COVID -19 : IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CLIENTS

⚠️ IMPORTANT CHANGES - WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT⚠️

** Please note, the following advice may change following government / Royal college veterinary surgeons advice over the forthcoming days - we will keep you updated**

The safety of our staff, our clients and their families are paramount. We appreciate this is a very uncertain and worrying time for everyone.Following the latest advice we are changing the way that we are working. Please read the following advice carefully. If you need any further clarification please do call our Ruislip hospital on 01895 633600

Our priority right now is to continue providing a service to sick and injured pets and to reduce the amount of routine appointments we undertake and to stop routine/elective operations/procedures such as neutering and dental scale/polish.

🔹 What types of procedures are still going ahead?

✅ Emergencies

✅ Sick / unwell and injured pets

✅ Puppy / Kitten vaccinations

✅ Animals needing the 2nd part of their vaccination course.

✅ Dental procedures - if the vet deems necessary for the health and welfare of the pet.

✅ End of life care / euthanasia

💊 Routine medication health checks ( these will be at the vet's discretion - please telephone and we will advise you )

⚠️ Routine appointments and elective procedures are not going ahead:

🚫 Routine neutering ( when there are not other entire animals of the opposite sex in the same household)

If you have a kitten we recommend NOT letting them outside until they are fully vaccinated and NEUTERED. Please keep them inside.

🚫 Routine health checks/ nail clips.

🚫 Dental procedures ( unless the vet deems necessary)

🚫 Canine /feline/ rabbit boosters - we would kindly ask that you call back in 1 month.

🚫 Weight clinic/ nurse consults

🚫 Minor grooming

🚫 Home visits

✅ WHEN YOU COME TO THE PRACTICE;

🔹 Please book an appointment in advance ( no walk-ins)

🔹 When you arrive let us know you are here by phoning us - please wait in your car.

🔹 The vet will come and get your pet from you so that you do not need to enter the practice. ( no contact consultation)

🔹 We request only one owner attends the appointment.

🔹 Payments - these will be taken over the phone.

💊☎️ MEDICATION AND FOOD REQUESTS;

✅ Please call & order repeat prescriptions/ order as normal.

✅ The vet will prescribe the medication

✅ We will then call you and take payment over the phone

You will be given a time to collect your order - we have a designated pick up point.

*** If you are unable to come and collect your order - please call us and we will advise you on how we can help***

All you need is love ... and a healthy heart!

With February being the month of love we think it is a good time to talk about heart health. We would also like to invite our clients to bring their pet in for a

FREE heart check with a vet.

The check up includes a complete physical examination. The vet will use a stethoscope to listen to your pet's heart and evaluate the sound and rhythm, strength and heart rate. Your pet's pulse will be assessed. The vet will also listen to your pet's breathing rate and lung sounds. Should the vet detect any abnormalities such as a heart murmur or abnormal rhythm, they may recommend further tests.

The offer is available until 3rd April - please book an appointment!

Tests commonly used to identify the cause of symptoms are:

💜Echo-cardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart )

💜 Chest x-rays

💜 Electrocardiograph  ( ECG)

💜 Blood pressure monitoring

💜 Blood tests.

Should your pet require any of the above heart related tests, this will be at a 10% discounted rate.

The science part.

Just like humans, an animal's heart acts like a pump to push blood around the body. The heart's pumping power lies in its muscles. These are normally thick and powerful, helping the blood reach as far as the outer extremities of the body. The right side of the heart sends blood to the lungs where it picks up oxygen. The left side of the heart pumps the blood around the body. Inside, the heart is divided into four chambers. In between the upper and lower chambers are the heart valves, which open and close in sequence to make sure that the blood flows in the right direction.

Matters of the heart!

💖The normal heart rate of a dog is between 60 – 140 beats per minute. The smaller the dog, the higher the heart rate!
💖A cat’s heart rate is between 110-180 beats per minute.

💖The heart is part of the circulatory system, along with the lungs and blood vessels. 

💖The heart acts like a pump to drive the blood around the body. With each heart beat, it delivers blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to all the vital organs and tissues, keeping our pet's fit and healthy.

