October 2014
Snake bites require fast response
Time is of the essence, do you know what to look for?
By Dr Debbie Delahunty BVSc (Hons)
In these warm summer months, that rustling sound in the dry grass brings to mind one thing….. snakes!! In the Wimmera,
brown and tiger snakes are the most common venomous snakes. They can kill cattle, sheep and horses but are generally of
most concern to dog and cat owners.
Dogs
Cats
In dogs the signs are quite acute. The dog may collapse within
minutes or signs may take an hour or two to appear. Other symptoms are dilated (wide) pupils, shaking and salivating (drooling)
and sometimes vomiting. If there is no treatment the dogs become paralysed and die. Death can occur as quickly as within 15
minutes.
The onset of symptoms is slower in cats and the signs are different. Cats develop paralysis that starts in the back legs and
spreads forwards. Their pupils are usually widely dilated and the
cat may meow and appear distressed. It can take over 12-24
hours for symptoms to become obvious. Cats have a good chance
of surviving snake bite with appropriate care.
Dogs can be successfully treated with anti venom but it is critical
to get treatment as quickly as possible. If you suspect there is a
chance your dog may have been bitten, restrain them to stop
running around as muscle activity can help to spread the toxin,
ring us and bring the dog to the clinic immediately. DO NOT WAIT
FOR SYMPTOMS TO DEVELOP, if you do, you may be too late.
If you suspect your pet may have been bitten by a snake, don't
risk it, call us & bring them straight in for assessment. A trip to
discover your pet is OK is a much better scenario than waiting
and finding out it is too late.
Delivered to your door
Here at HVH, we are always looking to provide
the best possible service to our clients and
patients.
Sometimes it is difficult finding the time to get
around all those daily tasks.
Let us do the running around for you.
Call us to arrange delivery of your pets needs.
For only $5 we will deliver to your door.
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merchandise
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Call us on 53811439 to book your delivery.
*CONDITIONS APPLY : Delivery within 80 km zone , minimum order of $15
25 Dimboola Road
HORSHAM VIC 3400
P:5381 1439
F: 5381 1717
www.horshamvethospital.com.au
[email protected]
HVH News
HORSHAM VETERINARY HOSPITAL - October 2014
Problem Behaviour or Behaviour Problem
Problem Pet Behaviour - Help is at hand.
Many dogs and cats will exhibit a behaviour that their owners
don’t like or want to tolerate at some stage. This problem behaviour may actually be a normal behaviour, but we would just prefer
they didn’t do it.
Digging is a perfect example, it is a normal dog behaviour, but it
really isn’t appropriate in the middle of the back lawn! The same
applies to a cat scratching on the furniture; scratching is a normal
behaviour but the furniture is not the place.
time you are away. These dogs are doing these things because
they are highly anxious and stressed. They are not able to cope
whilst their owners are absent. This condition is called separation
anxiety and is a behaviour problem that would require not only
training and changes to the dog’s environment but most likely
ongoing medication and management to help your pet.
Some abnormal behaviours can be due to underlying medical conditions. Cats with cystitis (bladder infection) will often urinate in
We, as owners, need to provide our pets with alternative things to inappropriate places around the house instead of using their litter
do. For a dog who likes to dig, providing a sand pit to dig in is one tray. They may also do this with other behavioural issues as well,
so it is important that a diagnosis is made first as the treatment
alternative, a clam shell filled with sand is a great idea. Give cats
who like to scratch a scratching pole, ideally covered with the type for cystitis is very different to the treatment of a behavioural issue.
of fabric they like and when they scratch on it, reward them with
treats. Different cats like different things to scratch on, so one size If you have any questions about your pet’s behaviour and whether
doesn’t fit all. Some cats prefer a vertical surface to scratch on,
it is abnormal or normal but just not appropriate , please don’t
others a horizontal surface, so it is a matter of what works for your hesitate to ask us. Sometimes it can take a bit of detective work to
cat.
work it out, but is worth it in the long run. Sometime there can be
Other problem behaviours may actually be abnormal. Dogs that
are overly anxious about you leaving may start to dig, scratch and
destroy things in your absence. They may howl or bark the whole
CONSTANT BARKING OR HOLES IN THE LAWN ?
Help is available
simple solutions to problems caught early before they become
bigger problems.
Written by Dr Nicole Timms
HOSPITAL OF EXCELLENCE
What does this mean for our clients and patients...
Behaviour problems can be hard on the
relationship between you and your pet.
Dr Nicole Timms is one of our highly skilled Veterinary
Surgeons at Horsham Veterinary Hospital.
Nicole is a qualified Delta Dog trainer with a particular
interest in behaviour modification and reward based
training.
To arrange a consultation call us today on 53811439
Horsham Veterinary Hospital is an ASAVA accredited
"Hospital of Excellence". Our unique accreditation allows us
to deliver exceptional services and ensures we are continuing to practice the highest standards of medicine.
Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA) Accredited Hospitals set a benchmark and enjoy recognition for
the excellent standards of care they offer, delivering the
highest levels of quality health care and management in innovative, state-of-the-art hospital facilities.
You can rest assured you are
receiving the highest level of
care and professionalism at
the only accredited hospital
based in rural Victoria.
25 Dimboola Road
HORSHAM VIC 3400
P:5381 1439
F: 5381 1717
www.horshamvethospital.com.au
[email protected]