July 2006 Newsletter
Our recent vaccination amnesty was a great success. It enabled us to catch up with many dogs and cats that had ‘fallen off the books’ for one reason or another, and make sure that they were sufficiently covered against the dangerous diseases that we can vaccinate against. We were also able to highlight the importance of a yearly MOT for pets. At routine checks we frequently identify small testicular tumours or mammary lumps which have been too small for the owner to notice, and we can then remove them before they have the opportunity to spread any further.
There have also been recent changes in our dog vaccine protocol. Due to advances in vaccine manufacturing only vaccines against leptospirosis and parainfluenza need to be given every year. Distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus vaccines are now only given every three years. This means that your dog will have less pressure on his immune system than before when he has his yearly vaccinations. The protocol we are following is the new ‘best practice’ recommendation. Therefore we have immediately adopted it as the best way forward for your dog’s health. Also on the subject of vaccination, your dog can now have his kennel cough vaccine at the same time as his yearly booster. This is due to a new license allowing them to be given together. To celebrate this we are offering £10 off the normal price of the kennel cough vaccine if your dog has it done at the same time as his yearly booster.
It’s also a good way for us to remind you that your dog isn’t just at risk from this disease in kennels. As the disease is spread through droplets in the air it can be passed on anywhere that dog congregate together, such as parks. Therefore, it’s a sensible decision to protect your dog against kennel cough. Although it is not fatal it can cause a persistent cough and is very contagious to other dogs, meaning your dog cannot go out for ten days after catching it.
Our Clinical Director, Kobus Engelbrecht, recently reached the news headlines when his German Shepherd Dog called Zinzan broke the world record in a 60 Weave, Pole Weaving Competition. Zinzan set a staggering time of 12.14 seconds to complete the 60 weaves. The previous world record was set in 1999 by a Border Collie.
Last but not least, Mr. Pinney has recently retired from practice. We were all sorry to see him go after almost 40 years of service to the profession. However, we all recognise that he deserves a well earned rest! As I’m sure you will agree he built up a well equipped practice with animal and client care at its core. Since CVS took over the practice in 2000 we have endeavoured to continue the practice in that spirit. You can rest assured that despite Mr. Pinney’s retirement our team will continue to offer you a full and caring service.