Heart disease
                                                     

It is estimated that heart disease can affect up to 10% of dog and cats in the UK. Some heart diseases may be present when the animal is born (congenital), however the majority develop in adulthood (acquired). Heart disease can also be secondary to another condition such as high blood pressure, thyroid disease, infection and anaemia.

Dogs and cats are most commonly diagnosed with one of three heart conditions:

*Degenerative valve disease (Endocardiosis) -

This is the most common heart disease of dogs. This leads to degeneration and thickening of the heart valves. The mitral valve is mostly affected and as such the condition is also known as mitral valve disease. The heart valve becomes leaky and allows blood to flow in the wrong direction through the heart. It most commonly affects small breeds as they reach middle-older age, however it may be detected in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at a younger age.

*Dilated cardiomyopathy -

The heart muscle becomes weak and stretched, decreasing the heart’s ability to pump blood through the body. It typically affects medium - large breed dogs.

DCM is characterised by two phases, a long and ‘silent’ pre-clinical phase where the dog will appear normal and healthy and then a shorter clinical phase, i.e. heart failure, when the dog appears ill. 



New studies have shown, in some cases, starting heart medication before the signs of heart disease develop can delay the onset of symptoms.

Please click on the link below for further information on heart disease in dogs;

https://www.vetmedin.co.uk/

*Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy -

This is more common in cats. The heart becomes thickened, making it difficult to pump the blood properly through the body. In the initial phase of disease, cats may show no signs at all and appear completely normal. In fact a number of cats with cardiomyopathy may never actually develop clinical disease. However, while in some cats progression of the underlying disease is slow, in others it can be quite rapid.




Heart disease can be present in our pets for a long period of time before they show any signs of a problem. The body is good at compensating for any slight changes to blood flow and heart contraction early on, until eventually clinical signs develop. This is why it is important that your pet has regular visits to the vet, at least annually, as early detection of heart disease will help make it easier to manage.

Some of the signs of heart failure you could see at home may include:
*Lethargy, being more tired than usual
*Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially with exercise or excitement

*A decrease or reluctance to play or exercise
*Rapid/fast breathing  - often noticeable when the animal is resting.

*Poor appetite

*Weakness
*Restlessness - taking several attempts to get comfortable.

*Coughing 
*Weight loss (Spine is more prominent as are the bones of shoulders and hips)
* Swelling of the abdomen - becoming 'pot-bellied' in appearance. This is due fluid build up as the heart begins to fail.
* Pale gums rather than the normal pink.

(These symptoms can also be seen in other diseases, which is why it is important that if you notice any changes in your pet's health or behaviour,  you bring them in for a health check).

                                                                                             

While there is not a cure for heart disease, the aims of treatment are to slow down the progression of the disease, manage the symptoms and help maintain the pet's normal quality of life;  the earlier this treatment is started the better. 

Regular check- up appointments are essential to ensure that any changes in the animal's condition are identified early and medication adjusted or introduced accordingly.                          

   

.    

     Disclaimer: The contents of the Arden House animal hospital website are for informational purposes only.The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Always seek the advice of your veterinary surgeon with any questions you may have regarding your animal’s medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

                                           

Tips for a pet-safe New Year's Eve

While New Year's Eve celebrations are fun for us, our pets can easily be scared by the hullabaloo that comes with it. Here are some tips for a pet-safe New Year's eve;

• Exercise pets during the day- take dogs on a long walk. For cats, play with them for half an hour or more. If they are tired, pets are more likely settle down and rest later in the evening. 

• With fireworks going off through the evening, it is best to keep cats indoors (provide a litter tray). When taking your dog out for a toilet break, do so in your garden and keep them on a lead so that you can stay close to them. Ensure that their collar is fitted correctly so that there is no chance of escape should they become frightened.
• Keep the curtains closed, lights on and turn up the radio or TV to help muffle out the sounds of the fireworks. 
• A little calm reassurance from you, should they seek it, will go along way. Don't fuss though as this can make the behaviour worse.
• Try and ignore any fearful behaviour such as panting, pacing and whining. Continue to stay relaxed and carry on as if nothing has happened. 
• Behave normally and praise your dog if they are relaxed with cuddles and a treat.
  

Party animal!

• When guests are arriving and leaving, keep your pet away from the front door to reduce the risk of them escaping or becoming overexcited and jumping up. 

