Forth Valley Veterinary Clinic Blog

Our top tips and useful information regarding pet and animal health…

Post-Lockdown Separation Anxiety in our Dogs
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Post-Lockdown Separation Anxiety in our Dogs

If COVID-19 has had a silver lining, it’s been getting to spend more time with our pets. Dogs all over the world have enjoyed snuggling into laps while their humans held video conferences and worked away on the phone or computer. Frequent walks and one-on-one time has become the new norm, and we’ve all loved it. But a topic of discussion amongst vets at the moment is whether we’ll see an increase in separation anxiety in our dogs as work restrictions are eased?

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Arthritis and Joint Pain
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Arthritis and Joint Pain

Arthritis is a general term for abnormal changes in a joint. These changes occur when cartilage is worn away faster than it can be replaced. Cartilage acts as a cushion to protect the bones. When it wears away, joints become swollen and painful.

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Cat Weight Management
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Cat Weight Management

Even just a little extra weight can make a major difference in your cat’s health, general wellbeing and overall quality of life. All cats have an ideal weight for their size and breed. We might think a chunky cat is quite cute….. they make look cute but it is detrimental for their health.

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Technyflex
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Technyflex

Technyflex is a natural product for dogs that may relieve sore and inflamed joints, arthritic symptoms, and is known for its anti-inflammatory activity. It is a natural alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Technyflex Canine is quality green-lipped mussel for dogs.

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Pentosan
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Pentosan

The star product for Arthritis

Pentosan injections are usually the best form of arthritic management, especially in the early stages of joint disease, and are the #1 choice if picking just one option.

Pentosan stimulates healthy cartilage production and has a long-term effect of preventing the amount of arthritis development. It can also improve pain levels and mobility in the short term and essentially improves joint lubrication.

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Weight Management
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Weight Management

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in dogs and cats. This condition can seriously affect your pet’s quality of life. Dogs that are athletic in shape tend to live several years longer and develop orthopaedic issues (such as arthritis) several years later.

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Arthritis and Our Pets - Management
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Arthritis and Our Pets - Management

With so many therapy options available nowadays, it's paramount to match any treatment with their underlying cause and joint(s) involved. Arthritis is commonly worse in overweight and unfit dogs, so the most important therapy is the combination of weight control and exercise management: minimising load on the joints, and maximising the range of movement and fitness of the muscles around those joints.

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Pancreatitis
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Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and it can be an acute or chronic condition and have a varying range of clinical signs. The cause of pancreatitis in dogs and cats is usually unknown but some risk factors associated with pancreatitis have been identified and will be discussed later.

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Kidney Disease
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Kidney Disease

Your cat’s kidneys play a vital role in maintaining her health. They help control her blood pressure, regulate the bloodstream, produce important hormones, enzymes, and red blood cells, as well as remove metabolic waste from the blood. If her kidneys aren’t able to do their job properly, this can lead to significant & life-threatening problems, such as kidney failure in your cat.

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Skin Allergies
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Skin Allergies

Skin problems in dogs are sometimes the result of environmental allergens. Dog skin allergies tend to show up in very specific areas of your dog including: face, ears, paws, base of the tail, under elbows and in the groin area. Allergies typically appear between ages of 3 months and 6 years. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if an allergy test is right for your dog.

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Digestive Disorders
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Digestive Disorders

A digestive disorder is any condition that prevents proper digestion or alters the rate at which foods pass through your dog’s digestive tract. Dog digestive issues are one of the most common reasons for consulting a veterinary practice.

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Diarrhoea
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Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is defined as a change in the consistency, frequency and/or volume of faeces and is the primary sign of an intestinal problem. Healthy dogs should be examined if they have had 3 to 4 days of stool the consistency of soft-serve ice cream or looser (you will never eat ice cream again now!). Cats are adapted for dry conditions and tend to conserve water, leading to very firm faeces. Any loose faeces in cats are abnormal and diagnostics should be performed if stools are loose.

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Commonly Ingested Toxins
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Commonly Ingested Toxins

Previously we touched on foods that commonly cause toxicosis in dogs and cats. However, our pets can also ingest poisons and toxins that may not be food or food related products. Here is a list of the most common toxins ingested by pets:

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Arthritis and Joint Disease Management - Weight and Exercise Control
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Arthritis and Joint Disease Management - Weight and Exercise Control

Animals require regular exercise to keep their joints moving (this is important for joint health) and to help weight control – however take care to prevent excessive exercise, as too much will have a negative effect and could increase pain. Ideal levels of exercise may be as short 10-15 minutes, but can be up to 25 mins, of controlled exercise 2-3x per day (slow and steady leash walks, no stairs/steps). This is the ideal level to aim for but don’t worry if in reality it means it’s not possible.

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Dogs and Dairy
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Dogs and Dairy

Easter... my favourite holiday. They only time you can eat chocolate for breakfast without the guilt.

Unfortunately the same isn’t for our fur babies. During the month of April we will be doing mini blog posts on dangerous foods for your pets!

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Toxic Foods
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Toxic Foods

Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of what your pet can eat. Some foods are great for your pet, but some can leave them feeling sick or worse (cause severe and fatal conditions). Below we have made a list of the potentially dangerous foods for your pet.

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Vomiting
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Vomiting

Vomit! Usually an event that will gross most of us out. It comes in a variety of forms, from mild to severe, once off to continuous, foamy, mucousy, you name it! Vomit can come in any form and at any time, but what does it mean?

Vomiting is the primary clinical sign associated with gastric dysfunction; it can be associated with the stomach, small intestine and colon. However, vomiting can also be a sign of disease in other abdominal organs, the central nervous system and can be a sign of poisoning or toxin ingestion.

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Megaoesophagus
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Megaoesophagus

The Oesophagus is the gateway to your gastrointestinal tract and is often not talked about. The oesophagus can have numerous diseases and ailments that can affect it, from obstruction to inflammation, neoplasia and strictures. Today we are going to touch on a rare but interesting disease called megaoesophagus.

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Our staff are wildly passionate about animals and making sure your pet is living its healthiest and happiest life

Back that passion with expert qualifications and a love of learning, and it’s safe to say your fur family is in very safe hands.