Finn's Corner

As the temperature is cooling, it is time that we start to keep an eye out for lice in our herds. Lice populations significantly increase in winter, which is fast approaching. They prefer cooler skin temperatures and the denser winter coats. Generally lice are species specific and do not survive or breed on other animals or humans. For instance cattle lice will not affect sheep and vice versa. Hence we will discuss the effects of lice on cattle, horses and sheep including survival preferences, symptoms, and management.

 

Sheep

Sheep are affected by different types of lice including body lice, face lice and foot lice. The body louse however  is the one most commonly seen. It appears to be more responsible for causing a serious problem compared to other types of sheep lice. Unlike lice on other species, lice affecting sheep survive at temperatures of 37°C and prefer a high humidity. Body lice do not like extreme changes in these conditions and in order to maintain survival will  move up and down the wool fibres. Hence, they cannot survive for long on fence posts or yards off of the sheep.

Lice on sheep are unique in the sense that they do not suck blood but rather feed on dead skin, as well as skin secretions and bacteria. This can result in a thickening of the skin.

 

Their life cycle is represented by the diagram below:

Image accessed at http://www.farmadvisor.com.au/page/learning/sheep-lice/lice-life-cycle-0/

 

Sheep that are recently infested with lice are more sensitive than those that have had them for long periods. Hence they will show more symptoms. Symptoms of lice infestation can take time to show depending on the size of the lice population along with sheep sensitivity. There are a variety of chemical treatment options available including pour-ons, dips and sprays which effectively treat lice on sheep.

 

More information can be found via the following link

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/318704/Sheep-lice.pdf

 

Horses

There are 2 types of lice on horses, ones that bite and ones that suck. Biting lice on horses are usually observed around the back of the head and body whereas sucking lice are mostly found at the base of the mane, at the top of the tails and even around the fetlocks. Horses with longer winter coats are more at risk of lice infestations. An example of sucking lice is shown below:

 

In severe cases lice can cause weight loss and anaemia.

Treatments are often sprays, washes, powder insecticides or pour ons. If a horse is rugged or is consistently in work all rugs and gear should also be sprayed and left unused for 14 days. Even objects coming into contact with the horses such as brushes or blankets can spread the lice to other horses if not treated. Lice can live for a few hours off of the horse on fences or in stables where the horse has rubbed.

 

More information can be found at the following link

http://www.canberraequinehospital.com.au/Portals/canberraequine/Lice%20and%20Your%20Horse.pdf

 

Cattle

There are 6 species of cattle lice in Australia. These are very similar to those found on sheep and horses.

An image of cattle lice and eggs is displayed below:

 

Cattle lice have a life cycle of 3-6 weeks. The eggs can be seen glued to the hairs. In general insecticides registered for use on cattle do not provide adequate control against louse eggs, meaning that even after treatment is applied the eggs can still hatch and restart the cycle. When and how often to treat cattle depends on individual circumstances. There are 4 types of treatment available including sprays, pour-ons, insecticidal ear tags and certain worm drenches.

 

More information can be found at
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/104066/cattle-lice.pdf

 

General Symptoms of lice include:

• damage to fences, yards and trees
• hair loss
• rubbing, biting and scratching
• poor, rough coat
• skin wounds and raw areas

Lice infestations are more likely to impact animals which are:

• diseased
• nutritionally stressed
• aged
• in poor condition

 

For more information on treatment product feel free to contact us at the clinic. Just remember no matter what product you use you must follow the manufacturers instructions and withholding periods.

You have all seen the oreo tv advertisement where the child says “Mum said chocolate isn’t good for dogs,” and this could not be more true. With the Easter weekend fast approaching please be sure to keep any of those hidden chocolate eggs well out of reach from your beloved pets. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which if ingested can also lead to a variety of medical complications. In large quantities they can even be fatal for your dog or cat. The amount and type of chocolate ingested is also important, as different types of chocolate contain varying levels of caffeine and theobromine. Baking Chocolate contains the highest concentration of the two properties and therefore only small amounts of this type of chocolate are toxic. However, in the right quantities any type of chocolate can become toxic for any pet.

If your pet does ingest chocolate then the symptoms to look out for include:

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

High temperature

Rapid breathing

Increased heart rate

Low blood pressure

 

 

More severe signs depending on the level of toxicity include:

Weakness

Siezures

Coma

Heart Failure

 

 

If you think or know that your pet has ingested chocolate please call your local vet immediately.

