In conjunction with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Redwings Animal Sanctuary and The British Horse Society we are able to offer a FREE BLOOD SAMPLE until the end of June to test your horse for Cushings.  The offer covers the cost of the laboratory testing and does not cover the visit to the horse.  Why not share the visit with other owners at your stable to save money?  To take advantage of this great offer follow these easy steps:

1. Download your FREE CUSHINGS BLOOD SAMPLE voucher here and fill it out.
2. Phone 01803 867447 to book your visit quoting “Lets Talk About Cushings”
3. Hand the completed voucher to your vet when they visit your horse.
4. We will send off the blood sample and phone you with the results.

While many cases of laminitis have previously been thought to have been caused by nutritional issues, there is now a growing body of evidence that suggests that up to 80% of laminitis cases seen in practices like our own could be the result of a hormonal imbalance such as Cushing’s Disease – which is why we’re starting to talk about it.  A simple blood test could be all that is needed to diagnose Cushing’s.

So what is Cushing’s Disease?

Equine Cushing’s Disease is the most common hormonal disorder of older horses and ponies. We understand that over 15% of horses and ponies over 15 years of age are affected. Combine this with the fact that over 80% of horses suffering from laminitis may have an underlying endocrine disorder like Cushing’s Disease, and it is clear why all of a sudden there is an increasing level of interest in the condition. While the condition is more common in older horses and ponies, many still enjoying active lifestyles can be affected.

What causes Cushing’s?

The pituitary gland controls a range of important functions including metabolism, reproduction, growth and lactation. As your horse ages, nerves in part of the brain called the hypothalamus undergo progressive degeneration, and produce insufficient quantities of a nerve transmitter called dopamine. Dopamine normally inhibits the production of some hormones from the neighbouring pituitary, so if there is inadequate dopamine production, these hormones tend to be produced in excessive quantities, resulting in the clinical signs associated with Cushing’s.

So what are the clinical signs?

We’ve already mentioned laminitis and hirsutism (abnormal coat), which are two of the most common clinical signs of Cushing’s. But there are plenty of others, which are often variable and not necessarily specific to Cushing’s, and these include:
· excessive sweating
· increased appetite
· increased drinking and urination
· lethargy/tiredness
· poor performance
· reduced immune function leading to reoccurring skin and respiratory infections including sinusitis, dental disease and an increased susceptibility to worms.
· loss of muscle and a pot-belly
· abnormal deposit of fat around the eye

Diagnosis

As with most conditions, early diagnosis and treatment of horses and ponies affected by Cushing’s Disease delivers the best outcome. If you recognise any of the signs, we can carry out a blood test to confirm whether or not Cushing’s is the cause.

Treatment and management

Treatment of horses with Cushing’s centres on dealing with any immediate medical problems (eg: laminitis cases generally require a combination of pain relief, foot care etc), and then addressing the underlying hormone imbalance.

There is no cure for equine Cushing’s Disease, but there is an effective licensed medicine which helps get the hormone secretions back in balance. This helps to reduce the clinical signs associated with the disease – such as any laminitis.

For further information on Cushing’s Disease, including treatment and management of the condition, please contact us or visit www.talkaboutcushings.co.uk

• Low in calories; high in dietary fibre; rich in L-carnitine to help burn fat. Rich in lysine to maintain lean muscle mass
• New great taste your cat or dog will love
• Clinically proven to reduce body fat in dogs by 22% in just 2 months and in cats by 20% in just 3 months
• Available as Mini with smaller kibbles for a smaller jaw size
• 100% Taste Guarantee – if your pet does not like the product we will give you a full refund.

 If you join our free weight loss club you will benefit from an extra money off discount vouchers.

The FREE WEIGHT CLINICS are available at our Totnes surgery.  Please phone 01803 862142 to book in.

Terms and Conditions – The clinics are only for discussion of weight problems.  We are unable to offer any veterinary advise for other conditions during these FREE WEIGHT CLINICS.   The food discounts are supplied via email after signing up to our Free Weight Loss Club.

Make a nomination today and you’ll go into the national draw to win one of three weekend escapes, which includes two nights accommodation at a pet friendly hotel in the UK.  Terms and conditions available at https://www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards/veterinary-awards-2013.asp

You can nominate the practice or a particular member of staff in the following categories:

• Practice of the Year
• Vet of the Year
• Vet Nurse of the Year
• Practice Manager of the Year
• Support Staff of the Year

Thank you in advance for your kind nominations.  To nominate us please click on the link https://www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards/Default.asp

All Hills’ food has a 100% Taste Guarantee so if your pet does not like it we will offer a full refund.  Why not try your pet on VetEssentials and see the difference it makes.

There are several different things that you can do to help your pet cope with Fireworks.  If they show signs of FEAR then please go to your vet as early as possible so we can prescribe medication to help.

Anxious pets will benefit from calming products such as ADAPTIL or FELIWAY Diffusers or KALM-AID or ZYLKENE which are all based on natural calming systems and can be brought over the counter from us.
It is very important not to re-enforce any negative behaviour and by following the tips below you may help your pet cope.

Follow these top tips to help your pet cope with firework fears:

• Don’t punish your pet for being scared.
• Make sure your pet is in a safe and secure environment – do not take them outside when fireworks are likely to be used.  This may mean taking your dog for a walk earlier in the evening.
• Try and reduce the noise and light by closing curtains, closing windows and putting on a television or radio.
• Try not to fuss your pet as this will positively encourage fearful behaviour.  Calm invitations to sit next to you is ok but avoid forced affection.
• Using terms like “sit” and then treating the dog direct the reward towards calmly sitting rather than being treated for being nervous.
• Ignore any negative behaviour but engage when they are calm.
• Create a safe haven NOT a “bolt hole”
• Ensure your pet is safely inside and secure doors, windows and cat flaps.
• Make sure your dog or cat is microchipped. If they do escape, frightened animals can easily get lost.

If your pet shows signs of anxiety or fear this year it may be worth trying a sound de-sensitisation programme before next year.  This can take a long time and must be followed through properly to work.  Talk to your vet if this is something that interests you.

Speak to your vet. about ADAPTIL® for dogs or Feliway Diffuser® for cats or Zylkene, or Kalm-Aid

More information on firework fear can be found at http://www.secrettohappypets.com/fireworks/

ADAPTIL ® is a synthetic copy of the natural canine appeasing pheromone released by the nursing bitch. ADAPTIL® is the only product scientifically proven to reduce the intensity of fear felt by a dog during firework exposure.

ADAPTIL ® is available as a plug-in diffuser, spray and collar.  The collar starts calming within hours but the diffuser must be plugged in several days before the fireworks start.
Feliway® is a synthetic copy of the natural feline facial pheromone used by cats to mark their environment as safe and secure. Feliway® is the only product scientifically proven to control the signs of feline stress and may help reduce fearful reactions to loud noises and prevent stress due to indoor confinement.
Feliway® is available as a diffuser and spray.

Zylkène is a novel natural product derived from milk protein, which has relaxing properties and is proven to help manage stress in cats and dogs. Zylkène comes in capsules and is given once a day, either in a treat or the capsule can be opened and the contents sprinkled on food. The powder is palatable and so administration is usually straightforward.There are no known side effects and it doesn’t cause problems such as sedation or memory loss.  Your pet must be given Zylkene daily for at least a week before the fireworks start.

Please phone 01803 862142 to book a place or register online