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MICA(P) 008/09/2010 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2011 Quarterly Newsletter from OUR CENTRES: BEDOK Blk. 158 Bedok South Ave. 3 #01-577 S(460158) Tel: 6444 3561 CHANGI 969a Upper Changi Road North Changi Garden, S(507667) Tel: 65460166 CENTRAL 232 Whitley Road S(297824) Tel: 6251 7666 EAST 152 East Coast Road S(428855) Tel: 6348 6110/ 6348 6746 NORTH Blk. 151 Serangoon North Ave.2 #01-59 S(550151) Tel: 6287 1190 REDHILL Blk. 113 Bukit Merah View #01-520 S(150113) Tel: 6271 1132 SPRINGSIDE 23 Sembawang Road S(779077) Tel: 6452 5770 SERVICES AVAILABLE: Maggot wounds OUR MISSION STATEMENT: “To provide quality service to our clients so that their special family members’ lives will be enhanced. We strive to offer our clients and their pets the highest-quality veterinary health care available. We will emphasize total wellness and preventative medicine so every pet can have the healthiest life possible.” Mount Pleasant Veterinary Group General Consultation Physical Health Check Vaccinations Microchip Tagging Maggot wounds are common in Singapore due to the warm and humid environment. These wounds are often noticed only when the pet shows discomfort or pain. Owners usually notice discharge and/or foul smell from the wounds. The wounds frequently have a small circular opening with surrounding tissues becoming red and swollen. Maggots may be detectable as white wriggling worms, often described as a 'bubbly' appearance. More than one maggot wound may be present at the same time too. Laboratory & Imaging Facilities: Blood tests & Health screens Skin / Urine / Faecal tests X-ray services Heartworm test Tissue Biopsy & Cytology Flies are attracted to animals by their odour. That’s why pets with urine, faecal staining (especially from diarrhoea), severe skin problems or wounds (from any kinds of injuries) are most at risk. Not only that, outdoor, older, obese, debilitated and generally neglected pets are predisposed. Flies lay their eggs on the skin/wounds and when maggots start hatching, they start feeding on the surrounding tissues by producing proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes cause an enlargement of the wounds. As a result, surrounding tissue becomes severely inflamed, uncomfortable and painful for the pet. Surgery: Sterilisation / Neutering Caesarean Section Lump/Growth removal Wound repair Soft Tissue surgery Orthopaedic (Bone) surgery Dental Procedures: Professional Dental Scaling Dental Polish Dental Extractions Maggot wounds are generally not considered an emergency but we recommend veterinary attention as soon as identified. Treatment depends on the location and size of the wounds. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary either under local or general anaesthesia. Others: Hospitalisation facilities Health Certification Export Certification Pregnancy Diagnosis House Call Services Cremation Services The good news is— Maggot wounds can be prevented! Always keep the environment clean so that flies would not be attracted to the area. It is also preferable to keep your pet indoors if your pet has a tendency to attract flies, eg. body odour from skin, ear, hormonal, dental diseases. Do regular body checks on your pet for any external wounds and clean up any parts that have discharges or staining on them. Keeping your pet’s coat short to prevent matting, soiling of the coat. Referral Services: Ultrasound Imaging Endoscopy Echocardiography CT Scan Laparoscopy With proper care, your pet need not suffer from this painful condition. -Dr. Koh Jun Jia (Springside) Watch out for our Skin Promotion this month… Keep Posted! WEST Blk. 105 Clementi St. 12 #01-18/20 S(120105) Tel: 6776 8858/ 6775 3310 REFERRAL & EMERGENCY CENTRE 232 Whitley Road S(297824) Tel: 6250 8333 COMMITMENT * COMPASSION * INTEGRITY * EDUCATION Pets with sensitive skin As any owner knows, one of life's simple pleasures is petting your favorite pet. Running a hand over a soft coat of thick, shiny fur feels good to you and your pet. Unfortunately, if your pet has poor skin health, that simple pleasure might not be so pleasant. WHAT CAN YOU DO? 1. Check for pests. Examine your pet's coat and skin thoroughly for the presence of ticks, fleas, lice or other parasites. If you spot any, ask your vet for advice and follow the appropriate treatment. 2. Consider allergies. If your pet is pest-free and otherwise healthy, his discomfort may be caused by an allergic reaction to something in its environment, such as pollen, dust or mold. Allergic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that results in licking, scratching, loss of fur and dry, flaky skin. 3. Talk to your vet. Skin conditions can have a wide range of causes - from parasites to allergies, from hormonal imbalances to bacterial infections, stress and more. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about your pet's individual health and treatment options. 4. Feed your pet well. Even if the cause of their skin condition is not dietary, many pets can be helped with a high quality food formulated especially for skin sensitivity. Look for one containing high quality protein, essential fatty acids and antioxidants - all are important nutrients that can help protect your pet's skin. Common Signs of skin disease in dogs and cats: (Dr. Koh Jun Jia) 1. Itch- scratching/ licking/chewing 2. Pimples, papules on the skin 3. Inflammation of the skin, redness/ swelling of the skin 4. Hair loss 5. Rashes 6. Dandruff 7. Thickening of the skin 8. Scabs 9. Discharges eg. pus, moisture, blood 10. Changes in skin colour 11. Ear infections (yes, the ears may be related to skin problems) HOT SPOTS What are Hot Spots? Hotspot, a superficial skin infection occurs due to damage to the skin surface. may have allergies, an insect bite, excessive moisture at that area, matted fur or even irritation from a grooming clipper. In some cases they may have pain in the underlying tissues. Once a dog starts to itch, they will lick and chew at that area. This damages the skin, resulting in the development of hotspot. Sometimes, these hotspots may occur on areas that cannot be licked by the dogs eg the ears. This is due to the hair on the ears that allow moisture to accumulate resulting in infection. A hotspot appears swollen, weepy, red and sometimes bloody in severe cases. They often give off a foul odour as well. Hair in the area is lost most times. As the hotspot heals they become dry and scabby. Hotspots may appear suddenly and progress rapidly as the dog licks and Treatment chews the site excessively. Bring your pet to a vet as soon What causes Hot Spots? as hotspot is observed as it will Often the area that develops into a hot- worsen rapidly if the pet continspot is causing irritation to the dog. They ues to damage the wound. Your COMMITMENT * COMPASSION * vet will usually shave the fur around the hotspot to examine the affected wound and keep the area dry. Topical antibiotics and antiseptics will also be dispensed. Depending on the severity of the hotspot, the vet may dispense an oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories course. In addition, an Elizabethan collar may be provided to prevent your pet licking and chewing at the wound. -Dr. Sandhya Nair (Springside) INTEGRITY * EDUCATION Scratch and Win? Not for your pet! There are many ‘bugs’ out there that can cause your Fluffy or Meowie to become very itchy and, in some cases turning into “not-so-fluffy-anymore” pets. These ‘bugs’ come in various forms – those that are visible, those too small to be seen, and some that can be transmitted to humans! This article will briefly introduce you to the world of mites, fungus and bacteria, how they can be diagnosed and what can be done for them. Infectious Skin Problems Demodex These mites are normally found in the hair follicles of the skin, and they take advantage of animals with lower immunity (for example, very young or very old dogs, ill pets). In severe cases, they can cause large amounts of hair loss and secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Skin scrape is a simple test to identify the mites under a microscope. These mites may take several months of treatment before the condition is controlled. The main aim of treatment is to destroy the mites and prevent them from multiplying. Sarcoptes Also known as “Scabies”, these mites usually cause intense skin irritation to the pet. They can be transmitted from pets to human. The area around the ears, elbows, chest and hindlegs are most commonly affected. Multiple skin scrape tests are required for a proper diagnosis. Since this mite is spread through direct contact, all the pets in the household or in-contact with the affected patient must be treated even if they are not displaying signs of skin irritation. Cheyletiella These are larger mites that bury into the skin layer and cause irritation and itchiness. The most common sign would be a large amount of “dandruff” on the body. As with Scabies, all incontact pets have to be treated once the condition is diagnosed. In cases of severe infestation, professional pest control may be necessary to manage the home environment. COMMITMENT * Fungal (Dermatophyte) Dermatophyte infections are commonly known as “ringworm”. It is contracted by exposure to affected animals, carriers or the environment. Ringworm can be transmitted between pets and human. Infections usually arise if the immune system is lowered or the amount of the organisms is too much for the immune system to handle. The spores (seeds) of this organism can