Forth Valley Veterinary Clinic Blog

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

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Desexing your Cats

In the wise words of Salt-N-Pepa, “Let’s talk about sex, baby”.

It has been estimated that one breeding pair of cats could potentially lead to 420,000 offspring over 7 years. Though this number is probably wildly overestimated, we know that there are more kittens produced than people looking to give them homes. We also know that they can devastate local wildlife if left to roam outdoors.

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Rat Bait

As we move into the cooler weather, we will do anything to escape the cold….. so do those pesky rodents! We all know how frustrating mice and rats can be, causing absolute chaos to our homes and property.

Unfortunately it can also be the case for our furry friends. They will eat it, despite what the packaging states. It is a condition to be taken seriously and early diagnosis and treatment may prove life-saving.

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Bovine Kerato-Conjunctivitis

A common ailment seen in large animals is Pink Eye. Pink eye in cattle is a contagious bacterial infection of the eye caused by the bacteria Moraxella bovis, which infects the eye and releases a toxin that causes severe inflammation.

The disease is most prevalent in warmer months when vectors that spread the bacteria are more common. These vectors include flies, dusty conditions, bright sunlight, radiation and physical irritation from plants particularly thistles.

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Parvovirus

You may have heard that Parvovirus has reared its ugly head (more!) along the coast recently. This virus is exactly that - UGLY and heartbreaking to see.

Parvovirus is a viral illness that causes vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and weight loss in dogs. In puppies aged between six weeks and six months, it can be fatal. Early vaccination has been effective at reducing death rates and providing protection.

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Woody Tounge

Woody tongue – sounds funny but it describes the condition perfectly!

This disease syndrome found in cattle is one where the tongue becomes swollen, hard and immobile. For cows, the tongue is their main way of gripping feed and grass before chewing and if the tongue cant work, the cow cant eat!

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Parasite Management in Cattle and Sheep

Parasites are considered to be one of the most economically important constraints in raising livestock. They can impact animal productivity by causing: severe scouring, Ill-thrift, reduced growth rates, loss of weight, rough coat, poor milk production and swelling of fluid under the jaw (“bottlejaw”) as a result of liver fluke.

Both internal and external parasites are developing resistance to all dewormers. Therefore we need to be using an integrated management approach encompassing nutrition, pasture management and strategic deworming use.

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Xylitol Toxicity

Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and symptoms usually develop rapidly. It is quickly absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream, resulting in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. This rapid release of insulin causes a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) which left untreated, can be life threatening.

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.