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blog https://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/rss Environmental enrichment for cats http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Environmental-enrichment-for-cats/ Environmental enrichment for cats can assist in the deterrence and control of behavioural problems. These problems may include urinating and defecating outside of the litter box, anxiety/stress, aggression/timidness and compulsive behaviours such as over grooming and scratching.
Ensuring that our feline friends have an enriched environment encourages increased activity and decreased boredom. All cats need mental stimulation, but this is especially important for all indoor cats. An enriched environment also allows for cats to create their own positive experiences and interactions in a restricted space. 
Meal time
A good way to encourage such experiences is by using interactive toys/puzzles at meal times, this to some degree makes meal time more exciting and natural for your cat. Dividing up their daily ration into smaller servings more often and alternating the hiding places to keep things interesting.
Elevated Hideaway
Providing your cat with access to elevated places makes cats happy and can also increase the overall space available to them if they are kept indoors. Tall scratching posts, perches, hammocks or shelves (ideally with hiding places) can offer your cat a great interactive and exciting space. Having sections of this vertical area with enough room for only one cat can allow them with enough room and freedom to escape any other household pets or situation that may otherwise leave them uncomfortable or stressed. 
The View
Purchasing removable and interchangeable hammocks or shelves that can be placed up on windows provides a great source of mental stimulation for your cat as it gives them a vantage point to watch from as the day goes by. Moving and changing the pattern of these hammocks or shelves can mimic the natural changes your cat would experience if they were outdoors and encourages your cat to explore their space more frequently and enthusiastically.
Scratch That
Scratching is a normal cat behaviour and it is important to provide your cat with acceptable options, such as carpeted scratching posts or cardboard planks. Not all cats will immediately use these so ensure to encourage and interact with your cat positively when they do use them appropriately. There are numerous materials that scratching posts and planks come in, such as wood, sisal rope, rough textured fabric and cardboard. All these materials have been sourced by what cats have shown to prefer.
Hunt It Down
Cats can lose interest in their toys after a while, so it is important to provide only a few options at a time and on a rotating basis. This will keep your cats’ interest with the toys you already have for them. Interacting with your cat with their toys can be one of the single most effective ways to enrich your cat’s environment as they get interactions not just from their toys but from their owners as well. Playing with your cat for 10 minutes a day and changing the toys and area of the home that you interact can help enrich their environment greatly. Fri, 01 Mar 2019 08:30:00 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Environmental-enrichment-for-cats/ Back to School Routines for your Pets http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Back-to-School-Routines-for-your-Pets/ The back to school rush has begun and for most of us has already seen our children back to school and ourselves back to work. Shorter days at home and busy school and work schedules can often change our routines greatly even if we don’t intend for them to. This change often leaves our pets confused. Instead of having you to interact with for most of the day their time with you has shortened and can leave them wondering why as our daily tasks have us walking out the door without them.
Our pets begin to learn our routines and many of them such as dogs and cats are creatures of habit and do best when there is a clear schedule or routine in place, so any alterations to this can cause them some anxiety and stress. To avoid your pet feeling anxious or stressed as you go back to work and the kids go back to school below are some tips to help them adjust to the changes in the routine;
TRANSITION TIME; 
Not all of us have the ability to ease our pets back into our daily routines, but wherever possible this is recommended strongly as it lessens the impact on our pets when we go back to work and school. Approximately a week before you are set to head back to school or work start to spend time without your pet. Get them used to your absence again. Start getting up earlier and leaving your dog either outside or inside where they normally wait for you to return from the school drop off. This doesn’t need to be for a long period of time, thirty minutes is enough to simulate the school run. Also start getting out school bags, lunch boxes and anything else that your pet may associate with leaving for school in the morning. The same method can be applied to your return to work. Start gathering out items that your pet will associate with you going to work, start leaving them alone gradually for longer hours in the middle of the day also.
THE DAILY ROUTINE; 
Get the whole family involved with the transition back to the school and work schedule by sharing jobs and responsibilities associated with your pet;
- Take your dog out to the toilet or check/change the cats litter tray the same time every morning before school.
