Wow can you believe it, another year gone! How the time has flown. We would all like to say a big THANK YOU to all of our wonderful clients and their pets who have helped make 2009 such a fun and exciting year. We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year. We look forward to being able to cater to all your pet care needs in 2010.

PANCREATITIS IN DOGS : A FESTIVE SEASON DANGER

Pancreatitis or inflammation of the Pancreas, is a condition we commonly see more in dogs at Christmas time. The Pancreas is a glandular structure located near the Duodenum in the Gastrointestinal Tract. Its function is to produce digestive enzymes and insulin.

Pancreatitis can occur for a number of reason, sometimes unknown, however at Christmas time we see a lot of cases that are caused by unusually high levels of fat in the diet. An example of this is the family dog being "treated" to Christmas or Boxing Day dinner leftovers such as ham bones, pork and other roast meats and roasted veggies etc which are all quite high in fat.

Pancreatitis is a serious medical condition and fatalities are not uncommon. Symptoms include severe lethargy, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, dehydration and sometimes diarrhea. Some cases can progress to peritonitis and other complications may include bleeding disorders, cardiac problems and respiratory problems.

Treatment of Pancreatitis involves hospitalisation on intravenous fluid therapy, pain relief and supportive medical and nutritional care. Some cases can experience chronic irreversible change to the pancreas that causes ongoing problems for the remainder of the dogs life.

So please for this festive season lets keep our pets healthy and happy and avoid fatty leftovers for your four legged family members.

Certainly give them treats but keep it healthy and appropriate for your pet!

PARALYSIS TICKS OUT IN FORCE!

At this time of year when its so hot and humid it's the prime time for our pets to be affected by Paralysis Ticks. With such large numbers of these little pests around its important to watch out for any signs your pet may have a tick and be affected by their toxin. The most common symptoms to watch out for are:

* Loss of appetite

* If they are more lethargic than normal

* Any retching, coughing or vomiting

* Loss of co-ordination in hind limbs (wobbly and unable to get up/stand)

* Change in voice

* Difficulty breathing / rapid breathing

If you notice your pet displaying any of these symptoms please contact the clinic immediately.

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES

The clinic will be open for business as usual up until the 24th December. We will be closed from the 25th December through the New Year and will re-open as normal on Monday the 4th of January 2010. See the below for details on who to phone if you do have an emergency with your pets during this time.

Lamington Terrace Veterinary Surgery

Normal business hours up to and including Thursday Dec 24 2009

Closed through until 8am on Monday 4th January 2010.

Snips ‘N’ Dips Pet Grooming Salon

Normal trading up to and including Thursday 24th December then closed until Monday 11th January 2010.

EMERGENCY VETERINARY ATTENTION

The Sunshine Coast PetER, Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha will be open for emergencies from Thursday 24th December at 5.30pm through until 8am on Tuesday 29th Dec and then each evening from 5.30pm till 8am the following morning during the week. They will also be open for the New Years Day holiday on the 1st of January through until 8am on Monday 4th January. Ph 5445 1333

From 8am till 5.30pm on Tues 29th, Wed 30th and Thurs 31st (& as an alternative for the rest of the period) Queensland Veterinary Specialists Pet Emergency service is open 24 hours. Ph 3359 5333. They are located at 263 Appleby Rd, Stafford Heights on the north side of Brisbane (about 45minutes from here) and have emergency and critical care veterinarians in attendance 24 hours for the entire holiday period. Please phone them first for advice.