Vet Pets Magazine

MARCH, 2016

VINCE THE HOLISTIC VET ON ARTHRITIS IN DOGS

ACTRESS ARUNA SHIELDS

& PHILIP

TV VET PETE

WEDDERBURN ON HOUSE

CATS

AND MUCH MORE

INSIDE...

Vet Pets Magazine

Dr Pete Wedderburn qualified as a vet from Edinburgh thirty years ago in 1985. He has worked in his own four-veterinarian companion animal practice in County Wicklow, Ireland, since 1991, and he has his own menagerie of dogs, cats, ducks, hens and others including a pet rabbit in his kitchen. Pete is well known as a media veterinarian in Ireland and the UK, with a weekly breakfast television slot on national television for the past fourteen years. He is a prolific writer on animal topics, with weekly columns in the Ireland's Herald newspaper and the UK's Daily Telegraph. Pete is known as "Pete the Vet" on his busy Facebook and Twitter pages, regularly posting information on topical subjects and real-life cases from his clinic. He also writes a regular blog at www.petethevet.com.

Traditionally, cats in the UK have been kept as free-ranging pets, coming and going

outdoors and indoors as they please via windows, doors or cat flaps.

In recent years, there has been a growing swell of discontent directed at outdoor cats. Bird lovers get upset when they see cats hunting garden birds. Gardeners complain about cats pooping in their seed beds. And

fellow cat owners are understandably annoyed when their own pets are pounced on by “cat bullies”. At the same time, it's been shown that indoor cats live longer, healthier lives than free ranging animals.

The argument in favour of an indoor life for pet cats has one

‘PETE THE VET’This Month: ‘How To Raise A Healthy Indoor Cat’

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flaw: if cats are kept indoors all the time, they suffer from a higher level of stress-related disease, such as urinary tract disease and behavioural disorders. So, are there steps that cat owners can take to ensure that their indoor pets have contented, stress-free lives?

Choose a kitten from a friendly genetic background

There are two major factors that play a role in a cat's sociability: genetics and early

upbringing. Many people end up with cats that are frightened of strangers, anxious if humans get too close and fearful of other animals. Around 15% of cats have a genetic make up that is resistant to socialisation: such animals will not make good indoor pets, and so should be avoided. Choose a kitten from a source where both the father and mother are known to be good-natured, friendly animals, and the chances are that the kitten will inherit the same disposition.

It took a while, but Sharon (a client at my practice) eventually found the kittens she was

looking for. A pedigree cat breeder allowed a cross-breed to take place, between a Devon Rex male and a Maine Coon female cat. Sharon was able to meet both father and mother of her two chosen kittens (and both parents were gentle and friendly).

Choose a kitten that has been well socialised from an early age

Studies have shown that the second and third months of a

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kitten's life are life-changing: this is when the kitten learns to interact socially with humans, other cats and other animals. If kittens only have limited exposure to such experiences at this age, they often end up for life as fearful, timid adults, avoiding close contact with their human companions, and hiding whenever there are visitors.

Sharon's chosen kittens had been handled by humans since birth, and had encountered other cats and the family dog from a young age. As a result, she knew that the kittens would grow up to be relaxed with people, cats and even dogs.

Choose an appropriate companion (or not)

Cats can live happily as solitary animals in a human household, and forced relationships, where new cat is brought into a home that is already inhabited by an established cat often end up with constant stress and fighting. That said, there are benefits from the ongoing company and socialisation if cats are able to share a home as friends. The best way to guarantee such compatibility is to introduce two cats to each other while they are still young (or to take two litter mates). And it goes without saying that

neutering/spaying removes the tensions and conflict associated with sexual behaviour.

Sharon took one male and one female kitten from her chosen litter: they had already been seen to spend time together so she knew that

they'd get on well. She had them both neutered/spayed at the age of five months.