• Provide a safe, cosy 'pet- zone' for your pet to retreat to, with water, their bedding and a favourite toy. Shut the curtains and leave a light on. Play some soothing music at low level. Be sure to check on them frequently as the celebrations get into full swing, but remind guests to give them space and leave them in peace. 

• If your pets do interact with party guests, make sure that everyone knows not to feed your pet food or alcohol and be mindful of where leaving your plate and glass. This may seem self-explanatory, but some people may not be aware of the dangers of such behaviour.
• Take care not to leave objects lying around that your pet could chew and swallow such as wine corks, cracker toys, corn on cob and kebab skewers. 
• Party poppers and crackers can cause a fright - ensure that pets are in their safe area and away from the noise before they are pulled. 

Cats will tend to hide if scared. Do not try to coax them out if they are hiding. Before your party guests arrive make sure that your cat has some safe hideaway areas where they won't be bothered. Ensure that they can access their litter tray and food should they wish.

We wish you all a safe

 & happy New Year!

Disclaimer:

     The contents of the Arden House Animal Hospital website are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your Veterinary Surgeon with any questions you may have regarding your animal’s medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. 

Brrrr.......Bunnies and guinea pigs in Winter.

Winter tips for outdoor pets

Winter can be a difficult time for our outdoor pets. It is important to take steps to ensure that they remain happy and healthy throughout the cold months.

Hutch position;

If possible, move the hutch indoors to a cool room of the house or into a shed, porch or unused garage. Do not put the hutch in the garage if you park a car in it. The exhaust fumes are dangerous for them.

If it is not possible to bring the hutch inside,then ensure that the hutch is in a sheltered area of the garden. It needs to be raised off of the ground, so if the hutch has not got long legs, place some bricks underneath. This will help to prevent the damp from the ground affecting the bottom of the hutch.

Protect from the elements;

Rabbits and guinea pigs need protection from draughts and damp!

Check the hutch walls and roof to ensure that there are are no gaps through which rain and wind can get in. Put sheets of newspaper and a blanket or duvet onto the roof and let it hang down the back and sides of the hutch to provide extra insulation.Then protect it by securing a waterproof plastic sheet over the top (tarpaulin is a good choice) or you can purchase a waterproof hutch cover from a pet store. 

Make the inside of the hutch warm;

• Use layers of newspaper to line the base of the hutch. Newspaper is a good insulator.
• Place a thick layer of super absorbent litter like Excel bedding and litter or Smartbedz on top of the newspaper. It will help to absorb urine and keep the hutch drier and warmer.
• Provide lots of extra hay as bedding so that they can snuggle into it.
• A cardboard box with a hole cut in one side and filled with some hay will give them somewhere a bit more insulated to sit. (Make sure that they have enough room in the rest of the hutch to stretch out).
• A pet-safe microwaveable heat pad ( SnuggleSafe) is a safe option to add warmth on an icy night.

The front of the hutch;

During the daytime your rabbits and guinea pigs will welcome some fresh air and winter sun so leave the front uncovered. Ensure that the hutch has a bedroom section that they can retreat into. Should the weather be poor, a clear plastic or perspex sheet can be placed over the mesh front so that your pet can still see out, light can get in, but it keeps the wind and rain out. 

The hutch front should be covered overnight.

When covering the hutch front, It is important to make sure that there is sufficient ventilation - allow air to circulate through the hutch. Don't seal the hutch off completely.

Each day;

Your outdoor pets must be checked regularly.  ( three times a day )

• Ensure that the hutch is not leaking and is still protected from the elements( e.g covers are in place and haven't blown away).
• Check that their bedding is dry - damp, soiled bedding must be changed promptly.



A bottle snug

• Provide them with fresh food (nuggets and hay) and fresh veggies.
• Check water bottles frequently in case they have frozen. The drinking spout needs to be checked too as it can ice up. Have a couple of spare bottles available so that they can be swapped over if necessary.A bottle snug is a good idea to help prevent the water freezing - the water should still be checked.
• Observe your pet to ensure that they have eaten and been to the toilet and that they are bright and alert. Any concerns should not be ignored.
• If they appear sleepy or not really reacting to anything, you must book an urgent appointment with the vet.

