Letter to the editor

As such, WSAVA strongly objects to the practice of veterinary dentistry without appropriate anaesthesia. NZVA/CAV are also aligned in this view. Further points to note on groomers undertaking NAD: l there is personal risk (e.g. being bitten) for the operator when performing NAD. l Scaling of the tooth crown only is unlikely to meet the criteria of a significant surgical procedure, however it should be noted that

Section 15(4) of the Act clearly states that non-significant surgical procedures must not result in the animal being subjected to unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress. It is our view that groomers’ dental hygiene activities should be limited to recognising healthy vs. unhealthy tissues/ teeth, and basic cleaning techniques (e.g. finger brushing with appropriate equipment and animal handling).

expression of anal glands

Routine expression of anal glands at every groom is not indicated. Some animals will never have issues with emptying of anal glands, others will require frequent intervention. Anal glands can be emptied by groomers when the animal shows signs of discomfort, such as: l Scooting (frequently dragging its bottom along the ground) l Frequent licking around or near the anus However, it should be noted that these signs are not unique to anal gland issues alone. these signs can also be exhibited by an animal suffering from other disorders such as perineal dermatitis. When expressing anal glands, apply gentle pressure externally from behind the gland [acknowledged that this technique may differ from that used by veterinary staff]. Indications to discontinue the procedure include:

l the animal shows signs of discomfort or pain with only gentle pressure applied l there is external evidence of draining sinus tracts around the anus l the expressed material appears to contain blood or pus these issues suggest conditions such as anal gland abscesses or tumours are present. Clients should be advised to seek veterinary assessment in these instances.

ear plucking

It is now recognised that routinely plucking dogs’ ears is not a necessity. Plucking causes pain, and results in inflammation and in some cases infection. the exception may be when a dog suffers from chronic ear problems, to allow improved air circulation through the ear. In these instances, a veterinarian should determine the need for plucking. It is preferable to sedate these animals to avoid pain (these ears are often already sore) and ensure an appropriate amount of plucking. trimming of ear hair can be safely undertaken by groomers as part of a routine groom.

Claws

Similar to the nail bed in humans, dog and cat claws have the ‘quick’ running in the centre of them. the quick contains nerves and blood vessels. If claws are cut too short, the quick may also be cut through leading to pain and bleeding. Exposure of the quick can also predispose to infection in the claw or the surrounding tissue bed. l

letteR tO tHe eDItOR

Dear Editor, I read the letter from Keara Brownlie in the latest edition of Companion Quarterly with much interest. As she discusses, there seems to be much debate and uncertainty around both whether or not FIV infection causes disease in New Zealand and the efficacy of the Fel-o-Vax vaccine to protect against FIV infection. However, I was struck by the passage that states that “a follow-up field efficacy study is desperately needed to provide further information for vets in NZ. While we await this follow up information, it is suggested that Fel-o-Vax FIV should still be offered”. Shouldn’t we expect that Zoetis is able to provide information about efficacy before the release and promotion of this vaccine? Repeated vaccination is not without cost, both financial for clients, but also due to the increased risk of injection-site sarcomas due to repeated use of an inactivated-virus vaccine. It appears that two studies (one in Australia and one in New Zealand) have now reported no statistically different rates of FIV infection in vaccinated cats compared to unvaccinated cats. there are no field studies from other countries and, as Fel-o-Vax is now only being sold in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, field studies from elsewhere are unlikely. Veterinary science is an evidence-based profession and there is currently no evidence that Fel-o-Vax protects cats in New Zealand from infection with FIV. I sincerely hope that any research that Zoetis is currently performing to prove their vaccine is effective is published and made available to veterinarians soon. Without this evidence, it is difficult to see how veterinarians are able to recommend a seemingly ineffective vaccine to their clients.

Regards,

David Smith