Design your home to be “cat friendly”

Many stress-related problems in cats happen because they are expected to live in a home designed for human living. It's worth taking time to see your cats' habitat through feline eyes: make sure there are high-up perches to clamber up onto, to survey the world, and low-down hidey holes for cats to sneak into when they want time out. If you have more than one cat, offer them privacy, giving each their own eating/drinking

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area and plenty of litter trays (one per cat plus one extra).

Sharon read up about “cat friendly homes” on the internet, then she invested several hundred pounds at her local pet shop, buying two cat gyms (with solid, tall scratching posts), and some “cat runs” (narrow planking for the cats to run up onto high-up furniture).

Spend time interacting with your cat

Cats are not ornaments: to establish a successful relationship with your pets, you need to spend time with them. You can do this as part of your normal lifestyle – pet a cat on your lap when reading a book, watching TV or working at your computer, give them attention from time to time when cooking a meal, and in general, just remember to include them in what you are doing. Be sure to spend dedicated play time with them too, using cat toys such as feathers-on-wands, laser lights and dash-around mouse-like toys. Time invested like this will pay dividends – reducing any stress that your cats may be feeling, and strengthening the relationship between you.

Sharon talks to her cats when on her own, pets them whenever passing, and if she sits down for any reason, she sits one of them in her lap. The cats love this attention, and Sharon loves sharing her life with her cats like this.

Sharon's home has turned well: she has two adult cats who are friends, playing together and sleeping curled up around one another. As far as she can tell, they have stress-free, contented lives, and partly due to her chilled-out feline companions, so does Sharon.

Advertorial

56th Annual GUVMA Rodeo 2016

Every year, the Glasgow University Veterinary Medical Association (GUVMA) organises the Annual GUVMA Rodeo, an animal charity fundraising event. 

This year, Students for Animals In Need, Trusty Paws, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and Horse Rescue Scotland, will be the main beneficiaries of the event.

The proceeds from the raffle will also go to the Riding for the Disabled – Glasgow.

There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained for the whole day: bouncy castles, laser quest, animal interactions and many more! There are also animal-related showcases ranging from guide dog demonstrations to falconry lined up for you. This event is also your chance to cuddle up with dogs, have a go at handling reptiles and small furries and meet alpacas, horses, birds of prey and other animals up close!

If you need a break from all the animals, the main marquee will have plenty of stalls selling hand-made crafts and maybe even home-made fudge. You can also head on down to the tea tent for some snacks and admire the colourful artworks created by the creative students from Hillhead Primary School for our colouring contest. If you are still hungry, there are street food trucks around so don’t worry.

So bring your family, your friends and even your furkids down for a day of fun!

The rodeo is on the 16th of April 2016, Saturday from 11am to 5pm at the Garscube Estate. Find out more about the rodeo by following us on Facebook - 56th Annual Rodeo 2016.

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The second national Pet Remembrance Day, which is organised by 3D printing specialists Arty Lobster and Pets Magazine, has been confirmed for the summer. On Tuesday July 5th, people across the UK will remember beloved companion animals that have died.

This year, Pet Remembrance Day is proud to support The Oldies Club, a national charity, which rehomes dogs aged seven and over that are in need of homes.

Pet lovers will also be able to nominate pets on social media using the hashtag #PetRemembranceDay to be immortalised in 3D by Arty Lobster. One will be chosen to have their likeness fashioned into

a three-dimensional sculpture.

A Twitter chat will take place on Tuesday July 5 using the hashtag #PetRemembranceDay for people to show their support and share thoughts and photos of deceased companion animals.

Lars Andersen, Managing Director of Arty Lobster, said: “As a country, we still do not really know how to remember our pets and to deal with their loss. Pet Remembrance Day provides a space for people to remember departed pets and to celebrate their lives.

“A growing part of our customer base is served by people looking for that lasting memento mori of their pet. People want to have a good send off for their pet, which is most usually their dog or cat

companion.

