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Coughing in Cats Symptoms, causes and treatments What causes my cat to cough?

Coughing (tussis) is a natural response by the body to any irritation or abnormality of the airway. All cats will naturally cough from time to time and it can indicate that something is irritating the throat, airways, or lungs. A persistent cough however can be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition but this is not always the case. There are many common causes which may result in your cat coughing. It can be distressing to see your cat coughing so our guide contains expert advice from qualified and registered veterinary nurses to help you choose the best course of action for your pet and help to answer any questions you may have. Symptoms and presenting signs • Wheezing or other unusual respiratory noises. • Rapid or difficulty breathing or increased effort to breathe. • Persistent cough or gagging sound. • Coughing up mucous or fluids – this is known as a productive cough. Your cat may produce frothy mucus while coughing. • Difficulty breathing after exertion. • Your cat may be lethargic or seem more tired than normal. • Other symptoms associated with a cough include, a nose (nasal) or eye (ocular) discharge, snuffles, gagging, retching and occasionally vomiting. Common causes • Asthma -Is one of the most common causes of coughing in cats. Asthma in cats is a chronic inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. Although this cannot be completely cured, symptoms can often be alleviated with medication. Common triggers include household cleaning products, pollens and grasses, dust mites, tobacco smoke and even some foods. • Cat flu – (Feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirusis) is a very common disease that can vary considerably in severity. It is possible to minimize the possibility of your cat catching cat flu by having them vaccinated, starting from a kitten. Your cat will require an annual booster vaccination. • Lung disease – Pneumonia. A cough which sounds wet or is productive can mean there is a build of fluid in the lungs, often cause by infection. If the infection is bacterial your cat may be given a course of antibiotics by the vet. • Airway obstruction - Swallowing a foreign body which becomes stuck in the airway. This is especially common in kittens and cats which like to scavenge or chew toys. If you believe your cat has an airway obstruction you should consider this an emergency and contact your vet immediately. • Cancer – Cancers affecting the lungs, either primary or secondary in nature can be a cause of cats coughing. • Worms - There are several species of internal parasites such as roundworms which can migrate to the airways and lungs of cats causing them to develop a cough. • Fungal infections – A fungal infection such as Aspergillosis can result in irritation in the nose and upper airways triggering a cough in cats. You may notice a discharge from the nose, nosebleed, swelling and pain in the area around and above the nose. A predisposition towards contracting this disease was found in brachycephalic cat breeds, especially Persians. • Heart worms – Not commonly found in the UK as they are transmitted by infected mosquitos. However if you are taking your pet abroad to Europe your vet will be able to advise about appropriate preventative treatments. Diagnosis of coughs in cats This very much depends on the nature of your cat’s cough and for how long it has been present. Diagnosis will often start with a thorough clinical examination where your vet will take a detailed history and ask you several questions. They will examine your cat and listen to the heart and lungs. Sometimes it may be necessary to run a few tests or carry out an MRI or CT scan or take an x-ray or ECG (Echocardiogram) if the cause of your cat’s cough is not immediately obvious. Blood tests or swabs may be taken as part of the clinical examination or faecal screens to check for the presence of internal parasites such as worms. Some procedures may need to carried out under sedation or anaesthetic and your cat will usually stay with the vet for a few hours and come home that same day depending on the diagnosis. Your vet will be able to advise you on this and explain any procedures they feel are necessary in order to make a diagnosis. If the cough is sporadic or infrequent in nature then recording the episodes on a mobile phone or tablet can be prove really useful in helping your vet to make an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes your cat may need to be referred to a veterinary specialist, especially if the cough is caused by a heart condition or cancer. Your vet will explain how referrals work and advise you about who would be the best person to treat your cat Treatment for coughs in cats The aim of any treatment will be to deal with the underlying cause of the cough as diagnosed by your vet. Treatment may include a course of antibiotics if the cough is due to presence of a bacterial infection. Viral infections often have to run their natural course but your cat can be supported with other helpful measures to reduce symptoms such as rest and encouragement to eat and drink fluids regularly. Keeping your cat in a calm relaxed state, away from extremes of temperature may also help to minimise symptoms. If the cause of your cat’s cough is diagnosed as a parasitic infection such as lung worm or round worm then your cat will be prescribed a course of appropriate worming treatment and they will require regular check-ups to ensure the infection has completely cleared. If an allergy (air pollution, pollens, cigarette smoke, air fresheners) has been diagnosed as the cause of your cat’s cough, the symptoms will often subside once the cat has been removed from the source of the problem. Others causes of coughs, such as serious infections may require more specific treatments which could result in your cat staying at the vets for in-patient treatment. Your vet will be able to explain the reason for this to you and you will receive regular updates on your cat’s progress. Most cases will be treated at home. Preventing coughs in cats • Coughs caused by infectious viruses such as cat flu can be prevented by a vaccination programme starting from when your cat is a young kitten. Yearly booster vaccinations will be required. • Regular parasite control is an important part of your pet’s preventative health care programme to guard against infection from internal and external parasites. • Routine health checks, often carried out at the time of your cat’s annual vaccination can help to pick up any underlying medical issues which may otherwise go unnoticed. • Keeping your cat’s weight within normal ranges can help to reduce the risk of your pet developing a disease or condition which may result in your cat coughing. • Keep any dangerous items which your kitten or cat may be tempted to chew or swallow well out of harms reach. • Keeping the use of chemicals, air fresheners and other potential allergens in the house to a minimum, especially if your cat is known to be asthmatic. FAQ’s How can I tell if my cat is having difficulty breathing and what should I do? If your cat is having difficulty breathing associated with their cough you may see them open mouth breathing or gasping for air. You may hear unusual respiratory noises or wheezing and their breathing rate or rhythm may look abnormal, either rapid (tachypnoea) or very slow and laboured (dyspnoea). Your cat may extend their head or neck forwards in an effort to get more air and you may also notice their gums are grey or blue tinged in colour compared to the normal pink. If your cat is having difficulty breathing, is wheezing or you can hear unusual respiratory noises OR if they cough up a significant amount of blood you should consider this an emergency and contact your vet immediately. Why has my cat suddenly started to cough? If your cat suddenly develops a persistent, distressing or acute cough check first for any obvious airway obstructions. Has your cat recently been playing with or chewing a toy which is now missing? If you believe your pet may have an airway obstruction you should keep your cat calm and contact your vet immediately. Why is my cat coughing and how can I tell if it is serious? A cough is a natural response to an irritant in your cat’s airways. If you pet is bright and lively and only has a mild cough without any other clinical symptoms then the cough may not be serious. Our experienced nurses at PetGP will be able to help assess your cat and let you know if we think you need to contact your vet. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service Why do cats get asthma and should I be concerned? Asthma is an upper respiratory disease which causes your cat to cough and wheeze. The condition can be chronic or acute in nature. The cat’s immune system overreacts to the presence of an allergen, however the allergens responsible are not always easy to diagnose. When an asthma attack occurs the airways narrow and thicken making it difficult for your cat to breathe. The lungs may also begin to discharge mucus into the airways, leading to episodes of coughing and wheezing. You may notice or hear a change in your cat’s normal breathing. Your cat’s condition could potentially deteriorate rapidly and may require veterinary treatment. If you think your cat is having difficulty breathing you should contact a vet immediately. What should I do if my cat develops a cough? If your cat has developed cough it is best to keep them calm and avoid any situations where they could become excited or anxious as this could make the cough worse. Keep exercise or movement to a minimum and contact one of our experienced nurses at PetGP who will be able to help assess your cat and let you know if they think you need to contact your vet. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service What can I give my cat to help with its cough? A cough suppressant may sometimes be recommended by your vet to help with the symptoms of a dry non-productive cough, however it is not advisable to administer any human cough preparations or suppressants to your cat without consulting with your vet first. Some human cough preparations contain ingredients such as xylitol, caffeine and ibuprofen which are all extremely toxic to cats. Some cough preparations also contain high levels of anti-histamines and decongestants which can also be unsafe for your cat to have. Finding the cause of your cat’s cough. As noted above, the causes of coughing in cats can be wide ranging. At PetGP our UK based veterinary nurses follow strict guidelines laid out by our veterinary director and ask a series of questions that determine the relative seriousness of your pet’s condition. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service These will hopefully rule out the more serious cases (which must be dealt with by a vet) and leads to advice on what you should do next for your pet. If appropriate, our experienced and knowledgeable veterinary nurses will give advice relevant to your pet’s condition based on your answers. • Our UK based Registered Veterinary Nurses will ask you several questions designed to assess (triage) the condition. • You will need to be with your cat as we will ask you to check a few things while you are on the phone to us. • We will ask if you how long your cat has had a cough for and any other symptoms you have noticed such as tiredness (lethargy), reduced appetite and if the cough is productive. • We will ask if your cat is currently on any medication as this could also be relevant. Call us at PetGP or visit https://pet-gp.co.uk/ if you are unsure or worried and our expert nurses will advise you on what to do next. If the situation does not merit a trip to the vet, we will give you suitable advice for managing the situation at home.

Coughing in dogs Symptoms, causes and treatments

Why is my dog coughing? Coughing is a natural response by the body to any irritation or abnormality of the airway. All dogs will naturally cough from time to time. A persistent cough however can be a symptom of a more serious underlying illness or medical condition but this is not always the case. There are many common causes which may result in your dog coughing. It can be distressing to see your dog coughing so our guide contains expert advice from qualified and registered UK veterinary nurses to help you choose the best course of action for your pet and help to answer any questions you may have. Symptoms and presenting signs

Dry, hacking, persistent or barking cough which can be worse on exercise, excitement or in cold air temperatures.

Coughing up mucous phlegm or fluids – this is known as a productive cough.

Exercise intolerance or reluctance to go for a walk.

Weight loss.

Your dog may be lethargic or seem more tired than normal.

Other symptoms associated with a cough include, a nose (nasal) or eye (ocular) discharge, snuffles, gagging, retching and occasionally vomiting.

Unusual breathing (respiratory) noises including snorting and reverse sneezing. Although technically not a cough this can be seen most commonly in breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs (Brachycephalic breeds) in response to an airway irritant.

Common causes – Why does my dog keep coughing?

Heart disease – Some breeds of dog are more prone to heart conditions and inherited abnormalities than others. There are many different dog breeds that are prone to heart disease. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a breed known to be susceptible to a heart condition called acquired mitral valve disease, meaning it develops over time and it is not obvious when the dog is young. Regular check-ups are an important part of your dog’s health routine and can help to identify any problems early on.

Lung disease – Pneumonia. A cough which sounds wet or is productive can mean there is a build of fluid in the lungs, often caused by infection. If the infection is bacterial your dog may be given a course of antibiotics by the vet.

Kennel cough – this is one of the most common causes of coughing in dogs. Also known as infectious canine tracheobronchitis, it causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi in your dog’s upper respiratory (breathing) system. Kennel cough can be caused by a variety of different viruses and pathogens. It is possible to minimize the possibility of your dog catching kennel cough by having them vaccinated.

Canine Distemper – Persistent coughing is a symptom associated with this infection. It is a highly infectious and serious viral disease which affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous system in dogs. This infection can prove fatal but can be fully prevented with yearly vaccinations.

Swallowing a foreign body which becomes stuck in the airway – this is especially common in puppies and dogs which like to scavenge or chew toys and bones.

Cancer – Cancers affecting the lungs, either primary or secondary in nature can be a cause of dogs coughing.

Canine influenza virus (dog flu) this illness is still quite rare in the UK but is associated with a moist cough, sneeze, runny nose and high temperature. Just like flu in humans the virus is highly contagious between dogs and currently there is no vaccine available.

If you are concerned about your dog, our experienced nurses at PetGP will be able to help assess your dog and let you know if we think you need to contact your vet. Contact PetGP here

Chronic bronchitis, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The mucous membranes (lining) of the bronchi become inflamed leading to a dry, chronic, or long lasting cough. It is not always easy to identify the cause of the irritation and some small breeds, such as West Highland White Terriers and Cocker spaniels can be more susceptible to this condition.

Parasitic infections such as Lung worm, round worm and hookworm – Larvae of these intestinal parasites can trigger coughing (known as a verminous cough) when they migrate from the intestine (guts) into the respiratory tract of the dog.

Environmental allergens – All breeds of dogs can be sensitive to allergies. Reactions towards pollens, grasses and air fresheners are quite common.

Fungal infections - A fungal infection such as Aspergillosis can result in irritation in the nose and upper airways triggering a cough in dogs. You may notice a discharge from the nose, nosebleed, swelling and pain in the area around and above the nose.

Diagnosis of coughs (tussis) in dogs This very much depends on the nature of your dog’s cough and for how long it has been present. Diagnosis will often start with a thorough clinical examination where your vet will take a detailed history and ask you several questions. They will examine your dog and listen to the heart and lungs. Sometimes it may be necessary to run a few tests or carry out an MRI or CT scan or take an x-ray or ECG (Echocardiogram) if the cause of your dog’s cough is not immediately obvious. Blood tests may be taken as part of the clinical examination or faecal screens to check for the presence of internal parasites such as worms. Some procedures may need to carried out under sedation or anaesthetic and your dog will usually stay with the vet for a few hours and come home that same day depending on the diagnosis. Your vet will be able to advise you on this and explain any procedures they feel are necessary in order to make a diagnosis. If the cough is sporadic or infrequent in nature then recording the episodes on a mobile phone or tablet can be prove really useful in helping your vet to make an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes your dog may need to be referred to a veterinary specialist, especially if the cough is caused by a heart condition or cancer. Your vet will explain how referrals work and advise you about who would be the best person to treat your dog. My dog has a cough, what can I give him? - Treatment for coughs in dogs The aim of any treatment will be to deal with the underlying cause of the cough as diagnosed by your vet. Treatment may include a course of antibiotics if the cough is due to presence of a bacterial infection. Viral infections often have to run their natural course but your dog can be supported with other helpful measures to reduce symptoms such as exercise modification, rest and encouragement to eat and drink fluids regularly. Keeping your dog in a calm relaxed state, away from extremes of temperature may also help to minimise symptoms. If the cause of your dog’s cough is diagnosed as a parasitic infection such as lung worm or round worm then your dog will be prescribed a course of appropriate worming treatment and they will require regular check-ups to ensure the infection has completely cleared. If an allergy (air pollution, pollens, cigarette smoke, air fresheners) has been diagnosed as the cause of your dog’s cough, the symptoms will often subside once the dog has been removed from the source of the problem. Others causes of coughs, such as serious infections may require more specific treatments which could result in your dog staying at the vets for in-patient treatment. Your vet will be able to explain the reason for this to you and you will receive regular updates on your dog’s progress. Most cases will be treated at home. Preventing coughs in dogs

Coughs caused by infectious viruses such as distemper can be prevented by a vaccination programme starting from when your dog is a puppy. Yearly booster vaccinations will be required. Your dog’s vaccination programme may also include the kennel cough vaccine. This is recommended especially if you are planning to put your dog into kennels or doggy day care.

Regular parasite control is an important part of your pet’s preventative health care programme to guard against infection from internal and external parasites.

Routine health checks, often carried out at the time of your dog’s annual vaccination can help to pick up any underlying medical issues which may otherwise go unnoticed.

Keeping your dog’s weight within normal ranges can help to reduce the risk of your pet developing a disease or condition which may result in your dog coughing.

Keep any dangerous items which your puppy or dog may be tempted to chew or swallow well out of harms reach.

My dog has a cough and is having difficulty breathing. What should I do? If your dog is having difficulty breathing (associated with their cough) you may see them open mouth breathing or gasping for air. You may hear unusual respiratory noises or wheezing and their breathing rate or rhythm may look abnormal, either rapid (tachypnoea) or very slow and laboured (dyspnoea). Your dog may extend their head or neck forwards in an effort to get more air and you may also notice their gums are grey or blue tinged in colour compared to the normal pink. If your dog is having difficulty breathing, is wheezing or you can hear unusual respiratory noises OR if they have coughed up a significant amount of blood you should consider this an emergency and contact your vet immediately. Why has my dog suddenly started to cough? If your dog suddenly develops a persistent, distressing or acute cough, check first for any obvious airway obstructions. Has your dog recently had a bone or were they playing with or chewing a toy which is now missing? If you believe your pet may have an airway obstruction you should contact your vet immediately. Why is my dog coughing and how can I tell if it is serious? A cough is a natural response to an irritant in your dog’s airways. If your pet is bright and lively and only has a mild cough without any other clinical symptoms then the cough may not be serious. Our experienced UK veterinary nurses at PetGP will be able to help assess your dog and let you know if we think you need to contact your vet. What to do if my dog has a cough? If your dog has developed cough it is best to keep them calm and avoid any situations where they could become excited or anxious as this could make the cough worse. Keep exercise to a minimum and contact one of our experienced nurses at PetGP will be able to help assess your dog and let you know if we think you need to contact your vet. My dog has heart disease but why does that make him cough? The first sign that most owners notice when there dog has a heart condition is a cough. Some heart conditions can result in the heart becoming enlarged along with a build- up of fluid in the lungs which can put pressure on the airways, triggering a dry and unproductive cough. The cough can become worse on exercise when the heart and lungs are working harder and may also be worse during the evening when your dog is lying down for extended periods of time. What is kennel cough? Kennel cough is a highly contagious but common upper respiratory infection. The most common causes of canine kennel cough are the bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica and two viruses called Parainfluenza virus and Adenovirus. Symptoms can be mild or severe and can last from a few days up to a few weeks. The infection often results in a dry, hacking and relentless cough which can be markedly worse following exercise or when your dog is excited. The cough can sound like your pet has something stuck in its throat. Other symptoms may include, sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge, reverse sneezing and in some cases loss of appetite and lethargy. Most dogs will not feel particularly unwell with kennel cough but occasionally dogs can become ill and require supportive treatments. Kennel cough is easily spread and transmission is airborne or via direct contact between dogs. How can I stop my dog from getting kennel cough? It is possible to vaccinate your dog against kennel cough. You will need to have this done at your vets and is usually given as a nasal spray, which is suitable for puppies over two weeks old. An injectable vaccine is also available for dogs and can form part of their yearly vaccination programme. Some kennels and doggy day care providers insist that your dog has received this vaccination before going to stay with them. This will need to be done 7-10 days before your dog goes into kennels and often the kennels will ask to see proof that this has been done. Your vet will sign a vaccination certificate for you. What does kennel cough sound like? The cough associated with kennel cough infections can often sound dry, hacking or barking in nature and can be quite distressing for your dog and for you the owner to witness. Your dog may sometime gag and retch in response to the airway irritation and the cough can sound like your dog has something stuck or is trying to clear something from their throat. How long does kennel cough last? Kennel cough can last for anything from a few days up to a few weeks. If you are concerned about your dog’s health please contact one of our friendly and professional nurses at PetGP will be able to help assess your dog and let you know if we think you need to contact your vet. Can kennel cough be passed to humans? Yes it theory kennel cough can be passed to humans and is classified as a zoonotic disease. Transmission between dogs and humans is extremely rare and generally only affects people with a compromised or undeveloped immune system. If you are concerned about your own health you should contact your GP who will be able to advise you about this further. If my dog has kennel cough should I keep him away from other dogs? Yes. Kennel cough is highly contagious and transmission is either by direct contact or airborne routes so it is best to keep your pet away from others dogs until they are symptom free. Avoid sharing food and water bowls between dogs and if possible try to walk your dog in areas where you are unlikely to meet other dogs and avoid busy times of the day. Dogs with suspected cases of kennel cough are often asked to wait away from the main waiting room at the vets. So, if your dog has been coughing please inform the vets prior to your arrival and they will find you an alternative waiting area. This is to stop the infection spreading to other dogs. If you are concerned about your dog our experienced and friendly nurses at PetGP will be able to help assess your dog and let you know if we think you need to contact your vet. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service My dog has a cough, what can I give him/her? A cough suppressant may sometimes be recommended by your vet to help with the symptoms of a cough, however it is not advisable to administer any human cough preparations or suppressants to your dog without consulting with your vet first. Some human cough preparations contain ingredients such as xylitol, caffeine and ibuprofen which are all extremely toxic to dogs. Some cough preparations also contain high levels of anti-histamines and decongestants which can also be unsafe for your dog to have. Finding the cause of your dog’s cough – why does my dog cough? As noted above, the causes of coughing in dogs can be wide ranging. At PetGP our UK based veterinary nurses follow strict guidelines laid out by our veterinary director and ask a series of questions that determine the relative seriousness of your pet’s condition. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service These will hopefully rule out the more serious cases (which must be dealt with by a vet) and leads to advice on what you should do next for your pet. If appropriate, our experienced and knowledgeable veterinary nurses will give advice relevant to your pet’s condition based on your answers.

