Scamps Pet Health People

 Arthritis in dogs is most commonly osteoarthritis - inflammation of joints most commonly seen as dogs get older, influenced by genetics, body condition throughout life and presently and previous joint injuries and conditions. Dogs are often stoic and do their best for as long as they can.  The signs of arthritis are subtle, such as being slower getting up, slower when going for walks and more deliberate negotiating stairs or getting into vehicles.  As the arthritis gets worse dogs that previously could, are not able to jump into higher vehicles without help. (See previous blog on chronic pain and arthritis in dogs). The factor that has the most influence on the effect of arthritis is body condition.  For those dogs that are overweight, weight loss is going to make the biggest difference.  Weight loss is not an overnight sensation and is not as simple as taking daily medication.  The best case scenario is awareness of the health benefits of a lean body cond...

Parvovirus in Dogs and Why Vaccination Matters What is Parvovirus?  Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs—especially puppies. It's caused by a tiny, tough virus that can survive in the environment for up to 8–12 months.   Dogs infected with parvovirus shed the virus in their diarrhoea , which can contaminate everything, surfaces, bedding, feeding bowls, grass and concrete. Once the environment is infected, it becomes a serious risk to other unvaccinated dogs. A Quick History of Parvovirus Parvovirus was first recognised in dogs in the late 1970s . Before vaccinations became available, it spread rapidly and caused many deaths, particularly among puppies. The first parvovirus vaccine was developed in 1979 , and vaccination has since become very effective at preventing infection and disease. Even today, though, we still see cases of parvo—especially in unvaccinated pups. It's a serious illness that causes: Loss of appetite Vomiting Bloo...

Sun Damage is a Problem for Pets Sun damage is associated with skin problems in cats and dogs. Animals with white fur and pink skin are most at risk because their skin has little or no pigment. For white cats (and cats with white patches) the most common problem is sun damage to the ears, the white hairless area on the nose and the eyelids. Sun damage over the years causes subtle changes. These may progress to what seems like non healing scabs or scratches on the tips of the ears, the nose or eyelids. These may then go on to become squamous cell carcoma - a skin cancer which can cause ulceration of the nose, eyelids and ears. Treatment often involves surgery. Advanced disease especially of the nose is quite confronting to look at images are not included in this article. You may have noticed the odd white cat with stunted ear flaps. It is very likely they were surgically removed to treat squamous cell carcinoma. Sun damage is associated with skin problems in cats and dogs. Anima...

 Why is My Dog So Itchy? Do you notice your dog stopping play to itch, shaking their head, constantly licking their feet or belly or even waking up during the night and waking you up too? Have you tried over the counter sprays and shampoos from the pet shop that make little difference? There are various reasons for increased itchiness in dogs. The most common cause, especially in the humid, warm weather is allergic skin disease. This is similar to eczema in humans. We can help your dog with medications to help stop the itch and treat any infections so you can all sleep easily.   Allergens are very small substances from trees and plants, some parasites and some moulds. Some dogs react to allergens in an exaggerated way. This causes inflammation and itchiness of the ears and skin especially the skin on the underarms of the front legs, the paws, the back of the lower legs, the belly and inner thighs.  Some dogs have itchy eyes and anuses. If your dog has allergi...