“They also want ways of remembering their pet and its quirks and character traits and the importance it played in their lives and the life of the family.”

Olive Armstrong, at The Oldies Club, said: "We're delighted that we've been chosen to be the nominated charity for Pet Remembrance Day this year.

“Our pets are members of our families too, and to dedicate a special day to remember them is a great idea.”

Date for Your Diary: National Pet Remembrance Day

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WWW.ARTYLOBSTER.COM

3D Pet Sculptures

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ARUNA SHIELDS is a critically acclaimed actress, hypnotherapist and meditation teacher with a love of nature. A ‘Google Zeitgeist’ she is one of the most searched names online with a growing social media following. Enjoying helping others and dedicated to conscious expansion she recently set up the wellbeing channel Aruna Shields TV. Half Indian, half English she now lives in London and LA. We speak to Aruna about her love of dogs, particularly her Pomerian/Sheltie cross Philip.

WHAT BREED IS PHILIP & WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HIM?

I think he’s a ‘Poshie’: half Pomeranian & half Sheltie. That’s what the vet told me after I rescued him from a pet shop anyway. He was the last puppy in the shop and hadn’t been

sold. I think it was because his fur was patchy, short and a bit mangy. He looked more like an unkempt fox than a dog! My friend came in when I first got him and said ‘is that a dog, or a fox?’. It’s funny because I had no idea how he would turn out, but he almost magically transformed into the most beautiful, silky specimen. Everybody wishes they had hair like Philip, even Nicky Clarke! I used to go there to get my hair cut and he commented on Philip’s wonderful coat.

MY Pet

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD PHILIP?

Eight years, and each of them has been life changing.

DOES PHILIP COME TO WORK WITH YOU?

Yes, he often comes with me to castings when I’m in London. Some of the directors call me in and it’s quite obvious they are more interested in him than me.

One time I didn’t take him, and they said ‘where’s Philip??’ He should be my agent. Everybody loves Philip!

He also works part time at The Bio Agency in London meeting and greeting clients. He stands by the lift and escorts visitors around the meeting rooms. I heard that Cartoon Network will not hold meetings with Bio Agency unless he is present.

He is well known in SoHo, London. When I take him in my arms and we go up the escalator to exit the tube, people on the other side say hi to him by name. They don’t bother saying hi to me, I’m just his assistant…haha.

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES PHILIP MAKE TO YOUR LIFE?

He has transformed my life; he’s my furry guru. He inspired me to help people through meditation and hypnotherapy. He often makes a special appearance on my

channel and public Facebook page, and gets lots of likes and comments. I watch him and learn how to be happy and free in the world. He wakes up every morning with such enthusiasm, it’s like he’s on drugs! Sometimes when it’s cold and miserable outside or I’m having a bad day, I wonder why he’s so happy. Then I realize it is because he holds onto nothing and lives perpetually in the present moment.

Everything is interesting. He loves rolling around in the snow even though it’s cold. He sees a puddle and doesn’t worry about getting mud on his paws, but happily bathes in it. Every time we go to the

park it’s as if he is seeing it for the first time.

Philip never judges anyone as good or bad, he just loves them. Sometimes people cry when he looks at them and warms up next to their leg, I can tell they haven’t felt unconditional love for a long

time. Humans judge each other by what they wear, the car they drive, where they are from and what they do. This often leads to humans creating identities to fit in or to be

seen a specific way. It’s a lonely place. When a dog comes along it doesn’t care about anything other than loving you.

DO YOU TAKE PHILIP ON HOLIDAY WITH YOU?

Yes he has a dog passport and has come to the French countryside with me to visit my parents. He is a city dog and is used to London, going on tubes and lots of people around. He seemed a bit freaked out in the wilderness with new smells, which I thought was odd. I think he thought he was going to get eaten!

“When a dog comes along it doesn’t care about

anything other than loving you.” Aruna Shields

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I would like to take him to LA, however he is too big to come in the plane with me and would have to go in the hold, which I think would scare him.