Our UK based Registered Veterinary Nurses will ask you several questions designed to assess (triage) the condition.

You will need to be with your dog as we will ask you to check a few things while you are on the phone to us.

We will ask if you how long your dog has had a cough for and any other symptoms you have noticed such as tiredness, reduced appetite and if the cough is productive.

We will ask if your dog is currently on any medication or has any diagnosed medical conditions as this information could also be relevant.

Call us at PetGP or visit https://pet-gp.co.uk/ if you are unsure or worried and our expert nurses will advise you on what to do next. If the situation does not merit a trip to the vet, we will give you suitable advice for managing the situation at

Diarrhoea in Dogs. Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What is Diarrhoea in Dogs? Diarrhoea is more frequent, loose watery stools. Usually seen as a symptom of an intestinal upset. Colour change may also be seen and/or a presence of mucus and blood. Diarrhoea can occur in dogs for a variety of reasons affecting any age and can generally be categorised into two forms: 1. Acute Diarrhoea- sudden onset lasting a few weeks. 2. Chronic Diarrhoea – longer than a few weeks. Our guide contains expert advice from qualified and registered veterinary nurses to help you choose the best course of action for your pet and help answer your question – why does my dog have diarrhoea? Symptoms and signs of diarrhoea in cats • Loose or watery stools • Increase in frequency toileting • Weight loss • Vomiting • Pale gums • Weakness • Anorexia • Fever • Dehydration • Mucus/blood in stools • Lethargic/Depressed • Straining to defecate/pass faeces • Increased drinking Why has my Dog got diarrhoea? Diarrhoea can often present as a result of a number of underlying causes in dog. Your dog may be a scavenger or a dietary change. Certain health conditions such liver disease, bacterial and viral infections. Frequent watery stools often with a strong smell or colour change may be seen. In a lot of cases diarrhoea will resolve on its own. At PetGP our Registered Veterinary Nurses are on hand to offer advice call us at PetGP to help assess. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service Telephone the PetGP nurse on 0333 332 7883 Diarrhoea in dogs can be caused by several underlying reasons. • Diet Change – This could be a sudden change in your dog’s food or introduction of a new food. Diarrhoea can also be a result of an intolerance or allergy. • Medication - a common side effect that can be seen in dogs on medication is diarrhoea contacting your vet in this situation is advisable. • Parasites – worms such roundworm, hookworms, gardia, coccidia can cause diarrhoea in dogs. • Bacterial – Including Salmonella and E.Coli cause side effects including diarrhoea. • Viral Infections – Parvovirus, Distemper, Coronvirus are viral infections in dogs which may cause diarrhoea. • Systemic Illness – Liver and Kidney disease, Pancreatitis, Diabetes Mellitus may show signs of diarrhoea in dogs. • Toxins – Chocolate, onions, raisins if ingested can cause diarrhoea in dogs. • Tumours – diarrhoea can be seen. Triage of Diarrhoea in Dogs Q. Has your dog eaten anything out of the ordinary? Rule out any possible toxins or poisons your dog may have been in contact with or ingested. Are there any lilies in the house, or has your cat eaten anything unusual? Diarrhoea can be the result of a number of factors but if there is a suspected risk of poison or exposure contact your vet asap. Q. Is there any blood in the diarrhoea this could be bright red or black? In dogs with Diarrhoea any blood can be a result of straining while passing soft of water diarrhoea. Small traces or flecks may be seen but more than this or any black or dark blood can be a sign of more serious issues. Q. Has your dog been vomiting? If your dog is also vomiting the risk of dehydration increases our nurses can help run through some checks to help triage and see how your dog is doing. Q. Is your dog on any medication? Some medications may cause side effects, if your dog is on medication any changes to your pet such as diarrhoea should be highlighted to your vet. Q. How long has your dog had diarrhoea? A sudden onset of diarrhoea in a healthy dog may happen due to a number of factors such as diet change, scavenging, intolerance contact us to have a chat. Call us At PetGP our Registered Veterinary Nurses are on hand to offer advice call us at PetGP to help assess. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service Telephone the PetGP nurse on 0333 332 7883 Diagnosis of Diarrhoea in Dogs by your vet Your vet will give your dog a thorough examination and take a full history from you, including any symptoms or changes seen. The vet will determine the best action to take when carrying out a physical examination will check for any such signs including discomfort, dehydration and high temperature. Your vet may want to perform a few tests, including blood tests. A blood sample and urinalysis may be necessary to help highlight any causes of illness. Other tests can be useful, such as faecal samples to confirm parasitic infections or a biopsy from your dog’s intestines for histology. Radiographic x-rays may also be necessary and assist in diagnosing obstructions such as a foreign body. It will be important for a veterinary professional to know the age of your pet as there are specific complaints that affect puppies and older dogs. Treatment of Diarrhoea in Dogs Diarrhoea lasting less than 24 hours in a healthy well dog may be monitored initially and by following certain advice. BUT Contact Your Vet if: • Blood/Tar like colour evident • Lethargic, dull, depressed • Puppy is less than a year old • Fever • Signs of pain – unusual posture, vocalisation, hunched. At PetGP our Registered Veterinary Nurses are on hand to offer advice call us at PetGP to help assess. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service Telephone the PetGP nurse on 0333 332 7883 Home management of Diarrhoea in Dogs. Step One – Dietary Rest: Most puppies/dogs with diarrhoea do not require a period of complete dietary rest. In fact feeding your puppy a bland diet will aid their intestinal recovery. The only time a period of rest from food would be advisable would be if your dog was also vomiting. In this instance a period of rest of 6 hours may be advisable to allow the stomach/intestines to recover. Dogs with diarrhoea have an inflamed bowel and have difficulty absorbing nutrients from their food. They often may not feel like eating. Puppies do not have the bodily reserves of an older dog and when food intake is reduced for a period of time they can very quickly become hypogylcaemic (develop low blood sugar). This can be a life threatening condition and the younger or smaller the puppy, the more likely this is to happen and the quicker it can come on. Signs can include listlessness, depression, staggering gait, muscular weakness, and tremors - especially of the face. If you have concerns that this may have occurred contact your vet ASAP for advice. Feeding a puppy/dog their normal diet may be too rich for the inflamed tummy to cope with and may lead to prolonged diarrhoea. This would lead to further fluid loss and an increased risk of dehydration and hypoglycaemia. It is preferable to feed an easily digested and bland diet. Whilst your puppy/dog has diarrhoea you should always make fresh water available – you must not withhold water from your puppy. Withholding water could rapidly lead to dehydration and should be avoided. In the case of the puppy that is vomiting as well, you will need to monitor and control what they drink to prevent the puppy drinking large volumes of water that may lead to prolonged vomiting. In general, a thirsty puppy will drink, so if your puppy remains fairly bright there should be no need to force them to drink, just ensure they can access fresh water at all times. Perhaps encourage drinking by encouraging the puppy to lick water from your fingers or an ice cube. Puppies with self-limiting diarrhoea may vomit in the early stages but, as they improve, the vomiting should ease. If repeated vomiting or regurgitation of water occurs, contact a vet for advice ASAP Step Two – High Digestibility Diet Whilst a puppy/dog is suffering from diarrhoea, it is best if normal foods are temporarily replaced with a restricted diet fed in small frequent meals, say 4-6 times daily. Food should be given in small quantities. Remember that a small puppy/dog may only have a stomach the size of a walnut. Many puppy diets are very high in meat protein (especially the premium brand tinned puppy foods) and can be difficult for a puppy with tummy problems to digest. Therefore it is best if the puppy’s normal food is temporarily replaced with a home-cooked bland diet. Examples of a bland diet are: Boiled chicken and rice/pasta. White fish and rice/pasta or scrambled eggs with rice/pasta. After 2 to 3 days, as long as the diarrhoea is starting to clear up, the puppy’s normal food can be carefully re-introduced, by gradually weaning the puppy back over a period of 3 to 5 days. Vet Nurse Topical Tips • Be firm with your puppy/dog and give no titbits during the recovery period as they can cause a relapse. • Walk your dog/puppy on a lead during the recovery period to prevent it scavenging on walks. The same applies when in the garden. • Take your time when reintroducing your dog back to its usual diet. Rushing this stage is a common cause of the diarrhoea starting again. Imagine yourself in the same situation having eaten chicken soup for 2 days and then tucking into curry, your tummy may object too! • Don’t expect your dog’s poo to look normal straight away, it may take several days. However you should see a gradual improvement every day. NOTE: Veterinary advice must be sought if your puppy’s condition deteriorates or does not improve. Treatment of Dogs with Diarrhoea • Dietary – avoid any sudden changes and treats to your dog’s diet, where allergies are suspected your vets can suggest options such as a hypoallergenic diet or options to help support your dog. • Parasites (Intestinal) – worming/anti-parasitic treatment may be needed to remove the cause and supportive care if your dog. • Bacterial/Viral Infections – Diagnosing to confirm the infection by your Vet along with supportive care, intravenous fluids and antibiotics. • Obstruction (Intestinal) – this may be in the form of a foreign body or damage to the intestines from trauma your vet will assist with surgery/treatment to remove or pass the blockage. • Toxins/Poisons - Onions, chocolate, raisins for example a quick diagnosis is often needed and supportive care, inducing vomiting where appropriate • Cancer – surgery, chemotherapy • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) – supportive, highly digestible diet. • IBD (Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease) – highly digestible diet, medication to support the IBD. Prevention of Diarrhoea in Dogs To help avoid the risk of diarrhoea or soft stools in dogs, try to make any diet changes gradually. Mix the new food in with your dog’s old food to help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Avoid keeping anything toxic such as chocolate around your dog when unsupervised. Frequently asked questions about diarrhoea in Dogs My dogs got soft stools, runny poo? If this is a sudden onset of diarrhoea and your dog is eating, drinking and well. It may be an option to try introducing a bland diet and following the home care advice. What causes dogs to have diarrhoea? Diarrhoea in dogs can result from a number of causes such as diet change, scavenging an underlying health issues. What to feed dogs with diarrhoea? A bland diet of chicken and pasta or white fish and rice should be fed. My puppy has ongoing diarrhoea? A puppy with diarrhoea maybe at risk of dehydration contact your vet. call us at PetGP to help assess. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service Telephone the PetGP nurse on 0333 332 7883 References BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing (BSAVA British Small Animal Veterinary Association) Paperback – 28 Oct 2011 Handbook of Veterinary Nursing Paperback – 1 Oct 2010

