Animal Care

YEAR OF THE JAB

Mark Newton-Clarke MAVetMB PhD MRCVS, Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeon

It is, perhaps, about time I wrote something more about vaccines. With so much information flying around, either in the news or on social media, we have all been bombarded daily with vaccine science and terminology. Almost everyone has now heard of messenger RNA, spike proteins and how antibodies work. Safety and efficacy data are topics of conversation around the world. 2021 may well be named the year of the jab.

Many of you may know that the word ‘vaccination’ is derived from ‘vacca’, the Latin for a cow. Edward Jenner, the celebrated English physician, is credited with the discovery that cowpox infection protected humans against smallpox. One hundred and eighty years later, smallpox was eradicated after a global vaccination programme. So, can vaccination eliminate other diseases entirely? The answer to this question lies in whether the causative agent has its reservoir exclusively in the human or animal at risk of the disease. If so, then if all susceptible individuals in a population are vaccinated, the pathogen has nowhere to go and will eventually become extinct. Unfortunately, many common diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria that can live in the environment or animals, making their elimination impossible. One familiar example is tetanus, which most of us know as a soil-borne organism, actually derived from the guts of herbivores, spread in their faeces. The best we can hope for is to protect ourselves (and our horses, especially) from the toxin that causes the symptoms of tetanus (which literally means muscle spasm). I have seen tetanus in two dogs over the years and I am glad to report both survived. The poor victims were stiff as a board, resembling Spotty Dog of the Wooden Tops. Now, I really am showing my age!

Let’s turn to the risk of side-effects from a vaccination. This is a really important factor in deciding whether a person chooses to vaccinate their dog or cat, their children or themselves with a given vaccine. One of the best times to measure the frequency of sideeffects is during a clinical trial in which a large number

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of individuals are randomly assigned to treatment or placebo groups and nobody knows who’s been given what, including the investigators. Symptoms of all types of illness are monitored in all participants and then compared between the two groups. Now, serious side-effects to a vaccine can take many forms e.g. auto-immune disease, allergic reactions and sudden death, but these occur in non-vaccinated animals too. Only by knowing the pre-existing background level of these diseases can we judge whether a vaccine is causing a genuine rise in their incidence.

In the population of dogs that we vaccinate yearly in Sherborne and Yeovil, I can honestly say we have not seen an increase in any of the diseases claimed to be side-effects of the leptospirosis vaccine – a vaccination which, from my research, has many ‘fake news’ stories attached to. Yes, we do see allergic reactions, auto-immune disease and occasionally, unexplained sudden death but only one event, an anaphylactic reaction directly after a puppy’s second vaccination, can I directly attribute to a vaccine. Anaphylaxis is the most dramatic example of a serious and severe allergic reaction caused by exposure to a foreign substance; in this case; a combination vaccine to distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis (the older L2 form). The catastrophic series of events triggered by this reaction differs between dogs and humans, but the result is the same: circulatory collapse and potentially, death. Luckily, we recognised the signs immediately and after some anxious minutes and several treatments with adrenaline and steroids, the puppy made a full recovery.

It was also brought to my attention that psychomotor seizures (epileptic fits) in dogs are considered by some people to be a potential vaccination side-effect. Seizures in dogs are really quite common: a study in 2013 gave a rate of over 80 dogs per 10,000 showing the background level of this disorder in our pet dogs as quite high. So, how do these numbers sit with the rate of suspected adverse reactions (of all types, including those found to be spurious) to leptospirosis vaccine? Well, this was reported in 2017 to be less than 9 per 10,000, combined for both types of vaccine (L2 and L4*). These numbers are reassuring, but we must remember most adverse reactions are minor and not reported. For example, about 1 in 10 puppies vaccinated will develop a mild fever, go off their food and perhaps get a little lump at the injection site – the equivalent of a sore arm in humans. In general, these mild symptoms are selflimiting and so, not worrying. It interests me that apart from injection-site swelling, vaccine reactions in cats are rarely discussed. For the record, there is a vaccine-site associated form of cancer in cats, well-documented in the USA, but thankfully very rare in the UK.