WHAT ARE THE BEST HOLIDAYS YOU’VE TAKEN WITH PHILIP?

He comes up North to Durham for Christmas and has a blast, especially if it’s snowing. Sometimes if there is a blizzard he won’t come back in the house. I’ve even seen him dig a snow hole and stick his head in it! He eats the snow, rolls in it and runs around like a lunatic. I also run around like a lunatic trying to catch him; normally he comes back, but not if there is a storm, then it becomes a game and Mummy gets very annoyed/amused.

DO YOU TAKE HIM TO PUBS / RESTAURANTS?

Yes, he loves a good Gastropub! The staff often get him a bone and water. He is also allowed into Home House in London but his favourite dining experience is picnics in the park…that is, everyone else’s. He has many tactics to get food. Sometimes a basic hit and run! Other times pretending he wants to be stroked, then a hit and run! Other times

pretending he is stationary on his stomach when he is actually moving slowly towards the food, then a hit and run! He is sneaky.

WHAT ARE PHILIP’S FAVOURITE THINGS?All the parks in London, which he knows so well. Going crazy on sandy beaches. Stealing food from people who pet him. Bones. Barking when he first goes outside.

DOES PHILIP HAVE ANY SPECIAL TRICKS?

Yes, he smiles at people when he greets them. Sometimes people get scared because he shows his teeth but it is a friendly smile. He often mirrors what people do when they are happy. If I do yoga he sometimes stretches too! He

thinks he is a human and that other dogs are beneath him. He also loves a good party and seems to get excited when lots of people dance around!

ANY TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS?

Make sure you give dogs the correct bones to chew on so their teeth and gums stay healthy. It’s great for removing plaque. Philip’s teeth are so white because of his bone-chewing, it’s also is great for his breath.

Make sure you keep dogs cool and hydrated especially if they have thick fur and/or in the summer. I give Philip a hair cut in the summer and he is so much happier and doesn’t over-heat. He also looks ridiculously cute, like an orange bear.

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Vet Pets Magazine

The Holistic Treatment Of

Arthritis

Expert holistic vet Vince MacNally BVSc. VetMFHom MRCVS - Vince the Vet - on how the holistic approach can help ease one of the most common health problems affecting older pets, particularly dogs.

VINCE THE VET

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BY VINCE THE VET

Arthritis literally means ‘inflammation of joints’ and is one of the commonest diseases affecting dogs and cats, particularly as they get older.Often thought of as one disease, it has many different causes.

Sudden onset arthritis for example, can be caused by an injury, infection or autoimmune disease. In these cases joints are usually hot, swollen and painful.Chronic arthritis on the other hand, develops over months or years and is often the result of poor conformation; developmental abnormalities in growing bones; unusual

stresses and strains or degenerative changes which cause affected joints to become thickened, stiff and creaky.

It’s important therefore, whenever arthritis is present, that a thorough clinical examination is performed by a vet and any appropriate investigations carried out (blood tests, X-rays, tapping of joint fluid etc) to determine the underlying cause before treatment is undertaken.

Osteoarthritis

Of the different forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis (also known as arthrosis) is by far

the most common, and so this is what we will focus on.

Caused by normal wear and tear on joints, osteoarthritis typically results in:

• Thinning of the articular cartilage which covers the ends of bones and provides a smooth, slippery surface for them to glide over each other

• A deterioration in joint fluid which reduces its ability to lubricate joints and results in cartilage, bone and other important tissues being deprived of essential nutrients

Older dogs are commonly affected by arthritis

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• Inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule which encircles joints

• The development of bony lumps or ‘spurs’ in and around joints

weakening of tendons and ligaments

The collective effect of these changes, is to reduce joint flexibility and cause movement to become difficult or painful. How this manifests, varies from pet to pet.

Signs to look out for:

Osteoarthritis can result in a wide variety of signs, depending on the severity of joint changes present and a pet’s temperament.