Diarrhoea in Cats. Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What is Diarrhoea in cats? Diarrhoea is more frequent, loose watery stools. Usually seen as a symptom of an intestinal upset. Colour change may also be seen and/or a presence of mucus and blood. Diarrhoea can occur in cats for a variety of reasons affecting any age and can generally be categorised into two forms: 1. Acute Diarrhoea- sudden onset lasting a few weeks. 2. Chronic Diarrhoea – longer than a few weeks. Our guide contains expert advice from qualified and registered veterinary nurses to help you choose the best course of action for your pet and help answer your question – why does my cat have diarrhoea? Symptoms and signs of diarrhoea in cats • Loose or watery stools • Increase in frequency toileting • Sudden onset of Diarrhoea • Weight loss • Vomiting • Pale gums • Weakness • Anorexia • Fever • Dehydration • Mucus/blood in stools • Lethargic/Depressed • Straining to defecate/pass faeces • Increased drinking Why has my cat got diarrhoea? Diarrhoea can often present as a result of a number of underlying causes in cats. Your cat may be an avid hunter and scavenge or susceptible to stress. Certain health conditions such as hyperthyroidism in cats or toxins can cause diarrhoea. Frequent watery stools often with a strong smell or colour change may be seen. In a lot of cases diarrhoea will resolve on its own. At PetGP our Registered Veterinary Nurses are on hand to offer advice call us at PetGP to help assess. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service Telephone the PetGP nurse on 0333 332 7883 Diarrhoea in cats can be caused by several underlying reasons. • Diet Change – This could be a sudden change in your cat’s food or introduction of a new food. Diarrhoea can also be a result of an intolerance or hypersensitivity often seen in cats fed one food for a long time. • Medication - a common side effect that can be seen in cats on medication is diarrhoea contacting your vet in this situation is advisable. • Parasites – worms such as hookworms and round worms can cause diarrhoea in cats. • Bacterial – Including Salmonella and E.Coli cause side effects including diarrhoea. • Viral Infections – Felv, FIV, Rotavirus are viral infections often associated with Diarrhoea in cats. • Systemic Illness – Liver and Kidney disease, Pancreatitis, Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperthyroidism may show signs of diarrhoea in cats. • Toxins – Some plants, metal such as lead if ingested can cause diarrhoea in cats. • Fungal - Histoplasmosis rare often caused by inhaling through soil Triage of Diarrhoea in Cats Q. Has your cat eaten or been exposed to any possible poisons? Rule out any possible toxins or poisons your cat may have been in contact with or ingested. Are there any lilies in the house, or has your cat eaten anything unusual? Diarrhoea can be the result of a number of factors but if there is a suspected risk of poison or exposure contact your vet asap. Q. Is there any blood in the diarrhoea this could be bright red or black? In cats with Diarrhoea any blood can be a result of straining while passing soft of water diarrhoea. Small traces or flecks may be seen but more than this or any black or dark blood can be a sign of more serious issues. Q. Has your cat been vomiting? If your cat is also vomiting the risk of dehydration increases our nurses can help run through some checks to help triage and see how your cat is doing. Q. Is your cat on any medication? Some medications may cause side effects, if your cat is on medication any changes to your pet such as diarrhoea should be highlighted to your vet. Q. How long has your cat had diarrhoea? A sudden onset of diarrhoea in a healthy cat may happen due to a number of factors such as diet change, scavenging, stress if your cat is well see our guide for why or Call us At PetGP our Registered Veterinary Nurses are on hand to offer advice call us at PetGP to help assess. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service Telephone the PetGP nurse on 0333 332 7883 Diagnosis of Diarrhoea in cats by your vet Your vet will give your cat a thorough examination and take a full history from you, including any symptoms or changes seen. The vet will determine the best action to take when carrying out a physical examination will check for any such signs including discomfort, dehydration and high temperature. Your vet may want to perform a few tests, including blood tests. A blood sample and urinalysis may be necessary to help highlight any causes of illness. Other tests can be useful, such as faecal samples to confirm parasitic infections or a biopsy from your cat’s intestines for histology. Radiographic x-rays may also be necessary and assist in diagnosing obstructions such as a foreign body. It will be important for a veterinary professional to know the age of your pet as there are specific complaints that affect kittens and older cats. Treatment of Diarrhoea Diarrhoea lasting less than 24 hours in a healthy well cat may be monitored initially and by following certain advice. BUT Contact Your Vet if: • Blood/Tar like colour evident • Lethargic, dull, depressed • Kitten less than a year old • Fever • Signs of pain – unusual posture, vocalisation, hunched. At PetGP our Registered Veterinary Nurses are on hand to offer advice call us at PetGP to help assess. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service Telephone the PetGP nurse on 0333 332 7883 Home management of diarrhoea in cats. • Step One - Dietary Rest. Cats with diarrhoea do not require a period of dietary rest. In fact feeding your cat will aid their intestinal recovery. The only time a period of rest from food would be advisable would be if your cat was also vomiting. In this instance a period of rest of 12-24 hours may be advisable to allow the stomach/intestines to recover. So long as your cat is not vomiting as well, then ensure that your cat has free access to fresh clean water. Owners regularly report that they never see their cats drink. Water should still be available, and some cats will be stimulated to drink by keeping the water bowl full to the very brim. Do not offer your cat milk as an alternative. Milk is not a drink, it is a food stuff and 10% of cats can suffer an intolerance to cows’ milk which can actually result in diarrhoea. Any cat that suffers from repeated diarrhoea and starts to become unwell should be seen by a vet. • Step Two - High Digestibility diet. If your cat is not vomiting, then meals can be continued but alterations must be made. A bland protein diet should be fed, including chicken and white fish. There is no need to include carbohydrates, as cats will make best use of protein alone. These meals should be small and fed frequently starting with 5-6 times daily (typically 1-2 tablespoons per meal). If after 2-3 days of feeding this diet the diarrhoea has resolved, then your cat’s normal diet can slowly be reintroduced over a further 3 to 5 days. Vet Nurse Topical Tips Be strict and stick to the restricted diet in Step 2. Do not let your cat outside for the restriction period. Furthermore, be careful not to allow your cat to eat the food of any other household pets. Treatment of Cats with Diarrhoea • Dietary – avoid any sudden changes and treats to your cat’s diet, where allergies are suspected your vets can suggest options such as a hypoallergenic diet or options to help support your cat. • Parasites (Intestinal) – worming/anti-parasitic treatment may be needed to remove the cause and supportive care if your cat. • Bacterial/Viral Infections – Diagnosing to confirm the infection by your Vet along with supportive care, intravenous fluids and antibiotics. • Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas this may require supportive care for your cat, intravenous fluids, pain relief, antibiotics. • Hyperthyroidism – Overactive thyroid gland which controls metabolism your vet will use blood test to diagnose an over active thyroid and discuss options for your cats such as medication, surgery or option of radiotherapy • Obstruction (Intestinal) – this may be in the form of a foreign body or damage to the intestines from trauma your vet will assist with surgery/treatment to remove or pass the blockage. • Toxins/Poisons - Lilies, chocolate, raisins for example a quick diagnosis is often needed and supportive care, inducing vomiting where appropriate • Cancer – surgery, chemotherapy • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) – supportive, highly digestible diet. • IBD (Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease) – highly digestible diet, medication to support the IBD. • Liver or Kidney Disease – supportive care including, intravenous fluids, medication and a suitable diet. Prevention of Diarrhoea in Cats To help avoid the risk of diarrhoea or soft stools in cats, try to make any diet changes gradually. Mix the new food in with your cat’s old food to help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Avoid keeping anything toxic such as lilies around your cat when unsupervised. Frequently asked questions about diarrhoea in cats My cats got soft stools, runny poo? If this is a sudden onset of diarrhoea and your cat is eating, drinking and well. It may be an option to try introducing a bland diet and following the home care advice. What causes cats to have diarrhoea? Diarrhoea in cats can result from a number of causes such as diet change, scavenging, stress an underlying health issues. What to feed cats with diarrhoea? A bland diet of chicken or white fish should be fed. My cat is constantly visiting the litter tray? Observe your cat, is your cat passing urine or faeces or neither? Constipation, urinary problems of straining following diarrhoea may require veterinary attention. My kitten has ongoing diarrhoea? A kitten with diarrhoea maybe at risk of dehydration contact your vet. Should I feed rice when offering the bland diet? No, cats are carnivorous and grains can cause an intolerance. call us at PetGP to help assess. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service Telephone the PetGP nurse on 0333 332 7883

