Pets march 2014

Lifelong care for pets providing clinical excellence, knowledge and experience

NEWS

Our new chronic pain and acupuncture service is already getting lots of interest - and last week it earned us headlines in both The Cumberland News and News & Star!

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, non-traumatic needles into predetermined acupuncture points and trigger points (‘knots’ in muscles that cause pain). This tricks the animal’s brain into preparing itself for some pain and trauma, when no trauma is caused (the needle is non-traumatic) and hence no pain ensues, this resets the pain level back to an acceptable intensity.

This new stimulus out-competes with the ongoing chronic pain and can stop the brain recognising it as ‘pain’. Also, ‘feel-good’ hormones are released by the animal’s central nervous system and this results in a feeling of well-being.

Acupuncture has been practiced for 3000 years but is only recently becoming a much more accepted treatment option for pets with chronic pain and other ailments. It can be used to minimise or even eliminate the animal’s need for pain relief and other medications, and importantly, their side effects.

PARAGON IN THE NEWS! by

Laura McKirdy Small Animal Vet

We now have acupuncture clinics at Paragon for all dogs, cats and rabbits, and for those suffering from conditions such as chronic arthritis, non-healing wounds, lick granulomas and allergies.

One of my favourite success stories is about an elderly Border Collie called Meg. She has had bad luck with her hips over the years and now suffers from chronic arthritis. Previously she has had her pain managed by anti inflammatory drugs and tramadol. This combination upset her gut and made her very drowsy.

Since having acupuncture sessions - which she pulls her owner into the building to attend - she is a lively and happy dog, and better still, needs very little additional pain relief.

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP

Visit us at: www.paragonvet.com and please ‘like’ us on our FACEBOOK page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets

March 2014

Contact us:

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP 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

24 hour emergency service

PUPPY & KITTEN CARE

by Kelly Armstrong (Veterinary Nurse)

This is part two of a two-part series on caring for your new 4-legged arrival.

If a new puppy or kitten has joined your household recently or you’re thinking of getting one here are some more top tips to help your new addition settle in.

• The socialisation period for puppies begins at 3 weeks old so after the 14 days post-2nd vaccination period, it is crucial to let your puppy meet and mix with new animals and objects to avoid them displaying unwanted tendencies such as aggression or fear in later life.

For kittens it is also important they are handled regularly and get to meet new people of all ages and different animals in a safe environment.

• The correct feeding and nutrition is essential for your youngster’s healthy growth and development. They should be fed on a good quality complete diet designed for puppies or kittens, not an adult food at this stage. They also need to be fed regular small meals throughout the day to maintain energy levels.

• Toys and chews can be beneficial for kittens and puppies to keep them occupied and work as a stimulus for them especially when they are teething, however be wary of small toys which may be destroyed and swallowed.

• Pet insurance for your new addition is very sensible, to cover the costs if your pet has an accident or illness. There are many different insurance companies out there all covering for different amounts and periods of time.

If you need any advice speak to one of our staff members.

We are always happy to help, so if you have any questions or queries or would like to come in to speak to one of our qualified veterinary nurses please contact your local branch.

Micro chipping is highly recommended and soon to become a legal requirement for dogs.

It can be implanted at the vaccination stage for your pet.

This gives you the best chance of being reunited with your pet if it’s lost or stolen.

Here at Paragon we have an offer of £10 to implant a microchip!

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP Visit us at: www.paragonvet.com and please ‘like’ us on FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets