October 2014 newsletter

Compassion, care, clinical excellence

NEWS October 2014 Tortoise Hibernation by Anne Abbs

Many Mediterranean tortoises will be hibernating this winter but any tortoise that is under-weight or unwell will need to be kept awake to reduce the risk of death in hibernation. This may be easier said than done as some will pick up reducing light and temperature levels and decide that the time for sleeping has arrived!

In order to maintain your tortoise in a lively condition a number of factors need to be considered An adequate enclosure – completely enclosed environments are poor for tortoises (particularly glass tanks) as they have inadequate ventilation and reduce environmental stimulation leading to potential behavioural problems. A more open pen or tortoise table is usually more satisfactory in the long term, however in an emergency such as needing to bring a tortoise out of hibernation quickly, any secure container such as a plastic box will suffice.

Adequate UV lighting and basking facilities are required. UV rapidly declines over distance so the light must be suspended no more than 50cm above the back of the tortoise. UV tubes need to be changed every 6 months. Feeding under or near the basking lamp helps promote good digestion.

Adequate feeding - tortoises are herbivores and should get all their nutritional needs from the plants in their diet including the correct amount of calcium.

Vegetables and salad plants grown for human consumption (which may be all that is available over the winter) have a poor calcium to phosphorus ratio so supplementation may be necessary.

Contact us: PARAGON VETERINARY CENTRE Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston,Carlisle, CA5 7JF Tel: 01228 710208 vets@paragonvet.com TOWNHEAD VETERINARY CENTRE Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, CA11 0HT Tel: 01768 483789 townhead@paragonvet.com LONDON ROAD SURGERY 87 London Road, Carlisle, CA1 2LG Tel: 01228 591005 pethealthcentre@paragonvet.com

If you have any questions or wish to get your tortoise’s weight and length checked, please contact us at your local branch.

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP ONLINE Visit us at www.paragonvet.com or ‘like’ us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets

24 Hour Emergency Service

Dental Hygiene Month

New Faces at Paragon

by Kelly Armstrong and Sam Harding

Rosie Dunbar

Shockingly recent studies have found that around 80% of dogs and 70% of cats suffer from oral problems by the age of just 3!

Compassion, care, clinical excellence By organising an effective oral program to suit your pet you can drastically improve their oral hygiene and reduce the risk of surgery.

Plaque is the horrible colourless substance that sticks to the teeth, it is full of bacteria and salivary glycoproteins that starts to form soon after a meal. The bacteria in plaque produce volatile sulphides, which causes halitosis (bad breath) and can also cause gingivitis (inflamed gums). If plaque remains on the tooth it mineralises and becomes tartar.

Tartar (calculus) does not only affect your pet’s mouth it can also lead to other problems within the body. The heart, liver, kidneys, and joints can all be affected by the bacteria seeding from the mouth to other parts of the body. It is vitally important therefore to look after your pets teeth as best you can.

There are many ways to prevent plaque accumulating on your pets teeth with the gold star approach being daily tooth brushing. This involves using a toothbrush designed for your pet and special canine or feline toothpaste. Other ways to help keep their teeth clean include special dental chews, oral rinses, and a dry kibble dental food.

Puppies teeth usually start to appear at 3-4 weeks and for kittens at 2-3 weeks, these juvenile teeth start to fall out at around 16 weeks and will be complete by about 6-7 months of age. It is important to start handling your pets mouth by lifting their lip at a young age to increase their compliance with the tooth brushing once all their adult teeth have appeared.

Here at Paragon throughout October we are offering free dental nurse clinics with your dog or cat to advise you on how to look after your pet’s teeth and demonstrate the tooth brushing process.

Please contact us for more information or to book an appointment.

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP ONLINE Visit us at www.paragonvet.com or ‘like’ us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets

Receptionist My previous career was in a public relations role and I came to work at Paragon in May as part of the reception team.

I love all animals and wildlife, I own an energetic three year old Labrador called Charlie and spend my spare time walking with him, by the sea and in the woods. I also love to travel and explore European cities experiencing the different cultures.

Rachael Evans Trainee Nurse I am currently studying Veterinary Nursing at Myerscough College. I joined Paragon at the start of September to complete my final two years.

I have always loved animals and have been brought up alongside horses, chickens, cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs. I do have a particular interest in cats and just love my two, James and Lily, but I also have a fabulous collie called Meg. In my spare time I love to keep fit and I am also training to be a fitness instructor alongside my nursing career.