Bonfire Night Safety for Pets

Bonfire night, and the run up to it, can be a very traumatic time for pets. Dogs and cats have much better hearing than us and this can cause great distress for them during firework season. Watching our pets scared or anxious is upsetting for owners too. Symptoms of fear and anxiety

Shaking or trembling

Barking or howling

Loss of appetite

Hiding

Excessive drooling

Trying to escape or running away

Passing urine and poo in inappropriate places

Common causes of fear and anxiety around this time

Loud noises

Bright flashes in the sky

Lots of people

Different smells in the air

Triage of firework fear Call us at PetGP if you are unsure or worried and our expert nurses will advise you on what to do next. If the situation does not merit a trip to the vet we will give advice for managing the situation at home. If the symptoms mentioned above are caused by firework phobia, then we have a few tips that might help ease the situation:

Walk you dog before it gets dark and make sure your cat is indoors before the sun sets

Create a safe “den” for your pet, somewhere they can go and hide if they want to be on their own that is warm and dark

Keep your pets in a room with the lights on and curtains shut so they are less likely to be startled by the bright flashes outside

Keep some background noise on – the TV or radio – to help drown out the noises from outside

Try not to fuss your pet. Provide reassurance but don’t pick them up or cuddle them as this reinforces their fear.

Treatment of fear and anxiety around this time If you do need to contact your vet, it is likely that treatment will involve some or all of the following.

Nutraceutical’s - nutritional supplements that may calm your pet

Pheromone diffuser, spray or collar which may make your pet feel more at ease around this time

A tranquiliser or sedative that will make your pet feel relaxed and sleepy for the duration of the event

Prevention of firework induced stress and anxiety Once you realise your pet has a fear of fireworks it’s usually too late to prevent it but, with careful planning, you could make next year a calmer experience for you both! Try using a CD that plays the noises of fireworks in the back ground in the run up to firework season. Start off quietly so the dog will hardly notice them and over the course of a few weeks increase the volume. This should help desensitise them to the loud screeches and bangs. Use pheromone products and nutritional supplements at least 4 weeks in advance to give them the best chance of working and ensure your pet is microchipped and the details are up to date in case they do run off after a fright. If you’re concerned that your pet has a firework phobia, then call us at PetGP and one of our highly qualified vet nurses will offer you expert advice on the issue.

Pet Care Tips for Autumn

Autumn is a great season for pets – Lots of leaves and foliage to run through and explore for dogs, while the bright sunshine through the day allows our feline friends to sunbathe right through to winter. But there are some things to keep in mind so here are our handy tips for keeping your pet healthy in Autumn: Parasites Although Spring and Summer provide the optimal environment for fleas and ticks there are still loads of the pesky critters around in the Autumn.

Fleas Love the heat and as we are switching on our central heating to get all cosy, flea pupae (that have been lying dormant) decide this would be a nice time to hatch and start biting again. Ticks use the fallen leaves and foliage on the ground to hide in so are still very much a problem after Summer has passed. Check your pet regularly for fleas and ticks throughout Autumn and if you have any concerns contact our PetGP nurses via the PetGP website

Harvest mites, also called Berry Bugs, love this time of year too. The larvae stage of the mite feed off body tissue and cause a real itchy feeling on your pet, particularly in between the toes, legs and tummy. Try to avoid long grasses and don’t let your pet sunbathe in areas like this. If you notice a gathering of red or orange coloured dust on your pets fur you can be sure they will start scratching soon – there are treatments available from your vet but prevention is always better than cure so contact our PetGP nurses via the PetGP website

Cut Pads Another hidden danger in Autumn is the amount of debris under all the fallen leaves. A common occurrence in this season is cuts, gashes, grazes and slices out of the foot pads in dogs and cats. Sometimes these can be painful for your pet, you may notice them holding the leg up or walking with a limp, but quite often even they don’t notice so it’s up to you to check your pet’s paws regularly. If you notice bleeding, apply pressure to help stop this and contact our PetGP nurses via the PetGP website for first aid advice. Stress Firework season is upon us and for many pets this means noise phobias and all manner of behaviour issues related to this. If you are aware your pet has a fear of fireworks or loud noises then this will also be a stressful time for you. The best way to get through this season is to start early and prepare your pet and your home for the next few weeks. Some people use a CD with firework noises in the background to desensitise their pet, gradually turning the volume up over the weeks as they become used to it. A pheromone diffuser or collar may help and there are also food supplements that have excellent results at destressing animals. All of these things have to be started early in the season otherwise they will not work on the night. Provide a den for your pet that is dark and quiet, walk dogs early in the evening and make sure cats are in for the night before it starts to get dark. For further advice contact our PetGP nurses via the PetGP website. Our Veterinary Nurses are on hand 24 hours a day to discuss all aspects of preventative healthcare so please contact our PetGP nurses via the PetGP website

