Bannockburn Veterinary Clinic

1759 Midland Highway, Bannockburn

5281 1221

Arthritis and Pets

Arthritis is a condition that leads to pain and progressive degeneration of the joints. Arthritis is very common in both humans and pets, and can be regarded as the same disease. It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of arthritis as it can be a source of chronic pain that negatively affects your pet's quality of life.

Symptoms of Arthritis May Include:

• Limping/Lameness

• Difficulty rising

• Licking, chewing or biting at joints

• Reluctance to jump or climb stairs

• Inactivity

• Yelping if a joint is bumped or touched

• Swelling of joints

• Loss of stamina or being slower on walks

• Reluctance to groom in cats

• Defecating outside the litter tray

• Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house

• Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine

Arthritis is common in cats and dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds. Many cases go undiagnosed because owners assume that slowing down is just a symptom of ageing. If you suspect your pet may be exhibiting signs of osteoarthritis, it is important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian, our Vets will perform a full physical examination, including palpating your pets’ joints and assessing their range of motion. Our veterinarian may also recommend X-rays of the affected joints, which will help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. X-rays can also help us evaluate the degree of damage to the joint.

Although arthritis cannot be cured, there are treatments available that can ease the pain for your pet. Our Vets can recommend treatments and a long-term plan to ensure your pet lives a comfortable life. Different Treatment Options May Include:

• Cartrophen is an injection given at weekly intervals for four weeks. 80% of pets respond to the initial course. The frequency of ongoing treatment varies depending on the severity of arthritic changes.

• Non-steroidal - anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed by our Vets. They work by reducing the inflammation around the joints. Regular check-ups with our Vets and blood tests to monitor your pets liver and kidney function is required while on these medications.

• Joint health supplements or prescription diets that contain Glucosamine, Fish oils or Epitalis. These supplements aid in the protection of joints and can be given on a long-term basis.

There is a new therapy available to help keep your dog and cat comfortable and enjoying a good quality of life. We are very excited to have this product available at the clinic.

Beransa and Solensia are an innovative new therapy called a Monoclonal Antibody. It is a biological therapy that works like your dog or cats own immune system. It targets and neutralises a protein that stimulates pain in patients with arthritis.

Through this action, one Beransa or Solensia injection alleviates pain for a full month

Beransa and Solensia can be used with other common therapies (e.g., vaccines, flea and tick products and antibiotics.)

If you would like more information on either of these products call into the clinic a pick up a brochure or talk to one of our Vets at your pet’s next consult.

A Big Welcome and Introducing our new vet, Keeley.

Hi my name is Keeley and I’m new to the Bannockburn Veterinary Team!

I have recently moved down from Queensland so am new to the area. My love for all animals great and small is why I enjoy all aspects of mixed practice.

I also enjoy small animal surgery and am passionate about giving the best animal care possible.

Outside work I enjoy going to the beach, playing netball and hanging out with my pet bearded dragon Mushu.

I look forward to meeting you next time you’re in the clinic.

34 Leigh News

Surfcoast Taxis

inc Winchelsea & Bannockburn Taxis

Our fleet of vehicles are growing to all late models and we are now covering an extended area including: Winchelsea, Colac, Bannockburn, Inverleigh, Great Ocean Road and Geelong.

We have a fleet of 10 seater Maxi Vans, all with Capacity to carry wheelchairs.

Surfcoast Taxis Pty. Ltd.

All Bookings: 0408 325 992

Fax: 5267 2699

Email: bannotaxis@gmail.com

(Admin or Stan 0429 672 888)

66A Batson Street, Winchelsea, 3241.

NDIS provide number 4050001044

NDIS provide number 4050001048

Inverleigh Birthday Milestones

Local Identity Lorraine Allworthy from Murgheboluc celebrated her 90th Birthday. Joining her were her daughters Julie & Lynne and son Max, along with about 60 other family and friends. Lorraine's other daughter Anne was not able to be there on the day, but those who could make it enjoyed the time together.

Dolores Quinlivian from Inverleigh recently celebrated the "big 70". A fun afternoon and night was enjoyed by many relatives and friends at the Inverleigh Public Hall. Dolores' family travelled from overseas (America and Malaysia) to celebrate with Dolly and many guests dressed as "Hippies" for the occassion.

Danny’s Firewood & Tree Services

*Sugar Gum Firewood. 4.5 mtr Trailer or 8 mtr Truck. "Delivered"

*Tree Removal and Clean Up *Paddock Clean Up

*Telehandler with Elevated Work Platform & Log Grab

*13 tonne excavator, *small kubota tractor with grab

*13 mtr cherry picker. *Firewood Processor, Wood Splitter & Saw Bench.

Contact: Danny Busbridge 0438 355 383

Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 6.00 pm Saturday 8.30 am – 1.00 pm

Our highly trained and compassionate vets and nurses understand how important your pet is to you and work with you to care for your pet, providing skilled diagnostics, treatment and recovery plans alongside preventative health management.

Best Mates is Fur Life Vet’s preventative and protective healthcare program designed to keep your pet healthier and happier for longer. 12 MILTON STREET BANNOCKBURN furlifevet.com.au/goldenplains goldenplains@furlifevet.com.au

Bannockburn Surgery is a fully accredited medical practice that provides comprehensive GP services and have been practising within the community for more than 30 years. Bannockburn Surgery is the largest practice within the shire.

We are an accredited teaching practice – training medical students, nursing students and future GPs.

We also offer the following services:

Diabetes Education

Podiatry

Dietitian

Q Fever (Testing & Vaccines)

Yellow Fever (Vaccine) NEW

16 High Street, Bannockburn VIC 3331 Tel: (03) 5281 1481 www.bannockburnsurgery.com.au

Online bookings available

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