We're loyal, not just local.

Hello,

As Cantabrians attempt to move on from a terribly difficult day in March we have to take strength from the way in which many New Zealanders have reacted to this tragedy. We can be proud of our we have supported our fellow Kiwis and shown the world that we won't be broken.  Let's continue to lean on each other to help us through this difficult time. 

In other news, all three local A&P shows were a huge success and a credit to our amazing community. Thank you to all of those who visited the NCVC tent, we hope you enjoyed your day.

Please read on below for the diversification of techniques that we use here at North Canterbury Vets for treating Osteoarthritis. Also how to tell if your cat has arthritis and some words from local Jeanine Calder about her trip volunteering in Africa.

Thank you from the Team at North Canterbury Vets.

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Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis seen in dogs and may affect up to 30% of the population.  It more often manifests in older dogs and can have vague and non-specific signs, such as:

·         reluctance to exercise
·         decreased overall activity
·         stiffness
·         lameness
·         inability to jump
·         changes in gait such as ‘bunny hopping’
·         pain on manipulation of joints
·         behavioral changes such as aggression, restlessness at night.

When a dog or cat is diagnosed with Osteoarthritis we consider a number of different treatment recommendations. Including:

Shadow's Story

Shadow is a 10 year old male border collie.  He visited our vet, Gail Kenyon for the first time in Apr 2017. He had been attacked by other dogs in Dec 2016 and had significant damage to his right hind leg.  He needed stifle (knee) surgery in Feb 2017 and was still very lame after even short walks 2 months later.  We set up a rehabilitation program for Shadow which included laser, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise.  Shadow was doing well but recently had increasing need for daily pain medications, so we looked at stem cell therapy as an alternative to these.  He is doing very well since his second treatment according to his mum 

"Shadow has had his 2nd jab and he is showing great improvement. We're swimming most days in the river too (he gets a good rub down after - my massage) so that may be helping but I've noticed he's stretching out a bit more now and he's just had a great play with Skye - very vocal and went flying out the door with a toy - haven't seen that for a long time! I'm sure he's running more and he does seem brighter, not so resigned to go slow!  I'm delighted to see him happy."

We love hearing stories like this.

Signs your cat may have arthritis?

Cats are very good at hiding pain so it can be easy to miss. Unlike dogs, cats generally won’t limp or show that they are in pain. Instead they limit how much they do to reduce their discomfort. The main signs of arthritis in cats are:

·         Reduced ability to move
·         Changes in grooming behaviour
·         Personality changes
·         Changes in activity level

If your cat is showing any of the above signs, please make an appointment with our Veterinarian to discuss a diagnostic and treatment plan. 

Volunteering in Africa

Local farmer, Jeanine Calder, has recently returned from a month long stint in Africa volunteering her services to assist animals in this part of the world. Jeanine volunteered through the programme 'World Wide Vets', spending two weeks in Zimbabwe, followed by two weeks in Zanzibar.

World Wide Vets relies on donations and the North Canterbury Vet Clinic was pleased to be able to donate by filling Jeanine's suitcase with bandages, syringes, needles, drugs, and operating instruments. Jeanine is pictured with some of the products below.

Read more about Jeanine's experience and find the link to World Wide Vets by clicking on the link below.

New Staff 

Our Cheviot clinic welcomes Gary Stevenson a mixed animal vet from Scotland. Gary has worked with a range of animals including lions, zebras, rhinos, cheetahs and antelope. Whilst we don’t have those animals here, Gary has been working as a mixed practice vet in the UK seeing beef, dairy, sheep, equine and small animals.

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From all of the team at NCVC

We're loyal, not just local.

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