Lameness or Limping in Cats. Symptoms Causes and Treatment

Lameness or limping in cats. Symptoms, Causes and treatments. Lameness (or limping) in cats can be caused by several underlying reasons. Lameness is typically in response to injury or abnormal anatomy and your pet may or may not be in pain. Lameness can affect one leg or several legs, and can be constant or come and go. It can be worse at certain times in the day, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, after exercise or after rest. Our guide contains expert advice from qualified and registered UK veterinary nurses to help you choose the best course of action for your pet and help answer your question – why is my cat limping? Symptoms of lameness & Common causes of lameness Symptoms and presenting signs • Refusing to place any weight on leg or limping • Unable to walk or run normally • Difficulty walking up or down the stairs, or jumping up onto heights • Pain and general signs of discomfort • Loss of muscle mass around affected leg • Walking at a slower pace • Not placing paw on the floor properly (known as knuckling) • Swelling or abnormalities around the joints. Common causes • Trauma to leg, broken bones, torn ligaments, dislocation • Infection • Arthritis • Inflammatory diseases • Congenital abnormalities (present at birth) • Bone cancer • Wounds on the foot pads • Insect sting • Broken or damaged claw • Over – exercising (overexertion) • A stone or thorn stuck in the pads • Nerve damage • Genetic disorders. Hip Dysplasia can be a cause of lameness in cats, the incidence of this disorder is relatively rare in cats, but some breeds are more likely to have the genes for hip dysplasia than other breeds. Affected cats inherit the gene from both parents, even when neither parent has shown any outward predisposition to hip dysplasia. It is more common in purebreds, and more likely in female than male cats. Heavy boned cats, such as the Maine coon and the Persian have higher rates than most, but it can affect small boned cats as well. Some cats require surgery; the decision for whether your cat will undergo surgery will depend on your cat's size and age. Very often there is no cure, so careful management of the condition under the care of a vet can help improve the quality of the cats’ life. • Lameness in older cats Lameness in older cats is often due to arthritis setting in. This is a very common condition but often unrecognized disorder in older cats. Unfortunately, recognizing arthritis in cats is challenging at best. Many cats hide their pain very effectively. While we may sometimes see cats limping or favouring one leg or another, more often than not our arthritic cats simply become less active. They spend more time sleeping and resting. They may be reluctant to jump onto surfaces that were easily accessible previously. • Lameness in younger cats Lameness in younger cats and kittens can be due to several reasons. One example could be inflammation of the bones (Panosteitis), this is a painful condition that affects the cat's long leg bones and is characterized by limping and lameness. It can occur with any breed, but it is more common in medium- to large-sized cat breeds and young cats around 5 to 18 months in age. • Weight management Weight management is very important when it comes to preventing your cat becoming lame and if you think your cat may be overweight you could call the vet nursing team at PetGP https://pet-gp.co.uk/ for advice on this or contact your local vet practice and enquire about their weight clinic. Diagnosis of lameness by your vet Your vet will give your cat a thorough examination and take a full history from you. The vet will determine where your cat is most painful and check for any abnormalities of the bones or joints. Your vet may want to perform a few tests, including x-rays or even a blood test. It will be important for a veterinary professional to know the age of your pet as there are specific complaints that affect kittens and young cats and older cats. If the vet recommends an x-ray, then this will be performed under General Anaesthetic. This will allow the vet to move the limb about to get a good view without causing pain or discomfort. The cat will usually stay with the vet for a few hours and come home that same day depending on the diagnosis. When your vet has looked at the x-rays they will decide on the next course of action. Sometimes they may need to refer your cat onto a specialist vet such as an Orthopaedic vet or a Neurologist. Treatment of lameness The treatment of the condition will depend on the vet’s diagnosis. Forms of treatment that can be managed at home could involve:- • For minor causes of lameness (sprain) restricting your cat’s exercise or complete rest for a few days is usually adequate • If the exact cause is not known, a period of exercise reduction together with anti-inflammatories and pain killers may be required to see if the lameness improves • Weight management if your cat is overweight and contributing to the lameness. In-patient treatment could involve:- • For more serious causes (broken bones, slipped discs) orthopaedic or neurological surgery is required. Prevention of lameness Lameness can arise during normal everyday activity. • Serious injuries such as being hit by a car or falling from a height can be avoided by keeping your cat indoors or putting safety locks on the windows • Be aware of genetic issues that affect some pedigree breeds. • Keep an eye on your cat’s weight • Inspect their paws and pads regularly and remove any debris • Limit how much you exercise/play with a cat that is still growing to prevent joint problems • Elderly cats need less exercise and if you notice them slowing down seek veterinary advice in the first instance • You may want to consider using nutritional supplements that contain glucosamine or chondroitin to help support the joints as the animal ages. Frequently asked questions about cats limping How can I tell if my cat is lame? Your cat may be slowing down a bit when walking and may start struggling when they need to use the stairs or jumping up onto heights. You may notice him walking on three legs. How can I tell if my cat has pulled a muscle? If your cat has pulled a muscle you may notice him limping or walking on 3 legs. He may hold his leg up when he is standing still or sitting. He may also him appear quieter than normal and may go off his food if it is very sore. How do I tell if my cat has cut its paw? Inspect your cat’s paws regularly; look out for cracks in the surface of the pad. You may notice that your cat’s paw is bleeding or he could be licking his paw excessively. He might not want to put weight on it and he may growl if he is in pain. How can I tell if my cat has broken a bone? Your cat may be growling or crying out as a break or fracture of a bone is usually quite painful. They will probably be holding the leg up but may attempt to put a little weight on it. The leg may become swollen and will probably be sore to touch, if your cat can tolerate your touch then gently check for any heat coming from the leg. The leg may also appear floppy. How can I tell if my cat has hip problems? You might notice your cat limping or slowing down. He may have trouble going upstairs and downstairs and might be reluctant to jump up. He may have an abnormal gait (the way his back legs move when he walks), or the position of his back legs when he stands may look different. Some cats develop a swaying motion when walking if they have hip problems. How do I tell which leg my cat is lame on? It is sometimes difficult to tell which leg is causing your cat to be lame. The most obvious way is if the cat is not weight bearing or holding the affected limb up when he walks, sits or stands. If he can put weight on it then watch his whole body when he walks’. Gently touch your cat’s legs because you may feel some heat coming from the sore one and look at him when he is standing still as he may use the normal leg to lean on which would indicate the other side was painful. Can I let my cat out if it has a limp? You should rest your cat and keep indoors for at least 2 days if you notice a limp. Rest means not letting your cat jump up onto any heights and race around the house so limit play time too. Is my cat in pain? Signs of pain in a cat can vary greatly. You may hear your cat growling or crying. You may notice your cat is licking the affected area or sometimes an area nearby. Some cats go off their food and may be more clingy and attentive than normal. On the other hand, some cats will become more distant and want to be on their own if they are in pain. Some cats will often stop grooming themselves. Sometimes the subtlest changes in behaviour or demeanour are enough to tell a vigilant owner that their cat is in pain. My cat is limping after exercise / playing. If you notice a limp after exercising it may be that the cat is doing too much at once. You could try shorter periods of play time little and often, and if there is no improvement then you could call us at PetGP to help assess the lameness. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service My cat is limping on its hind leg. The most obvious sign of hind leg lameness is a little limp or hop when they are walking and running. Sometimes this can develop into them holding the leg up and not wanting to put weight on it. It could be a simple strain so try resting your cat for a day or so but if you think your cat is in pain then you should contact a vet. My cat is limping on its foreleg. You might have noticed your cat is reluctant to jump down from heights or is favouring one side more than the other. Have a look at the cat’s paw and check for any abnormalities such as swelling, heat or a wound. If there is nothing to see, try resting him for a day or calling us at PetGP https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service One of our nurses could help assess the lameness to see if you need to contact a vet. My cat is limping when it gets up after resting. In older cats this can be a sign of arthritis. The joints become stiffer as the cat gets older. You may notice that after a few minutes of walking about the lameness improves. In cats that are still growing it can be the sign of other joint problems. At PetGP https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service we can help assess the animal over the phone and let you know if we think you need to contact a vet. Finding the cause of lameness in your cat. As noted above, the causes of lameness in cats can be wide ranging. At PetGP our UK based veterinary nurses follow strict guidelines laid out by our veterinary director and ask a series of questions that determine the relative seriousness of your pet’s condition. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service This process will hopefully rule out the more serious cases (which must be dealt with by a vet) and leads to advice on what you should do next for your pet. If appropriate, our experienced and knowledgeable UK veterinary nurses will give advice relevant to your pet’s condition based on your answers. • Our UK based Registered Veterinary Nurses will ask you several questions designed to assess (triage) the condition • You will need to be with the cat as we will ask you to check a few things while you are on the phone to us • We will ask if you how long the cat has been lame for and if you know how the injury happened • We will ask you to touch the affected leg and feel for any swelling, heat or pain and to look at the leg and paw in case there are any cuts or abnormalities to see. Call us at PetGP or visit https://pet-gp.co.uk/ if you are unsure or worried and our expert nurses will advise you on what to do next. If the situation does not merit a trip to the vet, we will give advice for managing the situation at home. If the lameness is caused by a simple sprain or strain, then 48 hours of rest and restricted exercise may be enough to improve the situation drastically. Your cat may have a small cut on his pad which, if not bleeding or infected, may be fine to treat at home with some rest and a clean with saline solution. If the situation is more serious we will advise that you contact your vet.

Lameness or limping in dogs: Symptoms, Causes and treatments

Lameness (or limping) in dogs can be caused by several underlying reasons. Lameness is typically in response to injury or abnormal anatomy and your pet may or may not be in pain. Lameness can affect just one leg or multiple legs, and can be constant or come and go. It can be worse at certain times in the day, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, after exercise or after rest. This guide contains expert advice from qualified and registered veterinary nurses to help you choose the best course of action for your pet and help answer your question; why is my dog limping? Symptoms of lameness & common causes of lameness: Symptoms and presenting signs

Refusing to place any weight on leg or limping

Unable to walk or run normally

Difficulty walking up or down the stairs, or jumping into the car

Pain and general signs of discomfort

Loss of muscle mass around affected leg

Walking at a slower pace

Not placing paw on the floor properly (known as knuckling)

Swelling or abnormalities around the joints.

Common causes

Trauma to leg, broken bones, torn ligaments, dislocation

Infection

Arthritis

Inflammatory diseases

Congenital abnormalities (present at birth)

Bone cancer

Hip or elbow dysplasia

Wounds on the foot pads

Insect sting

Broken or damaged claw

Over – exercising (overexertion)

A stone or thorn stuck in the pads

Nerve damage

Genetic disorders.

A common cause of lameness in some breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs is Hip or Elbow Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition that causes the joint to become malformed. This causes lameness and pain from a relatively young age. Some dogs require surgery such as a hip replacement and some dogs may have to take medicine for the rest of their lives. Very often there is no cure, so careful management of the condition under the care of a vet can help improve the quality of the dog’s life. Most reputable breeders now do screening for the conditions to help reduce the chance of it being inherited.

Lameness in older dogs

Lameness in older dogs is often due to arthritis setting in. This is a very common condition in older dogs and affects the joints, mainly the knee, shoulder and hips. Elderly dogs may benefit from nutritional supplements, anti-inflammatories and complimentary therapies such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture.