Now, how about the other side of the coin? How common is leptospirosis in dogs and is it really a risk that justifies a yearly vaccine? A map of Great Britain showing disease incidence (number of new cases per year) indicates Dorset is at ‘medium’ risk. I suggest that in our area of North Dorset and South Somerset the level is high. We have seen four dogs die in the last year or so from leptospirosis – all confirmed by laboratory testing. Like the 80 or so humans who suffer from Weil’s disease every year, most victims had contact with water and the dogs had missed at least one vaccine booster.

No vaccine is mandatory, not in humans nor animals, but they are the best weapon we have against infectious disease and some tumours.

FINDING THE IDEAL WEIGHT FOR YOUR HORSE

Dr Imogen Frame MRCVS, Kingston Vets

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Obesity in horses is not a new problem but it is becoming an ever more common disease seen in the veterinary world with very serious consequences. Weight management of horses can be challenging to say the least, often due to the endless amount of conflicting information out there along with many of us not understanding when our horses are overweight.

Why is weight management so difficult in horses? Horses evolved in the wild to survive, procreate and cover vast distances, daily, and on very limited amounts of food. Their digestive system allows them to be one of the most efficient species at extracting energy from their food sources. This is most commonly demonstrated in the native pony, who is often nicknamed a ‘good doer’. We horse owners often say our horses need only look at grass and they will balloon.

Part of the problem is domestication – wild ponies in late winter and early spring will look very underweight but they will spend the next few seasons gaining weight to see them through the tough winter, where calories are scarce. However, it takes effort for the wild pony to find food with many miles covered, often they will be pregnant or have a foal at foot, all of which have high calorific demands.

The type of food available to our domesticated horse is far more varied and abundant than that available to the wild pony. We cannot monitor how many calories horses consume when out on pasture and so, grass is often the number one culprit in weight gain. Horses have very low energy requirements on a day-to-day basis and most grasses will provide an excess of calories. Standing in a stable or a small paddock is about as unnatural as it gets for these herd animals and has led to this sedentary lifestyle for horses.

What are the consequences for an overweight horse? There is an ideal weight individual to every horse; as vets don’t usually carry horse-sized scales, we most

often use a set of criteria to give each horse a body condition score. Using this, we can determine if a horse is overweight or underweight.

Health risks associated with overweight horses: •Laminitis •Osteoarthritis •Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and insulin dysregulation •Respiratory problems •Increased strain on the heart

If your horse does struggle to gain weight or suddenly loses weight, please contact your veterinarian for a thorough clinical exam.

How to assess your horse’s weight

A weighbridge

The only true way to measure a horse’s weight, but not commonly available to most owners.

Weigh tape

These are widely available. Place the tape around the horse’s chest similar to where a surcingle would be placed. These can be deceivingly inaccurate; however, they are a useful tool in monitoring weight. Measure the horse at the same point on the body each time for accuracy.

Body condition scoring

This is a practical assessment of the fat across a horse’s body.

You can find a comprehensive Equine Body Condition Scoring chart on the Redwings Horse sanctuary website: redwings.org.uk

Essentially, you divide the body into three sections – the pelvis, neck, and back with ribs – to assess the amount of fat. It is important to do this because many horses carry weight in different parts of the body; just because a horse is ‘ribby’ does not mean they are a healthy weight.

It is also important to understand what you are feeling: muscle will feel hard and firm, while fat softer and wobblier. If all of this seems too daunting, ask your vet.

How to manage your horse’s weight

Dietary changes

•Horses can eat their daily intake of calories in a few hours. So, reducing time out grazing isn’t a reliable

method of achieving weight loss. You could try strip grazing or grazing muzzles. If you put them in a muddy field, a sand school or any other enclosure without forage, ensure you are providing them with something to eat – starving horses is very dangerous. •Soak hay in clean water for 12 hours. The sugar in hay moves down a concentration gradient, so the fresher water it’s soaked in, the more sugar will be removed. It is important to note steaming does not remove sugars. •If your horse requires medication, administer in only a handful of unmolassed chaff or syringe it if you can. •Scales are required to measure all feed – guesstimating will never work.

Exercise

•If your horse is currently suffering from laminitis, please do not exercise it. •The simplest thing is to increase the exercise you are already doing, keeping track of it though. If you, on average, do 10 minutes of trotting on a hack or in a lesson, up that to 15 and you can continue to increase this as your horse gets fitter. •Exercise also increases sensitivity to insulin; this is important because overweight horses often become resistant to insulin, which puts them at a higher risk for laminitis.

Still not losing weight?

Consult your vet for further investigation.

TAKE CARE •DO NOT starve your horse, this can cause hyperlipaemia – a condition that causes fat to circulate in the blood and damage organs. •All dietary changes should be gradual. •Don’t expect to see weight loss overnight, this is a gradual journey. •Beware of hungry horses eating bedding – this can lead to colic. •If your horse is currently suffering from laminitis, do not exercise and consult your veterinarian.

Having had a handful of native ponies over the years, I understand how frustrating weight management is for so many owners. It is important for clients and vets to work together to create a tailored plan to help improve the health and welfare of your horse.

HYDRATION STATIONS

Sarah Hitch, The Sanctuary Beauty Rooms and The Margaret Balfour Beauty Centre

Our skin is made up of 60% water and therefore needs this precious commodity to function and to look its best. Without it, our bodies and minds become sluggish and our skin suffers too.

Dehydration is a skin condition, not a skin type, so every skin type and age can be dehydrated. It’s caused by a lack of water or moisture in the upper layers of the skin – not a lack of oil – which results in dry skin.

Factors within our control are water, caffeine and alcohol consumption, as well as avoiding skin-stripping astringent products. External factors such as central heating, air conditioning and pollution dehydrate the skin by impacting on its own natural barrier defence. This barrier is a layer of lipids and oils which act as protection to keep nasties out and good things in. As it loses moisture, it becomes fragile and more prone to sensitivity. When skin is deeply dehydrated, it may become very tight, look almost dusty and even crack. This is the point where extreme sensitivity causes everything to sting your skin as your lipid barrier is impaired.

Dehydration in the skin generally manifests as fine lines, lack lustre and tight skin. The fine lines and crepiness that you may have noticed could be dehydration lines – not ageing lines – and can be easily combatted. Even deeper lines and wrinkles can appear more prominent when there is dehydration. Think of your skin cells as lovely fat juicy grapes; when they haven’t got water in them, they become like shrivelled raisins and this shows on the skin’s surface. When they are full of lovely water, they will be plump, smooth and dewy, which can quickly transform your skin. It is important to hydrate through drinking plenty of water throughout the day and reducing caffeine as it’s a diuretic.

Even younger skin, or acne-prone and breakout skin can be dehydrated. Oily skin that isn’t hydrated by use of products, due to a fear of making the skin breakout, is very likely to get worse. When the skin feels that its natural barrier isn’t intact, it can make more oil to compensate and protect, so, in fact, the skin will become oilier and potentially more congested. However, using an oil-free moisturiser will hydrate your skin, protect your barrier and allow your pores to release the congestion below.

Applying a hydrating toner underneath your moisturiser will quickly quench your skin’s thirst so that it doesn’t drink up your moisturiser excessively, allowing it to go further. This can be applied via cotton wool, pressed onto the face with your hands or a simple spritz before moisturising and is a quick way of putting moisture where you need it most. There are also serums, masks and specific hydrating products available containing calming, soothing and, of course, hydrating ingredients to pep up your routine. No matter how much water you consume, our bodies will always take more than their fair share; so, by topically applying face and body products too, you can tackle this from both sides.

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EMBRACING THE CHANGE

Beverley Welch, Yoga and Qigong Teacher

The weaker sex – how did that expression come about? I never understood that saying, when sometimes it feels like we have the weight of the world on our shoulders. We juggle work, home, relationships, friends and family. I think women are true warriors; we can handle most things.

But for me, when peri-menopause hit and the hot flushes, lack of sleep and anxiety began,

I suddenly lost some of that inner strength. For many women, these changes can knock the wind out of their sails and the warrior soul that they once knew can get a little lost.

In Western medicine, menopause is sometimes known as ‘the window of vulnerability’.

Fluctuations in hormones can lead to mood changes, a sense of loss, tearfulness and even depression. Life can begin to feel joyless and there can be a loss of confidence. If this feels like you, then it is vital that you take extra care of your emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

Added to this is a slowing down of the metabolism as digestion becomes sluggish and this can lead to weight gain – especially round the middle, a loss of energy and a lack of motivation.

Women can end up in a rut, stop wanting to go out as much, begin to binge eat or drink more alcohol at home – and so the cycle begins.

It’s so important to find ways to lift your energy and your mood. To get out and talk to others in a similar situation and use them for advice and support. Qigong, yoga, meditation, chatting with friends, walks in nature, reading a great book and family time can all help to boost your mood.

It’s now more vital than ever to begin to exercise regularly. Start with small steps – just 15 minutes a day – every day can be less daunting. Create daily habits that you can stick with. You will quickly notice changes in your energy levels and your mood. These can be used in conjunction with any other treatments your doctor recommends. • Yoga and Qigong Flow help to energise the body and release stagnation while strengthening the joints, muscles and ligaments. •Core strengtheners embrace your inner warrior to boost confidence as well as lift, tighten and tone. •Twists and heart openers will raise mood and energy levels. Self-massage and body tapping increase circulation, release tension and promote the release of serotonin: your body’s natural

‘feel good’ medicine. •Meditation, relaxation and breath-work practices will calm a busy mind, boost immunity and create healthy sleep patterns.

It is important to listen to your body, every day, to understand if it is asking you to rest and retreat, to take time and space for yourself or to energise, get moving and feel strong.

Your body is asking you to pause and prioritise yourself and your own emotional and physical needs; to reconnect with yourself again and to put yourself first.

Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop and last around 4 years after your last period, although some women experience them for much longer. But menopause is not just a list of symptoms that you have to get through. It is an exciting, amazing journey into the next phase of your life. In Eastern medicine, they call it ‘Second Spring’ - it is an honour many do not have and a wonder to behold. So, let’s support each other and embrace it.

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MANAGING EATING DISORDERS DURING A PANDEMIC

Lucy Lewis, Dorset Mind Ambassador

Life is challenging enough for most of us. However, if you are experiencing an eating disorder, or are recovering from one, the pandemic and lockdowns could have caused even more difficulties. Increased anxiety, empty supermarket shelves, and more time alone with our thoughts can all exacerbate existing eating disorder issues and challenge recovery.

People who present with eating disorders sometimes focus on their feelings of control; however, many of us are now trying our best to exist in a situation that we have very little control over. If you are struggling to manage your eating disorder during this ‘new normal’, read some of our top tips to help you cope in this trying time.

Social media safety Social media can be a positive force. If you are feeling isolated, it can be a useful tool to allow you to connect with loved ones. Additionally, it can be beneficial to follow positive or informative accounts, such as those run by mental health or eating disorder charities. But social media can also have a detrimental effect on our wellbeing - especially if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

To minimise this, try unfollowing triggering accounts, such as accounts that promote diets and unrealistic body standards. Remember, it is always OK to remove negative forces from your life, whether that is offline or online. It can also be helpful to set limits on your social media consumption to ensure that you are not continuously scrolling through content or refreshing news sites. Instead, focus on engaging in meaningful activities that you enjoy away from a screen.

Routine Many of us were used to a pre-existing routine to follow for work, school or childcare. However, lockdown has removed this structure, which can make our weeks feel empty and long. Try creating your own routine using a digital or paper calendar. Make sure you set regular times for meals, enjoyable activities, gentle activities, self-care, necessary tasks and get plenty of sleep.

Self-kindness Be kind to yourself, always. Remember that thoughts are not always factual, and negative self-talk can cause your mood and behaviour to suffer. Make a conscious effort to avoid thinking this way about yourself. It may feel awkward at first, but positive self-talk is a skill that can be practised and improved over time.

Also, remember it is perfectly normal to be struggling in such a difficult time. If you are struggling to manage your thoughts, try noting down any common themes or thoughts that distress you

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for example about your body image and/or unhealthy behaviours such as constant weighing and body monitoring. Being aware of how you think and act when feeling unwell may help you to avoid distressing thoughts and behaviours that impact on your mental health. You might need the support of a professional to help you process this further.

Social support Eating disorders can thrive in isolation. Reach out to loved ones regularly, and schedule time to talk and socialise into your routine. You can also try sharing what signs someone might be able to notice if you are beginning to feel worse and ask if they can check up on you regularly. There are online support groups and helplines that may help you to feel less alone.

Reach out If you think you may be struggling with an eating disorder, contact your GP as soon as you can. There are professionals and organisations who can help you to manage your mental health, such as BEAT Eating Disorders. Additionally, you can call Samaritans at 116 123 if you are ever in a crisis.

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Locally, Dorset Mind offer their Restored Eating Disorder service for people aged 16 upward, that offers 1-2-1 mentoring and an online support group. Visit dorsetmind.uk/help-and-support/support-groups/ restored-eating-disorders/ to find out more.

RUNNING IN SHERBORNE

Craig Hardaker BSc (Hons), Communifit

Image: Dave Bendell

Training online has been a huge success and I’ve very much enjoyed delivering sessions this way. We must, however, also continue to train outside. Being in the fresh air, no matter what the weather, is a great way to de-stress. Our running groups are currently on pause, although most are still running individually. But, I know many of you have run out of ideas (no pun intended!) So, here are some suggestions to reignite your training and encourage you to try something different. It is important to complete a full body warm-up and stretch before you start your training, and that you are well hydrated. The following destinations are examples to aid clarity, please choose somewhere quiet and traffic/pedestrian-light to train!

Bristol Road hill training: There are 18 lamp posts from the bottom of Bristol Road up to The Carpenters Arms. Starting at the bottom lamp post (the base), run to the first lamp post, and return to the base. Run to the second lamp post, back to the base. Repeat this method until you reach the 18th lamp post. Hill training complete! Record your time taken and aim to beat it the next time.

Pageant Gardens endurance bench workout: There are 12 benches around the outside of Pageant Gardens. Starting at your first bench, perform 20 star jumps. Walk or run to your next bench and repeat 20 squats. Walk or run to the next bench and perform 20 arm circles. Walk or run to the next bench and do 20 lunges. Return to the star jumps and repeat all exercises until you have completed a full lap. How many laps can you complete continuously?

Abbey strength session: Run a small loop from the steps in front of the Abbey, then down Digby Road, around Pageant Gardens, up South Street and back to the beginning. When back at your starting point, complete the following circuit 5 times: 10 press ups, 10 knee drives, 10 triceps dips, finishing with 10 step squat jumps. All of which can be completed using the stairs. Once completed, run the loop for a second time before warming down… Want to be competitive? Record the time taken to complete, and use as a target for your next workout.

Communifit Sherborne 5k series (pictured): Although our charity 5k is postponed until we are allowed to continue, why not start practising the route ready for when we do return! The route starts and finishes at The Terraces, looping around Sherborne taking in sights of the castle and Sherborne Abbey; it has everything - uphill and downhill sections and plenty to see!

A30 lamp posts Fartlek training: ‘Fartlek’, which means ‘speed play’ in Swedish, is continuous training with interval training. Leaving Abbey View, jog to the first lamp post and from here you will sprint to the next, return to your jog, then sprint and so on, until the roundabout. This would be set 1 - how many continuous sets can you complete? Fartlek training is proven to improve your overall speed and stamina; an important running training method.

So, there you have it! Some ideas to spice up your training in March. Continue your online training, keep pushing yourself for progression, but don’t forget to get some fresh air too.

Take care and stay safe.

SHAPE UP YOUR STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAMME

Simon Partridge BSc (Sports Science), Personal Trainer, SPFit

We have written many articles, in both the Sherborne Times and other magazines, extolling the values of strength training. But we know, and are constantly told by our clients, that it is difficult to keep going while we are all training from home, often with limited equipment.

So, here are five ways to use advanced protocols to keep your motivation and shake up tired routines to break through plateaus and start making progress again.

Giant sets These are multiple sets of different moves done backto-back with little or no rest. They are not the same as super sets, which often target opposing muscles. Giant sets have four or five moves targeting one part of the body; they often kick-start stubborn muscles into growing and toning, but also burn more fat because of the high work rate.

German Volume Training (GVT) This is a good way to combine strength and hypertrophy (growing/toning muscle) at the same time. It uses two different moves like a super set for 10 sets of 10 reps. However, it is especially tough on your recovery system when using heavy weights. Your goal is to try and achieve 100 reps of each of the two exercises. It can also work well when training at home and without lots of weights/equipment to work with. It is then easier to recover from before your next workout.

Drop sets This is where you keep lifting until you cannot complete another rep without losing good technique/ form. You then remove some weight from your bar or grab a lighter dumbbell and keep lifting. Drops sets are great because they push your muscles past the point they would normally fail, encouraging them to grow and tone. You can still do these even if you only have one set of dumbbells by doing a technical drop set. Instead of grabbing lighter weights, continue doing more reps with an easier exercise. These will be added to SPFit’s next resistance bands online group training session.

Pyramid sets Start with a lightweight resistance, and then increase the weight (ascending pyramids) with each successive set, whilst reducing the target reps to compensate. It is a great way to incorporate your warm-up into your workout and also ensure you get lots of volume. You can also reverse the process (descending pyramids).

Cluster sets These are done with short, built-in pauses. Chose a weight you can lift for 3-5 reps and do a set of 2-2-2(2) reps, so you do a total of 6 to 8 reps, pausing for 10 seconds every time you do 2 reps. This protocol allows you to achieve more volume (reps) at a heavier weight than you could usually achieve. It does also mean you need a lot of weight if you want to do these at home, but let’s hope all our gyms can reopen soon.

Good luck with trying different ways to train. Let’s ensure every workout we do gives our bodies a chance to progress and also prevents our minds from getting bored.

VEGETABLES

WHY ARE THEY SO IMPORTANT?

Dr Tim Robinson MB BS MSc MRCGP DRCOG MFHom GP & Complementary Practitioner

We all know that eating vegetables is important, but why? Because they provide your body with all the components that support the function and repair that brings about optimal health and wellbeing.

Vegetables, according to the dictionary, are edible plants other than seeds. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours; each provide different dietary components which fall into the three categories of minerals, vitamins and fibre.

Vegetables provide us with minerals; these are important for many cellular processes. Green vegetables contain the molecule chlorophyl which has magnesium at the heart of it. This is needed for muscle and nerve function. It is also important for bone formation along with calcium, which is also contained in vegetables. Other minerals present are iron for haemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen, zinc and selenium, as well as many others at trace levels for the immune system.

Vegetables also provide us with vitamins; these too are essential for optimal biochemical and metabolic functions. Vitamin C is needed for at least 300 metabolic reactions for growth and repair, to maintain healthy skin bones, teeth and muscles tissues. It is also important, along with vitamin E, for metabolism for stress hormones, as well as support of the immune system. Vitamin A in carrots is also needed for all these processes as well as eye function – as Mother told us, ‘so we can see in the dark!’ Vitamin K has an important role in the blood-clotting system.

Vegetables are also a natural source of dietary fibre, due to the plant walls being made of the insoluble carbohydrate cellulose. Fibre provides roughage, which maintains a regular bowel habit, which in turn reduces the risk of bowel cancer. Fibre also provides nourishment to the ‘friendly’ bacteria contained in the large intestine. These have many essential functions but especially maintenance of the immune system, production of hormones, as well as brain and nerve biochemical molecules. There are at least 1000 different species of the bowel bacterial microflora, each dependant on different vegetable components, hence the importance of having a broad mix of vegetables.

The final essential group of molecules contained in vegetables are the flavonoids. These are responsible for their exciting spectrum of colours – orange, yellow, purple, red etc. Flavonoids are chemicals that have antioxidant properties. These are needed to mop-up the harmful breakdown products of cell metabolism that can cause destructive processes within cells, leading to degenerative changes, inflammation and cancer.

For all the reasons given, a regular daily intake of vegetables is so important for healthy living. Research has shown that eating at least three servings of vegetables per day can reduce heart disease and stroke by twenty percent. Add to this the protection against the internal cellular damage, inflammation and cancer, it is obvious to us all that a regular intake makes perfect sense. If your lifestyle doesn’t enable you to have a regular vegetable intake, supplementing with a multimineral/vitamin tablet will compensate but their components can never be as bio-available to the body compared with the real thing. Remember the old saying, ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.’ Go on, as Mother said, ‘Eat up your veggies, dear!’

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