Lifelong care for pets providing clinical excellence, knowledge and experience
NEWS ASK THE VET by Laura McKirdy
Ms Ray, has emailed to say her 16-year-old cat is having problems picking up his food and keeping it in his mouth. He also seems not to be grooming himself and has lost a lot of weight. He is taking a long time to swallow food he does manage to keep in his mouth. A few different things could be causing this. I suspect he is suffering from dental problems which might be causing pain when he eats or grooms. He may also have an over active thyroid which can stop cats grooming. My advice is to have him checked by a vet, who will be able to find out the problem and hopefully be able to remedy it.
Please email your questions to laura.mckirdy@paragonvet.com
24 hour emergency service
SENIOR PETS Paragon Vets are holding a series of FREE clinics for senior pets in December, for cats over 10 years old and dogs over 8. The aim of the clinics is to detect any age-related health problems at an early stage to improve the quality and duration of life. These can include kidney, liver, heart, hormonal, joint and dental problems. During the clinic, your pet will be given a full clinical examination by one of our Vets. This will be FREE. We might recommend taking a blood sample (at the reduced cost of £50 inc VAT). We can also run a urine sample analysis FREE. We may also suggest that cats have their blood pressure measured (at a reduced charge of £10 inc VAT). This offer is not exclusively for existing Paragon clients, but pets must be registered with us before they can be seen. For more details, please talk to our staff or give us a call on 01228 710208.
PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP Visit us at: www.paragonvet.com and please ‘like’ us on our FACEBOOK page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets
December 2012
Contact us: CALDEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL 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
For our festive season opening hours,
see PAGE THREE
S TA R PETS Meet Mickey...
or Dreamrott Pumpkin Pie as he’s known to his adoring public! Mickey is a Lancashire Heeler owned by Sue Flitcroft and family. He was bred by Paragon Groomer Judith Urwin. His family have always reckoned he’s a good looking dude now it’s official. The Lancashire Heeler Club chose Mickey to be Mr December in their special calendar. Stardom hasn’t gone to his head - if you ask him very nicely he may still give you his pawtograph!
Mickey’s talents don’t end with modelling however - he spotted Sue’s daughter Zoe showjumping with her pony - and decided he could be just as good! Bet he gets clear rounds every time...
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR PETS If you’re planning to spoil your favourite pet this Christmas - don’t forget we have a great range of toys, treats and beds. Please remember to be very careful about giving your pets too many food treats - we may overindulge a bit at Christmas, but it’s not a good idea to let our dogs and cats do the same! Don’t ever be tempted to feed chocolate, raisins or grapes as a titbit to dogs or cats as they can be lethal. Be careful about feeding scraps from the Christmas dinner as fatty foods can also lead to serious problems for your pets. And don’t give them gravy as it often contains onion which can be toxic to pets - and can be very salty for them too. You’re safer sticking to vegetables - raw or cooked (but not covered in sauce!) Many dogs also enjoy raw carrots.
FESTIVE SEASON SURGERY OPENING TIMES to Wednesday 2nd January 2013
DALSTON
NEWBIGGIN
Monday December 24th (Xmas Eve) 8am-5pm [Surgeries 8.40-11am 1-2pm 3-4pm] Tuesday December 25th (Xmas Day) Emergencies Only Wednesday December 26th Emergencies Only Thursday December 27th Normal Surgery Hours Friday December 28th Normal Surgery Hours Saturday December 29th 8.30 - 12.30 Sunday December 30th Emergencies Only Monday December 31st (New Year’s Eve) 8am-5pm
Tuesay December 25th (Xmas Day) Emergencies Only Wednesday December 26th Emergencies Only Thursday December 27th Normal Surgery Hours Friday December 28th Normal Surgery Hours Saturday December 29th 8.30-12.30 Emergencies Only Sunday December 30th Emergencies Only Monday December 31st (New Year’s Eve) 8am-5pm
Tuesday January 1st Wednesday January 2nd
Tuesday January 1st Wednesday January 2nd
[Surgeries
8.40-11am
1-2pm
3-4pm]
Emergencies Only Normal Surgery Hours
Monday December 24th (Xmas Eve)
[Surgeries 9-10am
3-4pm]
Surgeries 9-10am
3-4pm]
8am-5pm
Emergencies Only Normal Surgery Hours
For emergencies please call 01228 710208 LONDON ROAD Monday December 24th
[Surgery 9-10am]
(Xmas Eve)
9-12
Tuesday December 25th (Xmas Day) Emergencies Only Wednesday December 26th Emergencies Only Thursday December 27th Normal Surgery Hours Friday December 28th Normal Surgery Hours Saturday December 29th Emergencies Only Sunday December 30th Emergencies Only Monday December 31st (New Year’s Eve) 9-12
[Surgery 9-10am]
Tuesday January 1st Wednesday January 2nd
Emergencies Only Normal Surgery Hours
From all of us at the PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP we wish you and your pets a happy and safe Christmas & New Year