travel long distances through the air and survive in the environment for 18-24 months. You may notice your pet being itchy, suffering from patches of hair loss and having large amounts of flaky skin (or “dandruff”). Some fungal infections will “glow in the dark” under a Wood’s lamp (an ultraviolet lamp) but a fungal culture is needed to confirm. Healthy animals are able to recover by themselves (taking 10-12 weeks) but will shed alot of spores into the environment in the meantime. Treatment involves topical and oral medications, and cleaning the contaminated environment. Fleas Fleas can be passed from one animal to another. The whole life cycle of the flea involves both the animal and the environment. Affected pets are usually very itchy and have skin problems around the back end of the body. In severe cases, they can cause anaemia (low blood count). Fleas are able to be seen as small moving objects on the skin surface, or their faeces can be seen on the fur. Treatment of fleas involves both treating the pet with medications, as well as thoroughly disinfecting the environment. Fleas can also bite humans around the legs, causing intense irritation! Ticks Ticks are very common in Singapore, especially in areas where COMPASSION * there are large amounts of greenery and warm. They not only cause a reaction where they bite your pet, but can also transmit a variety of blood-bourne infections, commonly known as Tick Fever, which may be life threatening to the pet. It is important to use appropriate tick preventatives base on your pets environment and lifestyle. If you have a garden, it is important to keep the length of the grass short as that minimizes the tick load in the environment. Furmites “Lynxacarus radovskyi” This is the most common skin parasite found on cats in Singapore. It typically causes hair loss and itchiness. A skin scrape test is usually sufficient to diagnose this disease. Treatment involves treating all the cats in the household in addition to the affected cat. Various treatment options are available. Your Vet would be able to advise which is most appropriate for your pet’s condition. Non - infectious Skin Problems Bacteria (Staphylococcus) and Yeast (Malassezia) Both these organisms are found in small numbers on the skin of all normal dogs and cats. However if there is an underlying issue that causes the animal to itch and start scratching, it breaks the skin’s protective outer barrier and these otherwise harmless organisms take advantage and multiply rapidly, causing an equally serious bacterial or yeast infection. A sticky tape test and skin scrape is usually adequate to diagnose such infections and treatment consists of a course of antibiotics or antifungals, along with some anti-inflammatories and a medicated shampoo. Bear in mind that treating these infections is only half the battle, as the underlying cause also has to be investigated or else you may keep seeing your Vet for the same problem! --Dr. Camellia Leong (MPVC) Available at all Mount Pleasant Centres INTEGRITY * EDUCATION Statistics have it that 1 out of 5 dogs suffer from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) resulting from degenerative joint disease tends to be a chronic and painful disease. Joints are essential for movement, and they help to distribute stresses placed on bones as the animal moves. A joint is comprised of 2 bones enclosed by a joint capsule. The bones have a lining of cartilage also known as articular cartilage. The synovial membrane that lines the inside of the fibrous capsule produces the joint fluid which helps to lubricate the joint allowing for movement without damage to the bones involved. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition where there is degeneration of the articular cartilage, decreased production of high quality joint fluid and development of bony spurs. It is often difficult to diagnose a specific cause of OA, some of the commonly identified causes include joint trauma, inherited or congenital defects and more importantly, the standard wear and tear experienced with the normal ageing process. In addition, factors such as obesity and excessive exercise also have been found to increase the risk of animals developing OA by subjecting the joints to abnormal loading forces. Diagnosis of OA is usually made Osteoarthritis in Dogs based on the patient’s presenting clinical signs, a thorough clinical examination and radiographic confirmation of degenerative changes in the joint structure. Depending on the severity of OA, animals may present with a range of clinical signs. In mild osteoarthritis, signs such as joint stiffness, decreased activity or limping may be seen. As the condition progresses, other signs include pain, lameness, difficulty rising and loss of muscle mass. A decreased range of motion of the joint is observed in some dogs. In others, grating or crackling sounds may also be heard upon movement of the joint. Treatment of OA can be carried out via conservative medical management or a more aggressive surgical approach. However, In a blog entry dated June 3, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan called on the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) to review its cat culling programme. “Stray cats are a source of complaints in HDB estates but killing them is not the best way to go,” Khaw wrote. “The right thing is for cat lovers to own the problem, eliminate the nuisance created by irresponsible behaviour, and sterilise the cats to control their population. Where there are enough cat-lovers out there willing to own this problem, we can avoid culling in those estates.” Following Khaw’s remarks, Minister of State Tan Chuan-Jin has said that the government will explore the possibility of legalising cat domestication in HDB flats. Currently, cats are not allowed in HDB flats due to “nuisance caused by cats such as shedding of their fur, defecating/urinating in public areas or even the caterwauling sounds that they make can cause a lot of disturbance, which affects the environment and disrupts neighbourliness in our housing estates,” COMMITMENT * medical treatment is usually attempted before surgical management as it is non- invasive. Medical treatment includes weight loss, controlled exercise, physical management, drugs and supplements. Weight loss. Gradual reduction of feed over a period of time. Veterinary prescription weight management diets -Hill’s R/D For clients that are putting their animals on diet and want to track their progress, scales in the clinics are always available for you to bring your animal in to get a weight. Physical Management Low impact exercises such as short walks or swimming Massage and warm compression on affected joints Physiotherapy Acupuncture Pain relief medic ations (Analgesic drugs) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Meloxicam or Carprofen. However, the use of such drugs is not without risk. Blood test may be performed prior to dispensing drug Opioid-based drugs such as Tramadol Chondroprotectants Cartrophen, which simulates the production of joint fluid, keeping the joints well lubricated. Supplements/Diet Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, Green-lipped Mussels, etc Fatty acids eg. Omega 3 Veterinary prescription joint management diets eg. Hill’s J/D Should medical management prove unsuccessful, surgical treatment should then be considered. Depending on the severity of OA and the joint affected, available surgical options include joint fusion (arthrodesis), joint replacement or joint excision. The prognosis for osteoarthritis is variable and would depend on the location and the severity of the condition. Please contact your vet if you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the issues mentioned above. -Dr. Jo-ann Chan (West) MND Khaw calls for review of AVA’s culling practices, Chong Pang launches humane cat management programme according to the HDB website. Legalising cat domestication in HDB flats and advocating sterilisation instead of culling are both welcome developments from the government, but CWS vice-president Veron Lau, in media interviews, emphasises the strong need for education of the public on responsible pet ownership. CWS has been in discussions with AVA and has sent a proposal to Minister Khaw for a responsible cat management programme in HDB estates. Meanwhile, Chong Pang constituency has introduced a humane cat management programme that will halt the culling of sterilised strays. The programme was launched by Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam on June 18 in a public forum at Chong Pang Community Club. Cat Welfare Society and Mutts & Mittens Foundation will be leading this programme which will comprise of 2 key components, education and responsible care giving. For those who are interested to be a part of this monumental time of change in Singapore, they can volunteer at the Facebook page called Volunteer for Chong Pang Animal Welfare Programmehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/ Volunteer-for-Chong-Pang-Animal-WelfareProgramme/153635051374593?sk=wall. CWS started a Facebook page called “I am an HDB Cat Owner” and over 1000 users have joined. Previously, people were not so forthcoming about owning cats but now, they are sharing photos and stories. Another positive development is how the community of cat owners are encouraging and educat- Their pioneering work can spell great things ing each other about responsible cat owner- for the rest of Singapore and our community animals! ship practices. COMPASSION * INTEGRITY * EDUCATION