Most commonly seen are one or more of the following:

• Stiffness in one or more legs creaking or clicking in one or more joints

• Difficulty standing up after lying down for a while

limping

• Disinclination to move, go for walks, run around or play

an inability or reluctance to jump up

• Difficulty climbing stairs or steps

• Matted or dirty fur at the back end, due to an inability to groom this area because of pain or lack of flexibility in the spine

• Toileting in the house (unable to make it outside quickly enough because it is difficult or painful to move)

• Crying out or whimpering when moving around

• Gnawing at joints

• Wasting of muscles and weakness in the legs

Conventional Treatment:

The standard treatment for osteoarthritis is to give medication to reduce inflammation and minimise pain in affected joints.

While this approach often provides relief, many of the drugs used carry the risk of significant and sometimes serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal irritation, ulceration and bleeding, suppression of the immune system and inhibition of the body’s natural, healing mechanisms; none of which are

desirable, especially in older pets.

A Holistic approach on the other hand, which focuses on promoting and maintaining joint health as gently and as naturally as possible, can be extremely effective in improving the quality of life of dogs and cats with osteoarthritis, without the risk of causing harm.

A Holistic Health Plan for Osteoarthritis:

The following regime has proven highly effective for improving joint health and mobility in many pets: Feed a good, balanced, healthy RAW food diet, tailored to suit a particular pet, which focuses on maximising musculoskeletal health and strength. (Vince The Vet can draw this up and supply what is needed.)

Give a pure, natural, additive free, joint supplement, containing whole food and whole food extracts (Vince The Vet’s Supple and Sprightly, for example) which effectively:

• Promotes the development of strong, healthy, joints, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

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• Soothes sore and stiff joints (bromelain from pineapples)

• Helps to lubricate joints (hyaluronic acid - the 'elixir of youth')

• Supports optimum cellular health in joint tissues (organic kelp)

Encourage healthy exercise to:

• Stimulate blood flow to the joints

• Tone up muscles, tendons and ligaments

• Subject joint structures to normal, healthy stresses

• Promote suppleness and strength

This can be achieved through a combination of walking, play, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and massage (by suitably qualified professionals)

Consider Homeopathy:

Homeopathic remedies stimulate healing best when they are individualised for a particular pet (takeinto account each pet’s own, unique make up) and this requires a full Holistic consultation.

A useful general remedy combination for osteoarthritis however, where stiffness is worse after lyingdown or is aggravated by cold and damp weather and is better for continued movement is ARR (homeopathic arnica

montana, rhus tox and ruta) which is available from Ainsworths (www.ainsworths.com).

One dose of this given twice daily often produces a noticeable improvement in mobility in significant number of pets within a week or two. If this is the case it can be continued for as long as relief is seen.

For more information on helping your pet with this and any other condition, contact Vince on 01952 459896 / 0740 3663263 or visit www.vincethevet.co.uk.

Vince MacNally BVSc. VetMFHom (1998) MRCVS is an expert holistic vet. He qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Liverpool University in 1983. He went on to gain the VetMFHom qualification in 1998. Vince has 30 years experience of using a wide range of natural remedies, therapies and supplements in pets, including acupuncture, homoeopathy, herbs and nutritional supplements. He is currently a Partner in Vince The Vet®.

Vet Pets Magazine

Sophie’s Choice

Pet Angel Brush in variety of sizes This brush designed by celebrity hair stylist Richard Wards comes in a variety of sizes and zingy

colours and is soft and light and does an excellent job. The comb is gentle but helps to tease out the most stubborn of tangles.

We love the fact that the Pet Angel brush comes in a paw print shape and is lovely to look at. It’s far better than the standard brushes stocked on the high street. We thoroughly recommend!

Stocked at Amazon and other stores. Or for more info: http://www.tangleangel.com/products/about-pet-angel/

Top product pick by our resident reviewer Sophie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel