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THIS
MONTH
CHEK
ITCH - New Test for Canine Allergy Diagnosis
Allergy testing is once again available. We have been unable to provide allergy testing for some time. This was due to problems with previous test suppliers. A completely new test has
been sourced and has been on trial for the past few months. The new test
has been found to offer a reliable and cost effective diagnostic test for
canine allergy. The new test is complemented by an new innovative immunotherapy
product. The allergy test system has been developed in Switzerland specifically
for use in canines and has shown to be very specific. One of the principle
differences between the new test and others available on the market is
the relatively small range of allergens covered by the test.
To support the new allergy test we have sourced an innovative new immunotherapy product. This will be formulated to your individual prescription based on the allergy test result and will be supplied to you directly by the licensed manufacturer. The preparation will be composed of characterised and standardised allergen extracts. The allergenic potency will be expressed in therapeutic units (TU) which vary dependant upon the formulation and the weight of the patient. The allergen extracts are adsorbed on to the physiological amino acid L-tyrosine, this imparts the product with distinctive adjuvant properties. The L-tyrosine is completely metabolised as an endogenic substance during the intermediary metabolic process. This slows absorption and minimises the possible formation of a granuloma at the site of injection and reduces the risk of adverse reactions. For further information contact
Client Services.
Campylobacter is a common cause of diarrhoea in puppies and kittens Campylobacter jejuni is the
organism associated with diarrhoea in both man and dogs and cats. It is
more prevalent in kennel situations. Puppies and kittens are especially
susceptible as they have not the protective antibodies developed by most
adults but stressed or immunocompromised animals are also at risk.
As with most enteric pathogens,
the faecal oral route is the most common means of transmission, with contaminated
food and water also important. Chicken meat is a common source.
Treatment is most effective using Erythromycin at 40mg/kg in divided doses. Occasionally it causes vomiting but if the treatment is stopped for 24 hours and then restarted it usually settles down especially if the dose is given with food. Treatment for 5-10 days is advised with re-sampling 10 days later. Dogs and cats can be a source of infection for people who are actually more susceptible. Hygiene is paramount. The major risk factor for humans remains the eating of undercooked chicken or other meat. Interestingly undercooked meat is the prime source of Toxoplasmosis in humans too but that is another story. Top
The last few meetings of the Clin Path Club have been blighted by man made and natural disasters, from floods to a petrol famine. We thought Foot and Mouth was going to affect attendance at the March meeting, I am delighted to say that despite the obvious problems that the FMD outbreak was causing for some members the attendance was gratifying. A rapt audience were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and expertise of our speaker for the evening Mr Romain Pizzi BVSc MSc MRCVS, who was talking on the subject of reptiles and amphibians. Romain has a vast experience of the subject and that was clearly demonstrated by his detailed knowledge and fund of practical hints and tips which were gratefully recorded by the audience. The talk was illustrated with a comprehensive and varied collection of slides. Having recently joined David Delmage in Blackpool, Romain has found the Hoteliers and Landladies of the resort to have a vast range of exotic pets on which he can practice his skills. Top
Venue: Myerscough College, Bowland Suite, Bilsborough, Lancashire Speaker: Thurs 10th May - Pip Boydell BVet Med CertVOpthal MRCVS: A philosphical approach to seizures in the dog Case book studies: If you would like to present an interesting case please contact Jane Miller on 01253 899215. The Clin Path Club meetings
are open to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. Click for more
information.
Top
Top FAQ’s Q I have been treating a 13 year old female DSH with maintenance doses of Carbimazole, 15mg bid p/o), for 3 months. Clinically the cat has responded very well and all signs of hyperthyroidism have either improved or resolved. When I decided to check the total serum T4 concentration I was alarmed to find it was very low at <13 nmol/l. Should I reduce the dose of Carbimazole, and if so, by how much? A
When
monitoring total serum T4 in cats receiving Carbimazole therapy it is not
unusual to find the levels decreased below the reference range (19-65 nmol/l).
References:
Manual of Small Animal Endocrinology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 16.Carmel
T. Mooney.
Link
of the Month
Top
In a major new tower block development a "canine foot shower" has been introduced which owners use to rinse dirt off their dog's feet after a walk. They have also installed a "grooming room", in which owners can shower and blow dry their pet after a muddy walk in the park. Japanese are scrupulously clean, bathing at least once a day and taking their shoes off before entering the house. Many see pets as dirty and smelly and do not want to share their buildings with them. Large pets are normally banned. A major landlord, said: "As Japan's population ages and the birth rate falls more and more customers have been asking if they could keep pets and more residents were keeping pets secretly. So we decided we had to accept this and deal with it." To keep their none-pet owning neighbours happy residents who get in the lift with a pet must press a button that will light a sign alerting anyone waiting on another floor that there is an animal aboard. This will ensure that pet-haters do not have the shock of meeting a dog when the doors open. Top |
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