More information can be found at PetMD website accessed at http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_multi_chocolate_toxicity

and

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_chocolate_toxicity

 

There are almost 30 different species of snake in Victoria, but which ones should you look out for? Here I will list a few of the main snakes observed in our area whose bite can cause some major dramas for you and your pets.

 

The Mainland Tiger Snake is active throughout both the night and day and feed on frogs and small vertebrates. Although this type of snake usually only becomes aggressive if provoked, their bites can be fatal.

More information on how to identify this snake can be found via the following link http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/infosheets/snakes-found-in-victoria/mainland-tiger-snake/

 

The Eastern Brown Snake is classed as extremely fast and aggressive. Also active both day and night this snake prefers dry habitats which are open and even youngsters bites have been known to have caused fatalities.

More information on how to identify this snake can be found via the following link http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/infosheets/snakes-found-in-victoria/common-or-eastern-brown-snake/

 

The Copperhead Snake prefers damper habitats however has been observed in the Macedon Ranges and surrounding areas. This snake, unlike the other two is less likely to bite as it is less aggressive. However, their bites can be fatal and they should still be treated with extreme caution.

More information on how to identify this snake can be found via the following link http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/infosheets/snakes-found-in-victoria/common-or-eastern-copperhead/

 

The Red Bellied Black Snake is very widespread across Victoria and is active throughout the day and night. Although its venom is not as deadly as other species, it is still highly dangerous and therefore should be carefully managed.

More information on how to identify this snake can be found via the following link http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/infosheets/snakes-found-in-victoria/red-bellied-black-snake/

 

Each of these snakes is classified as extremely dangerous in Victoria. Please make sure if you spot one of these snakes to keep your pets away from the area. No matter where you are in Victoria, a list of snake removalists can be found via this following link http://www.snakecatchers.com/snakeremoval/victoria

 

If your pets unfortunately are bitten by one of these snakes please contact your vets immediately! The best thing for you to do is remain calm. Avoid trying to catch the snake as this will increase your risk of being bitten as well. Identifying the snake would be very helpful. Keep your pet as still as possible and head to the nearest veterinary clinic as the quicker anti-venom is administered the better the chances of recovery.

 

One of the most common questions I have been asked lately is what signs would my pet display if bitten by a snake?

 

Depending on your pet, signs of a snake bite may start to show anytime within 24 hours after your pet has been bitten. Depending on the type of snake, symptoms can also vary but the main ones to look out for include:

 

Collapsing

Excessive drooling

Pale gums

Vomiting

Dilated pupils

Weakness in the hind legs or staggering

Trembling

Paralysis

Difficulty breathing

 

If left untreated symptoms can progress to the point your pet may enter a coma or result in death.

 

If venom is positively identified veterinarians will administer anti-venom as soon as possible and then closely monitor your pet in hospital whilst providing pain relief and intravenous fluids. Recovery time for your pet can vary from 1-2 days if promptly treated up to 1 week in hospital.

More information the treatment of snake bites can be found on the Animal Emergency Centres website http://www.aecvets.com.au/ or via the following pdf http://www.aecvets.com.au/docs/SnakeBite-Client-Handout-NATIONAL.pdf

 

With the hot weather due to return it is important to keep your pets hydrated and allow them to have access to plenty of shade. If your pets are mostly kept outside then it might be wise to provide them with extra water bowls and possibly even a paddling pool for the ones that really dislike the heat. Otherwise if you are happy to have your companion indoors they may appreciate the air conditioning or fans. You should also never leave your pets in extremely hot places such as cars or walk them at the hottest times of the day as this can lead to heat stroke or even hyperthermia.

 

 

Symptoms to look out for in dogs include excessive panting and drooling, increased body temperature (above 39°C), not urinating much, irregular heart rate, reddened gums, breathing difficulty, vomiting, seizures, and muscle tremors. Changes to behaviour, becoming restless, uncoordinated or wobbly are also classic signs of dehydration and heat stress. Cats display similar symptoms however they also excessively groom themselves in an effort to cool down.

