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practice
news...
What an exciting time it has been in
the practice so far this year!
New babies,weddings and engagement!
But 'the icing on the cake' is an exciting
new location for our Stratton Surgery,
where our regular Stratton team of vets,
nurses and receptionists have been joined
by staff from Arrow Veterinary Centre,
amalgamated their expertise and together
have moved in to Unit 6 Hobley Drive,
Swindon, SN3 4NS, close to Aldi.
The new facilities include new operating
theatres, spacious consultation rooms and
the very latest equipment for managing
your pet's health, enhanced by ample,
dedicated client parking. We continue to
provide a 24 hour emergency service,
with all calls answered personally, and
the reassurance that the vet on call will
always be a member of Drove. So much
good news and all so positive!
On a sad, yet happy note, Rupert
Hibberd, the Senior Partner at Drove
Veterinary Hospital, is retiring on 30th
June after 31 years in the practice. We
would like to take this opportunity to wish
him and his wife Ruth all the best for the
future.
Rupert we will miss you!
DROVE CHARITY OPEN DAY
by
Emma Coles
Drove Veterinary Hospital
Small Talk
is published by:
XLVet UK Ltd, Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle CA5 7JF
© XLVet UK Ltd
No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher.
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www.drovevets.co.uk
Where will you be on Sunday 5th
September between 1pm - 4.30pm
?
Hopefully at our Charity Open Day at
Drove Veterinary Hospital, 252 Croft
Road, Swindon, SN1 4RW.
Once again we are opening our doors to
allow you a glimpse 'Behind the Scenes'
and to find out what really goes on at a
busy veterinary hospital. There will be Fun
and Education for all the family. Raffle,
face painting, refreshments, try your hand
at being a farm vet, charity stalls, dog
displays and much, much more.
Admittance is completely
FREE
and open
to absolutely everyone, so please do
come along and join us.
24HR EMERGENCY SERVICE
TELEPHONE: (01793) 522483
Kennel cough can be quite distressing for
owner and dog alike. The dog usually
coughs repeatedly until it wretches white
froth, after exercise or any excitement.
Sometimes it only lasts a few days, but
for some animals it can hang around for
a long time. They are often eating ok, but
are usually subdued and not so keen to
go out on walks.
It is caused by two main infectious origins, a
virus and bacteria, though milder forms can
occur with many different viruses. These
bugs are spread through the air so crucially
any place where many dogs congregate are
high risk areas. These include dog shows,
kennels and popular dog walking fields as
well as training classes.
Treatment depends on the severity of the
infection. Mild forms in middle aged healthy
dogs are often self curing, with medication
to soothe the discomfort. Puppies and
elderly dogs, especially those with
heart/lung conditions are of more concern,
and they often require antibiotics, and
possibly hospitalisation to ensure
pneumonia does not develop.
The vaccination against kennel cough lasts
a year, and usually can be given at the
same time as their annual injection. It is
administered by a squirt up the nose, to
give protection directly where the infection
enters the dog’s body. This can sometimes
be a little eventful if the dog is not used to
having their nose touched, but starting at
a young age can help acclimatise them,
as well as keep them covered for all
their socialisation!
Unfortunately we cannot vaccinate against
all strains of kennel cough, much like the
common cold virus for us. So occasionally
after contact with other dogs, yours may
have a mild cough, even though it is
vaccinated. These infections are usually
less severe than true kennel cough, though
sometimes still need treating.
If your dog is diagnosed with Kennel Cough
they should be quarantined from other dogs,
not walked, and you should refrain from dog
training, agility classes and dog shows in an
attempt to contain the spread of the disease
and lessen the risk to other dogs.
Please bear in mind that there are many
other causes of 'Coughing Dogs' including
Heart Problems, Lungworm, Chest and
Airway problems. It is always recommended
that your dog has a check up with their
Vet to determine the cause.
If you have any worries or concerns about
topics raised in this article, please don't
hesitate to contact your local Vet for advice.
If your dog regularly
goes into kennels you
may well be familiar with
the kennel cough vaccination,
but it is not only those dogs
which may be at risk.