable sign of retinal detachment is sudden blindness. The pupil of the affected eye(s) will also become abnormally large.

If ever your pet’s eye appears sore or otherwise abnormal, we’d advise a prompt examination by one of our vets. For pets eight years of age and older, we’d also recommend a general health check every 6-12 months. For more information on eye problems in pets, consult our eye-sperienced team!

We get it! In the busy rush of day-to-day life, non-urgent appointments are naturally going to slip down the priority list.

However, just like us, middle-aged and older pets may start to develop some health issues which, if diagnosed early, can be easier (and cheaper!) to manage in the long run. Here are a few common symptoms in your pet that it’s best to have checked sooner rather than later.

Weight gain

Whilst it’s common for mature pets to gain a little bit of weight, it’s unfortunately not a win for their health! Overweight dogs are more prone to respiratory issues and are at a higher risk of painful joint conditions (such as cruciate ligament tears), whilst overweight cats have an increased risk of urinary health problems and diabetes. Additionally, excess fatty tissue will also release inflammation-promoting substances that can affect your pet’s general organ health.

If you’re noticing a bit of a “middle-aged spread” in your pet, consult our team for some experienced (and non-judgemental) advice.

A smelly mouth

Whilst it’s easy to write off a smelly mouth as just “pet breath”, it’s often an indicator of developing dental disease. If addressed sooner rather than later, your pet’s dental issues can often be fixed with a simple dental scale and polish (clean), rather than a more involved (and therefore higher cost) procedure involving extractions.

Lumps and bumps

Although many lumps on or just beneath your pet’s skin will be benign (harmless), there are also malignant (aggressive) lump types which can spread and cause harm. If you notice a lump on your pet, it’s best to get it checked within a few weeks to help ensure the best outcome for them.

Changes in drinking

Increased drinking levels can be associated with a few common organ issues or hormonal imbalances in dogs and cats, such as kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s disease. If you notice a change in your pet’s drinking habits, it’s recommended for them to undergo a full check-over (which may include some simple blood tests too). This way, if your pet is developing a problem, we can start their treatment as early as possible.

For more information on proactive health support for your pet, consult our experienced team.

Working dogs driving billions in value for Aussie farms

A new ANZ study has valued Australia’s 270,000 working dogs at $3 billion, saving farmers around $800 million in labour costs. “They don’t take holidays, and they don’t take sick leave … they’re pretty reliable,” said Casterton Kelpie Association president Karen Stephens. With some kelpies selling for nearly $50,000, breeders say farmers see them as essential investments for modern farming.

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

PTSD service dog brings hope to veteran and hospital patients

A service dog has helped an Australian veteran cope with PTSD, offering vital support by calming anxiety and even waking him from nightmares. The pair now visit a hospital each week, where patients and staff say the dog’s presence is uplifting. “He makes you forget where you are … it really rejuvenates you for the rest of the day,” one staff member shared.

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

The world’s best pet photos revealed

This year’s International Pet Photography Awards attracted over 4,000 entries from 45 countries, with categories ranging from action shots to portraits of cats, dogs, horses and even rabbits. Judges praised the creativity and humour on display, from leaping kelpies to paint-splattered bunnies. It’s a celebration of pets in all their quirky glory.

Click here to see the full gallery at PetaPixel.

Rare red and yellow mountain frogs have been bred in captivity and released into the wild for the first time after years of research by Southern Cross University. Found only on a few mountaintops in NSW and Queensland, they are threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and feral pigs. Scientists recreated their muddy burrows and even played frog choruses to trigger breeding. “To get from egg to adult breeding stage has taken us four years,” said Associate Professor David Newell. Seven frogs were released in Tooloom National Park, with more planned under Australia’s Threatened Species Action Plan.

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

This email contains comments of a general nature only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Please always consult your vet for specific advice on your pet's individual needs.

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