 

The main symptoms to look out for in livestock such as horses and cattle include becoming lethargic, depressed, and dull in eyes, having thick saliva as well as excessive salivation, muscle spasms and heavy breathing. In severe cases the animal may even collapse or become unconscious (petMD). More information about forms of heat stress can be obtained from us or is also available via the following links:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_heat_stroke

http://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/common-emergencies/e_ct_heat_stroke

http://www.petmd.com/horse/emergency/common-emergencies/e_hr_heat_stroke

 

Also remember that our local wildlife are also affected by the heat so if you can make sure you keep those bird baths full etc so that they have access to water as well.

If you think your pet is suffering from a form of heat stress, please don’t hesitate to contact your local veterinarian ASAP.

 

It’s that dreaded time of year again when we are noticing a lot of patients coming in with grass seed related issues. Grass seeds have a sharp tip which makes it easy for them to penetrate through your pets’ skin. They tend to lodge themselves in paws, ears and even eyes and affect a range of pets, not just dogs. Infection can occur if left untreated and hence it is important for you to recognise the signs.

 

Signs of a grass seed related problem can vary depending on the area they have penetrated. With respect to your pets’ paws, a grass seed can cause:

 

• Swelling, often leaving a hole where it has penetrated
• Irritation often resulting in excessive licking or chewing of the affected area

 

Another area where grass seeds can easily penetrate is in your pets’ ears. Symptoms of this include:

 

• Head shaking
• Constant scratching
• Becoming sore around the ears

 

Sometimes grass seeds can even manage to enter your pets’ eyes causing

 

• Your pet to rub the area
• The eye to become swollen

If these symptoms are witnessed then it would be best to organise an appointment with your local vet.
 

Depending on where the grass seed is, treatment can be simply removing the seed from the affected site during consult, however sometimes pets may require sedation or a general anaesthetic. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are also generally prescribed. Treating these cases is necessary as if left untreated further issues such as infections, ruptured ear drums, and even blindness can occur.

 

The best ways to prevent grass seed complications include keeping your pet properly groomed, keeping the grass at home under control, and regularly inspecting your pet after walks or if they have been in high grass and weed areas.

Everyone meet Ruben!

 

 

Ruben recently came to us here at the vet surgery due to being flat and off his food; and yet his owners said that the previous night he had been happy and enjoying some treats at a family party.

After taking some x-rays of his abdomen, the veterinarians noticed something strange in his stomach.

The results to follow were fascinating!

An exploratory laparotomy was performed the next day and guess what was found…

 

 

A large mass of meat netting in his stomach!

 

 

Ruben made a swift recovery after his surgery to remove the netting, and is now back with his family feeling much better.

We happily welcome the newest member of our team Dr Fiona Lardner!

 

Fiona has recently returned from Vancouver in Canada and has started working with us this week.

 

Dr Fiona Lardner was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, and had a passion to become a vet since the age of 4.  After graduating Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 2010, she practiced in Mildura.   Here she treated mainly dogs, cats and horses, but also the occasional goat, sheep or duck.

 

Dr Fiona moved to Vancouver in September 2012, and while studying to sit her North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, and BC board exam, she worked as a dog walker on the North shore.

 

Dr Fiona enjoys spending her free time snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, camping, back packing and horse riding.  She has a 6 year old border collie, Bailey, who you may also get to meet here at the clinic.

 

She is looking forward to meeting everyone and we are all really excited to be working with her!

I think we have all noticed that it’s that time of year again when we are trying to avoid those pesky swooping magpies. During breeding season this behaviour is common as adults protect their nests and of course their young. If you spot a young magpie on the ground your first instinct is to offer them some assistance. However, this is not always the best option for the fledgling. Young magpies tend to fall out of their nests when learning to fly but this does not mean they are abandoned by the parents. In fact magpies feed on the ground, hence the fledglings may be learning to feed themselves or the parents will be collecting food for them not far away.

When people try to intervene, apart from increasing their chances of getting swooped by the adults, they are potentially putting the youngsters through unnecessary stress. If you see a young magpie on the ground the best thing to do is observe it and if it is not in any immediate danger, leave it, even if it cant fly. It is perfectly normal for them to be on the ground from a few days even up to a couple of weeks, but the parents are never far away. If however you think it is in danger, move it to a close by branch or safe place out of harms way where the parents can still find it. Only bring young magpies into a vet clinic if they are injured and make sure you remember exactly where you found them in case they can be returned. If you are unsure feel free to call us and we will be happy to discuss with you.

 

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