Lameness in younger dogs

Lameness in younger dogs and puppies can be due to several reasons. One example could be over exercising – the bones and joints in puppies and young dogs don’t properly form until they are passed puberty, so too much exercise can adversely affect their growth!

Weight management

Weight management is very important when it comes to preventing your dog becoming lame and if you think your dog may be overweight you could call the vet nursing team at PetGP for advice on this or contact your local vet practice and enquire about their weight clinic. Diagnosis of lameness by your vet Your vet will give your dog a thorough examination and take a full history from you. The vet will determine where your dog is most painful and check for any abnormalities of the bones or joints. Your vet may want to perform a few tests, including x-rays or even a blood test. It will be important for a veterinary professional to know the age of your pet as there are specific complaints that affect puppies and young dogs and older dogs. If the vet recommends an x-ray, then this will be performed under General Anaesthetic. This will allow the vet to move the limb about to get a good view without causing pain or discomfort. The dog will usually stay with the vet for a few hours and come home that same day depending on the diagnosis. When your vet has looked at the x-rays they will decide on the next course of action. Sometimes they may need to refer your dog onto a specialist vet such as an Orthopaedic vet or a Neurologist. Treatment of lameness The treatment of the condition will depend on the vet’s diagnosis. Forms of treatment that can be managed at home could involve:-

For minor causes of lameness (sprain) restricting your dog’s exercise, or complete rest for a few days is usually adequate.

If the exact cause is not known, a period of exercise reduction together with anti-inflammatories and pain killers may be required to see if the lameness improves.

Weight management if your dog is overweight and contributing to the lameness.

In-patient treatment could involve:-

For more serious causes (broken bones, slipped discs) orthopaedic or neurological surgery is required.

Prevention of lameness Lameness can arise during normal everyday activity.

Serious injuries such as being hit by a car or falling from a height can be avoided by keeping your dog on a lead until it is safe to let them off.

Be aware of genetic issues that affect some pedigree breeds.

Keep an eye on your dog’s weight.

Inspect their paws and pads regularly and remove any debris.

Use foot covers or a barrier ointment on the pads during the winter months to stop the salt and grit hurting them.

Limit how much you exercise a dog that is still growing to prevent joint problems.

Elderly dogs need less exercise and if you notice them slowing down seek veterinary advice in the first instance.

You may want to consider using nutritional supplements that contain glucosamine or chondroitin to help support the joints as the animal ages.

Frequently asked questions about dog limping How can I tell if my dog is lame? Your dog may be slowing down a bit on walks and may start struggling when walking up the stairs. You may notice him walking on three legs or doing a little skip when he walks. How can I tell if my dog has pulled a muscle? If your dog has pulled a muscle you may notice him limping or walking on 3 legs. He may hold his leg up when he is standing still or sitting. You may also hear him whine or cry and may go off his food if it is very sore. How do I tell if my dog has cut its paw? Inspect your dog’s paws regularly, look out for cracks in the surface of the pad. You may notice that your dog is bleeding or he could be licking his paw excessively. He might not want to put weight on it and he may whine or cry if he is in pain. How can I tell if my dog has broken a bone? Your dog may be whining or crying as a break or fracture of a bone is usually quite painful. They will probably be holding the leg up but may attempt to put a little weight on it. The leg may become swollen and will probably be sore to touch, if your dog can tolerate your touch then gently check for any heat coming from the leg. The leg may also appear floppy. How can I tell if my dog has hip problems? You might notice your dog limping or slowing down on walks. He may have trouble going upstairs and downstairs and might be reluctant to jump up. He may have an abnormal gait (the way his back legs move when he walks), or the position of his back legs when he stands may look different. Some dogs develop a swaying motion when walking if they have hip problems. How do I tell which leg my dog is lame on? It is sometimes difficult to tell which leg is causing your dog to be lame. The most obvious way is if the dog is not weight bearing or holding the affected limb up when he walks, sits or stands. If he can put weight on it then watch his whole body when he walks – sometimes a dog will lift his head slightly when he uses the sore leg and put his head down when he uses the leg that is fine. Gently touch your dog’s legs because you may feel some heat coming from the sore one and look at him when he is standing still as he may use the normal leg to lean on which would indicate the other side was painful. Can I walk my dog if it has a limp? You should rest your dog for at least two days if you notice a limp. Rest means lead exercise only and short 5 -10 minute walks at a time. Stay with them in the garden and even put a lead on to restrict their exercise and help them if they need to go upstairs, downstairs or jump up anywhere (car, sofa, bed etc). Is my dog in pain? Signs of pain in a dog can vary greatly. Some dogs are very stoical and brave while others are more delicate. You may hear your dog whining, crying or whimpering. You may notice the dog is licking the affected area or sometimes an area nearby. Some dogs go off their food and may be more clingy and attentive than normal. On the other hand, some dogs will become more distant and want to be on their own if they are in pain. Sometimes the subtlest changes in behaviour or demeanour are enough to tell a vigilant owner that their dog is in pain. My dog is limping after exercise / walking. If you notice a limp after exercising it may be that the dog is doing too much at once. You could try shorter walks more often, rather than one long walk and if there is no improvement then you could call us at PetGP to help assess the lameness. My dog is limping on its hind leg. The most obvious sign of hind leg lameness is a little hop or skip when they are walking and running. Sometimes this can develop into them holding the leg up and not wanting to put weight on it. It could be a simple strain so try resting your dog for a day or so but if you think your dog is in pain then you should contact a vet. My dog is limping on its foreleg. You might have noticed your dog is reluctant to go on walks or is favouring one side more than the other. Have a look at the dog’s paw and check for any abnormalities such as swelling, heat or a wound. If there is nothing to see, try resting him for a day or calling us at PetGP One of our nurses could help assess the lameness to see if you need to contact a vet. My dog is limping when it gets up after resting. In older dogs this can be a sign of arthritis. The joints become stiffer as the dog gets older. You may notice that after a few minutes of walking about the lameness improves. In dogs that are still growing it can be the sign of other joint problems. At PetGP we can help assess the animal over the phone and let you know if we think you need to contact a vet. Finding the cause of lameness in your dog As noted above, the causes of lameness in dogs can be wide ranging. At PetGP our UK based veterinary nurses follow strict guidelines laid out by our veterinary director and ask a series of questions that determine the relative seriousness of your pet’s condition. This process will hopefully rule out the more serious cases (which must be dealt with by a vet) and leads to advice on what you should do next for your pet. If appropriate, our experienced and knowledgeable veterinary nurses will give advice relevant to your pet’s condition based on your answers.

Our UK based Registered Veterinary Nurses will ask you several questions designed to assess (triage) the condition

You will need to be with the dog as we will ask you to check a few things while you are on the phone to us

We will ask if you how long the dog has been lame for and if you know how the injury happened

We will ask you to touch the affected leg and feel for any swelling, heat or pain and to look at the leg and paw in case there are any cuts or abnormalities to see.

Call us at PetGP if you are unsure or worried and our expert nurses will advise you on what to do next. If the situation does not merit a trip to the vet, we will give advice for managing the situation at home. If the lameness is caused by a simple sprain or strain, then 48 hours of rest and restricted exercise may be enough to improve the situation drastically. Your dog may have a small cut on his pad which, if not bleeding or infected, may be fine to treat at home with some rest and a clean with saline solution. If the situation is more serious we will advise that you contact your vet.

Worms in Cats. Symptoms Causes and Treatments

Worms in Cats. Symptoms, Causes and treatments. Worms in cats and kittens are very common, and whilst they might be a concern to owners, they do not usually have serious consequences and are easy to treat. Our guide contains expert advice from qualified and registered veterinary nurses to help you choose the best course of action for your pet and help answer your question – does my cat have worms and how do I prevent and treat them? Symptoms of worms & common causes of worms Symptoms and presenting signs

Sickness

Diarrhoea

Pot belly in kittens

Weight loss

Poor coat quality

Weakness

Loss of energy

Sore bottom

Coughing (lungworm)

Wheezing (lungworm)

Shortness of breath (lungworm)

Worms are very common in cats, with the most frequently seen intestinal types being roundworms and tapeworms. Worms can be picked up in a variety of ways. Common causes

Swallowing larvae from mother’s milk

Eating infected prey

Having fleas and swallowing them whilst grooming

Picking up worms or larvae from faeces whilst outside

Contact with slugs or snails (lungworm)

Tapeworms are transmitted to cats by fleas. Immature fleas (larvae) ingest the worm eggs and infection is passed on to a dog when it swallows an infected flea. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to treat your cat for fleas as well as for worms. Roundworm larvae start by infecting a cat’s intestinal tract, but they can burrow their way into other tissues and organs.

Worms in older cats

Adult dogs can get worms from other infected animals, or from eating prey such as birds or mice which might carry worms, or infected parasites such as fleas, or from eating the larvae or eggs of worms outside, for instance by eating grass.

Worms in younger cats

Kittens can inherit infection from their mother, as well as from ingesting larvae in their mother’s milk Triage of worms in cats and kittens As noted above, the types of worms found in cats can be wide ranging. At PetGP our UK based veterinary nurses follow strict guidelines laid out by our veterinary director and ask a series of questions that determine the relative seriousness of your pet’s condition. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service This process will hopefully rule out the more serious cases (which must be dealt with by a vet) and leads to advice on what you should do next for your pet. If appropriate, our experienced and knowledgeable veterinary nurses will give advice relevant to your pet’s condition based on your answers.

