PLEASE TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF PETSMILE MONTH IN MAY 2004 TO HELP TACKLE DENTAL DISEASE

Pet Smile Month seeks to promote awareness of the importance of Veterinary Dentistry.

Dental disease doesn't just mean smelly breath - it is a whole body disease. Infection can spread to affect the kidneys, heart valves and other areas. Pet Smile Month is determined to try and help combat the biggest infectious disease of pets.

During June 2004 Pet Smile Month is providing complimentary dental check-ups for pets. These check-ups are being carried out at registered Pet Smile Month veterinary practices throughout the UK. The veterinary staff are giving up their time to provide free dental check-ups and to complete a survey of pets' oral health. Practices will also provide help and advice on preventing oral disease as well as treating any problems that may already be present. We, at the Bishops, are looking forward to help your pet to smile in 2004.

As well as the Pet Smile Check-Up, owners can also collect a Goody Bag for their pet. There are two types of goody bag - a Bonio one for your dog, containing a 650g pack of Bonio, or a Felix Denta Paw one for your cat. All the goody bags also contain information leaflets and a chance to win £500.

Pet Smile veterinary practices will also run a local children's art competition to draw a "Healthy Pet Smile". Winning entries for each age group will be entered into a national competition with some fantastic prizes.

Link:
PETSMILE web site

WINTER 2002/2003 NEWSLETTER OUCH! DOES MY PET HAVE ARTHRITIS? Degenerative joint disease (also called arthritis) is a very common problem in pets, particularly as they become older since the most frequent cause for arthritis is a lifetime of activity causing wear and tear on the surface of the joints. The signs of arthritis such as being stiff after a period of rest, lameness or showing reluctance to walk or climb stairs are also often made worse by the cold and damp winter weather. Arthritic joints are characterised by a thinning of the cartilage lining which normally smooth the ends of the bones at the places were they meet. Those cartilages and their lubricating fluid (also called synovial fluid) are essential for friction free joint movement. The bone will react by forming secondary new bone around the joint. On X-rays the cartilage damage, swelling and new bone can clearly be seen. Affected joints will be stiff, swollen and painful. The joints most susceptible are the limb joints. Although arthritis usually cannot be cured a combination of keeping an eye on the pet weight, regular controlled exercise regimes and a variety of modern treatments can make a real difference to your pet quality of life. If you are concerned that your pet is showing signs of stiffness or lameness,do give us a ring, pop in and see us for a check-up.