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Q1: What is spaying?
A: Spaying is the removal of a
female animal's reproductive organs (ovaries and
uterus) so that it cannot reproduce. The removal of
the ovaries prevents the undesirable oestrus
behavior. It is this which causes male dogs to be
attracted to the female and pre-disposes her to
being injured in fights or getting lost when out
searching for mates
Q2: What is castration?
A: Castration is the removal
of a male animal's reproductive organs (testes) so
that it cannot reproduce. The removal of the testes
prevents undesirable roaming and aggressive
behavior.
Q3: At what age can my cat or dog be spayed?
A: This surgical procedure can
be done at any time from the age of 5 months.
Q4: At what age can my cat or dog be castrated?
A: This surgical procedure can
be done from about 6 - 7 months of age
Q5: Is the anaesthetic safe?
A: We use different types of
anaesthetic depending on the age and health status
of the animal. Pets older than 7 years may undergo a
pre-anaesthetic blood test to assess kidney and
liver function. Every animal is given a complete
health check to ensure maximum safety during the
operation.
Q6: When should my pet be vaccinated?
A: Your pet must be vaccinated
on a regular basis. The first vaccinations must be
given at 8 weeks. Boosters (repeat injections to
ensure immunity) will have to be administered at the
age of 12 weeks.
After this period, your pet
should be vaccinated yearly. When your pet is
vaccinated for the first time you will be given a
Vaccination Record Book. Keep this book and bring it
with you whenever your pet is re-vaccinated.
Feline panleukopenia (Feline
infectious enteritis) - This is a highly contagious
disease with a sudden onset of diarrhoea, vomiting,
nervous signs and possibly heart failure. Some cats
can die within 24 hours whereas others will only
have a mild fever and then recover. Cats of all ages
are susceptible but young cats are most commonly
affected. Effective vaccines have made this an
uncommon disease.
Cat flu - Cat flu can be
caused by both viruses and bacteria. The main
culprits are Feline herpesvirus (also known as
Feline Rhinotracheitis virus), Feline Calicivirus
and Chlamydophila felis. Cat flu usually starts off
with mild sneezing and eye discharge. This can
progress to severe sneezing with greenish discharge
from the eyes and nose. Herpesvirus can cause ulcers
on the eye and Calicivirus can cause ulcers in the
mouth and tongue. Chlamydophila felis is a common
cause of conjunctivitis (painful runny eyes).
Although cat flu seldom causes death in healthy cats
it can kill young kittens or elderly cats. Once cats
recover they remain carriers for long periods
(lifelong in the case of herpesvirus). This means
that they can get sick again especially when
stressed and spread it to other cats sometimes
without being sick themselves. The normal
vaccination contains both calici and feline
herpesvirus. Vaccination doesn't stop cats being
carriers and mainly due to the problem of carrier
cats it is not always effective. It will however
help to prevent severe disease and is therefore
recommended. Chlamydophila is a separate vaccination
only given in special circumstances as the immunity
doesn't last very long.
Feline leukaemia virus -
Feline leukaemia can cause cancer, suppress the
immune system and cause anaemia in cats. It is
usually fatal. It is mainly transmitted by exchange
of saliva e.g. when cats lick or groom each other.
Rabies - Rabies is an
extremely dangerous disease as it can be transmitted
to humans if they are bitten by a rabid animal. If
this is not treated early enough it is fatal. If your cat is on the Pet
Passport Scheme it also needs a microchip implanted
before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination
and, one month later, a blood test for rabies
antibodies. If your cat passes the test and has
enough antibodies (0.5 iu/ml) you need to give the
rabies vaccination every year BEFORE or ON the due
date otherwise the blood test becomes invalid and
you have to do it again.
Feline Aids (Acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome) - This disease is common
amongst feral cats in Kingdom. It is mainly
transmitted by biting therefore cats that fight are
most at risk. THE DISEASE IS NOT TRANSMISSABLE TO
HUMANS. Symptoms include weight loss, fever, painful
inflamed gums and chronic infection. We can test
your cat for Feline Aids with a quick blood test at
consultation. There is a vaccine available but its
efficacy is not proven so we are not using it in the
kingdom. To best way to prevent exposure is to keep
cats indoors only. Where this is not possible
enclose them at night as this is when they are most
likely to fight. We also recommend neutering to
reduce fighting behaviour.
Your cat should be vaccinated
against Cat flu and enteritis, with rabies if you
plan to travel. Ask your veterinary surgeon for
details.
Remember - vaccination is not
for life. After the initial kitten vaccinations
boosters are recommended to maintain protection.
After having vaccinations some
cats may feel unwell and develop a lump where the
vaccination was given. This lump slowly resolves
after a few days to weeks. If you are worried please
contact your Vet.
Q7: How often should I bath my pet?
A: Once a week at the most.
Q8: What should I use to clean him?
A: A special pet shampoo or a
mild baby shampoo, certainly not any perfumed hair
shampoos. If the animal has any skin complaints,
there are special shampoos available to help.
Q9: What is microchipping? Why is it necessary?
A: Microchipping is the
process of injecting a small microchip underneath
the skin of your animal (just on the neck). This
microchip has a unique number which can be used to
identify your pet. The number is read using a
special reader.
Q10: What should I do about vomiting and diarrhoea?
A: If an adult dog or cat
vomits and has diarrhoea, starve them for 12-24
hours and give small amounts of water frequently.
When you start feeding them again, use a bland
easily digestible diet such as boiled chicken and
rice. Over a few days introduce the normal diet
again. Young puppies and kittens can dehydrate
quickly. If they have vomiting and diarrhoea and are
unable to keep water down, they need to see a vet.
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