Our UK based Registered Veterinary Nurses will ask you several questions designed to assess (triage) the condition

You will need to be with the cat as we will ask you to check a few things while you are on the phone to us

We will ask if you how long the cat has had the symptoms for

We will ask if you have seen any obvious evidence of worms

Call us at PetGP on 0333 332 7883or visit https://pet-gp.co.uk/ if you are unsure or worried and our expert nurses will advise you on what to do next. If the situation does not merit a trip to the vet, we will give advice for managing the situation at home. If the situation is more serious we will advise that you contact your vet. Diagnosis of worms by your vet Your vet will give your cat a thorough examination and take a full history from you. Most healthy animals will not show any symptoms of worm infection. Kittens with a heavy worm burden may be sick and this may contain roundworms. In severe cases they may have a pot belly due to the sheer number of worms. Worms are sometimes seen in faeces or around the cat’s bottom - tapeworms resemble flat grains of rice and can sometimes be seen moving around this area. Roundworms are long, white and spaghetti-like in appearance and they absorb nutrients from the infected cat. If you have found any worms it's very helpful for the vet to see them so they can identify the type. More serious cases in felines can produce signs of worms such as weight loss, poor coat, weakness, excessive hunger, loss of energy and diarrhoea and sickness. A cat with worms may eat more than usual, but still lose weight and where the diarrhoea is severe it can cause the cat’s bottom to become sore. If a cat has a bad reaction to the worms and there is diarrhoea or sickness, simple foods such as rice with chicken or white fish can help to settle the stomach, and fresh water should always be provided, but the most important thing is to use a worming treatment to get rid of the infestation. Lungworm is another type of worm that is being seen more frequently in the UK in recent years, although it is relatively uncommon in cats. It is found more often in dogs who pick up and eat slugs and snails. The specific symptoms of lungworm include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, open-mouthed breathing, lethargy and exercise intolerance, reduction in appetite and fever. Lungworm can be extremely serious - It can cause haemorrhages in the lungs, liver, intestine, eyes and spinal cord but also just about anywhere in the body. If left untreated, it can be fatal in severe cases. Lungworm can be treated with spot-on treatments or tablets, which should be prescribed by your vet to ensure that an appropriate product is used. If your cat has shown any of these symptoms they should be reported to your vet, and your information together with the vet's clinical examination will be vital in making sure the correct treatment is given. Treatment of worms The treatment of the condition will depend partly on the vet’s diagnosis, but worming should be done regularly regardless of symptoms as a preventive measure. Forms of treatment that can be managed at home could involve:-

Tablets

Powders

Pastes

Spot-on treatments

The frequency of use will vary from product to product, so it’s a good idea to set reminders on your calendar to make sure you remember when the next treatment is due. Prevention of worms You need to worm your cat regularly even if you haven't seen any symptoms of worms, to kill the worms that are present and prevent reinfection. Exercising good hygiene precautions is very important, particularly with children, who should be taught not to share food plates with the cat and to wash their hands after stroking or playing with him or her. Provided you worm your cat regularly, any risks should be kept to a minumum. If you need further advice, why not visit us at PetGP. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service or telephone the PetGP nurse on 0333 332 7883 Frequently asked questions about worms in cats Does my cat have worms? Cats do not always show symptoms of worms, but if you notice any signs such as eating more than usual, poor coat quality, sickness or diarrhoea, or you see any worms in your cat's faeces or around their bottom, then you will know that they have worms. Why do cats get worms? Cats can pick up worms from a variety of sources, from their mother's milk as kittens, from eating prey such as birds or mice, from having fleas which carry worm larvae, and in the case of lungworm, from contact with slugs or snails. Can indoor cats get worms? Whilst indoor cats are less likely to get worms, it's not impossible. If fleas are brought into the house from outside, they may well be infected with tapeworm which would then be passed to the cat. It's still a good idea to treat indoor cats for worms to be on the safe side, and it certainly won't do any harm to the cat. What causes worms in cats? Worms are picked up in lots of different ways, as mentioned above, but it doesn't mean that your cat is unhealthy or has bad habits! Don't forget, treatment for worms is usually very straightforward, and prevention is often better than cure. Can you catch worms from cats? It is possible to catch worms from your cat, the commonest being roundworm and one particular type of tapeworm. This is why it's very important to exercise good hygiene after petting your cat and to make sure that he or she is wormed regularly to prevent infestation. There is also a risk from toxocara, which may be found in faeces left by cats outside. The toxocara canis eggs are ingested accidentally by someone - they won’t develop into adult worms, but will nevertheless become larvae that may travel around the body to the lungs, liver, and sometimes the eyes, where they can cause impaired or even complete loss of vision. What do cat worms look like? Tapeworms look like flattened grains of rice joined together. You may see segments of tapeworm around your cat's bottom – they break off and can sometimes be seen moving outside the cat's body. Roundworms resemble spaghetti with tapered ends and are long and often curled around. You may see these in vomit, particularly in kittens. How do you treat worms in cats? Some of the tablets, powders and pastes can be given in cat food or treats, others may need to be given directly into the mouth, again you will need to follow instructions. Your vet or a veterinary nurse at your practice may be able to administer a worming treatment for you if you are not confident of doing it effectively. How do I tell if my cat has worms? Any of the symptoms already mentioned, including excessive hunger, vomiting and diarrhoea, poor coat quality, or finding live worms. How to worm a cat Worming should be carried out regularly, following the instructions given by a vet or on the pack if supplied elsewhere. Treatments range from tablets, powders or pastes to spot-on treatments applied to the back of the neck between the shoulder blades. It’s important to treat your cat for worms according to the manufacturer’s or your vet’s instructions to help prevent infestations and to kill the worms that are already there. My cat is showing symptoms of worms. If you notice any symptoms of worms or you have seen worms in your cat's faeces or vomit, you can call us at PetGP to discuss the symptoms on 0333 332 7883. https://pet-gp.co.uk/telephone-veterinary-nurse-service My cat is coughing and seems very lethargic Another type of worm that is on the increase in the UK is lungworm, which cats can catch from coming into contact with slugs, snails or frogs – however this type of worm is very uncommon in cats. Cats may come into contact with infected slugs and snails carrying parasites that develop into adult worms, which live in the heart and arteries of the lungs; larvae that are passed out in the cat’s faeces are eaten by other slugs and snails and so the cycle continues. If you notice your cat is coughing or wheezing and is lethargic and easily tired, it's vital to contact your vet as these may be symptoms of lungworm or another serious illness. What other types of worms might my cat be at risk of catching? Hookworms are not common in the UK but they are found in Europe. They are short, blood sucking parasites with teeth. They can be fatal in young kittens, due to the amount of nutrients they can extract from the dog. Hookworms have a very similar lifecycle to the toxocara canis roundworm, moving about the body and into the lungs to mature before returning to the intestine.

Loss of appetite in Dogs

Loss of appetite in Dogs (Inappetence) Dogs are usually hearty eaters and will sometimes beg, scavenge and overeat, they may go off their food once in a while and it usually corrects itself fairly quickly. However, if this continues or your dog loses his appetite suddenly then veterinary attention may be required. It can often be a sign of illness and the sooner the cause is identified the quicker treatment can be given to prevent damage to the organs. Signs of loss of appetite

Picky with food

Refusing to eat completely

Inability to eat

Common causes of loss of appetite

Disliking their food – one of the most common reasons for loss of appetite in dogs.

Feeding too much – As a dog ages or their level of activity decreases a dog’s appetite will reduce too.

Scavenging or being fed elsewhere -

Too many treats – Take care that you’re not giving too many rewards or table scraps.

Dental problems – Toothache or pain when eating can soon cause your dog to stop eating.

Stress/environment – Generalised stress and anxiety can lead to a loss of appetite.

Illness – a wide variety of illnesses can cause loss of appetite

Injury or trauma.

Vaccinations – Occasionally they can make your dog feel slightly unwell for a short period of time. Your dog’s appetite should return to normal within a day or two.

Triage and Diagnosis of loss of appetite If you are unsure about your dog’s loss of appetite, give one of the PetGP nurses a call for some expert advice. If we think the situation is serious, we will refer you to your vet. Your vet will give your dog a full examination and take a full history from you. It will help the vet if you have observed your dog’s eating habits and any changes in the food, home or routine that have occurred. Your vet may want to perform a few tests, common ones include;

Blood tests

Urine tests

Oral examination

X-Rays may be necessary to check for abnormalities of the internal organs.

Faecal examination to check for parasites.

Treatment of loss of appetite Treatment will depend on the cause of loss of appetite. After identifying the underlying course your vet will make a treatment plan, offering supportive care and stimulating the appetite.

Dental work – if the reason for not eating is due to dental pain then removing decayed teeth will most likely resolve the loss of appetite.

Establishing a well-balance diet for your dog.

Intravenous fluids and tube feeding may be required if your dog is severely anorexia

Medication may be required to treat an illness that may be the reason for your dog’s loss of appetite.

If you’re concerned that your dog has lost its appetite contact us at PetGP by visiting our website here http://www.pet-gp.co.uk/ and one of our highly qualified vet nurses will offer you expert advice on the issue.