Remember that the hutch still needs a thorough clean each week.

Tarpaulin

Exercise;

Exercise is still important during the Winter. Bring them indoors to a cool room for a run around ( supervise at all times) or let them have a short time in the garden ( as long as the grass is not soaking wet). Covering a run with tarpaulin provides a dry sheltered area for exercise. Position the run so that it gets the warm winter sunshine.

Try to prevent your pet from getting too wet or cold. Should they get wet, towel them dry and allow them to warm up naturally indoors.

Remember, your pets still rely on you for their regular routine. So even though it’s wet, miserable and cold out there, everything should remain as close to normal as possible.This includes feed time, play time, snuggle time, and cleaning time.

   So wrap up warm and head outside!

      

                

Harley - star pet hall of fame

Lovely 12 year old border collie Harley has been a regular visitor to see us over the last few months.

Harley's owner noticed that his right eye was sore and brought him in to an appointment. An ophthalmic assessment revealed that Harley had an ulcer on the surface of his eye, a structure called the cornea. The cornea is the clear, transparent window of the eye and is made up of three main layers. 

An injury of the cornea is known as an ulcer. Generally these wounds are described as superficial (shallow)

whereby only the surface layer of the cornea is affected or they can be deep where the wound extends deeper into the other layers. There are several reasons for their occurrence, for example; trauma to the eye (from a scratch ,a twig etc), foreign material entering the eye, and underlying conditions of the eye such as dry eye, deformed eyelids/eyelashes.

Harley's eye ulcer was shallow and the initial treatment involved supporting the heath of the eye and of Harley through the healing process of the ulcer. Harley was prescribed antibiotic eye drops to prevent and protect against infection, lubricating drops to help keep the eye's surface healthy and pain medicine to be taken by mouth as corneal ulcers can be quite painful.

It was important that Harley's eye was monitored closely as even seemingly 'simple ulcers' can worsen. Harley came back for check ups every other day. Vet Lavanya was a little concerned that although the ulcer was no worse there had been no improvement. She applied a local anaesthetic eye drop to Harley's eye and carried out a procedure called debridement. This involved Harley sitting very still to enable Lavanya to rub the surface of the ulcer with a cotton bud. This removes any loose epithelial cells and freshens up the wound edges to stimulate healing. Harley was such a good boy throughout. The frequency of Harley's eye drop treatment was increased. At his next visit, a couple of days later, vet Katie assessed his eye and worryingly it had worsened. The ulcer had deepened and Katie was concerned that it might develop into a 'melting ulcer'. This is when the ulcer deteriorates rapidly and often a specific bacterial infection is present. If the ulcer progresses even deeper there is a risk of rupture of the eye. Due to the seriousness of the condition, Harley was admitted to the hospital for intensive medical management.  After two days, head vet Cathy reassessed Harley's eye and decided that the next step was for her to perform a surgical procedure called a conjunctival pedicle graft to further support and stabilise his eye. ( see below for details). This required Harley to have a general anaesthetic.

Following the surgery, Harley spent the next three days in the hospital so that we could continue to administer his eye treatment. He was such a brave boy and wore his head cone without any fuss. With Harley's eye doing well, he was allowed home. Despite a surgical approach, Harley still needed frequent daily eye drops so he spent a combination of days at home and at the hospital ( on days when his owner was out). This took lots of time, patience and dedication from his lovely owner.

He was quite settled and happy during the days he spent with us and enjoyed plenty of cuddles with the nursing staff!

After several weeks, Harley's eye was improving and healing well. With the graft having done its job Cathy carried out a small procedure under a brief general anaesthetic whereby she trimmed back the remaining graft to encourage it to shrink. We are delighted to say that Harley continues to do well.

Harley has been a joy to look after and very brave throughout his treatment .He is a well deserved star pet!  

Pedicle graft

The conjunctiva is a pink thin membrane at the edge of the eye. In cases of rapidly progressive corneal ulcers, it is possible to surgically create a stalk or ‘pedicle’ of conjunctiva which can then be stitched into the corneal ulcer. The pedicle of conjunctiva not only provides some stability for the weakened cornea but also brings blood vessels (carrying healing cells and antibodies) right to the ulcer – this helps to fight infection.