- Short play time before leaving, this should be done as close to the same time every morning with your pet before leaving for the day to help enrich their environment.
- Their meal should be fed at the same time each day this applies to both the morning and evening.
- Walk at approximately the same time every day if you have a dog.
- When the children get home from school encourage them to go outside and interact with your dog/or interact indoors with your cat for approximately thirty minutes when they get home before starting home work or chores to allow your pet to settle.
- Quiet family time in the evening when you are home from work. Setting aside some family time for you all to be around each other and your pet.
Creating a routine from day to day outside of your holiday routine can help your pet deal with the changes they are experiencing easier.
ENRICH THEIR ALONE TIME; 
Environmental enrichment is something that all pets should receive from a young age. Ensuring that there is plenty of stimulating and interactive toys and experiences available to them throughout the day that don’t necessarily involve you playing tug of wear or chase the mouse.
- Leave out food-oriented puzzles
- Hide some of your pet’s favourite treats around the yard or in their cat run for them to explore and find throughout the day.
- Long lasting chewable/scratch toys that will keep your pet occupied for hours while you are away. Fri, 01 Feb 2019 10:01:26 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Back-to-School-Routines-for-your-Pets/ Fracture repair at South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Fracture-repair-at-South-Cranbourne-Veterinary-Surgery/ <div style="direction: ltr;">
At South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery, we are equipped to perform fracture repairs for a variety of injuries. While there are some complicated injuries that still require specialised equipment and a specialist surgeon to perform the procedure, we are able to repair many common fractures in pets. 
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These radiographs (x-rays) are of a 6-month-old Labrador. This puppy was brought into the clinic when his owners arrived home to find he could not use his leg. It is unknown what caused the injury. 
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The x-rays show that the tibia, or shin bone, was broken in the middle and was mildly displaced. In a very quiet dog, this type of fracture may be able to be repaired using a cast on the leg, but that is likely to have complications with sores and excessive pain. In this case with an active puppy, it was decided the best course of action was to perform surgery to place a plate on the tibia to hold the bone stable while the bone knits together. Using a plate to stabilise the fracture reduces pain and quickly allows a pet to use their leg quite soon after surgery. 
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This type of repair takes six weeks to heal in young dogs or up to 12 weeks in older dogs. In this time the pet needs to be kept quiet as too much activity can cause wearing of the plate and/or the plate breaking before the fracture has healed. Fortunately, this patient was young, the fracture wasn’t too fragmented or displaced, and healing was uncomplicated with rapid return to normal use of leg. Keeping him quiet was the biggest challenge! 
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We performed follow-up radiographs 8 weeks after surgery, which showed a good callus bridging the fracture, meaning he has healed enough where the plate is no longer providing the full support. Because he is a large, growing dog the plate will be removed when he is a bit older and the new bone has strengthened more. 
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</div> Thu, 10 Jan 2019 20:38:35 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Fracture-repair-at-South-Cranbourne-Veterinary-Surgery/ The case of the mystery hair loss http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/The-case-of-the-mystery-hair-loss/ Lego is a 3 year old male German Shepherd who had a very thick luscious coat until the age of 2 years when he presented to us with loss of his undercoat. His remaining coat was very thin. Lego initially underwent a series of tests to check for health issues and underlying causes of the hair loss. These all came back normal. As he was entire the next step was to de-sex him to eliminate testosterone as a cause.
After 2 months there had been no change to his skin despite desexing and a change to his diet. Lego’s skin had also changed to be very crusty and flaky. It was decided that the next step would be to biopsy the skin to check for disorders of the hair follicles. The biopsy results came back consistent with a diagnosis of Sebaceous Adenitis.
Sebaceous Adenitis is a destructive inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands in the skin. It is an uncommon condition which is appears to be inherited. It presents as mild to severe scaling of the skin in either a single area or generalised around the body. These scales may also be loose or adhered to the hairs.
Lego immediately began treatment with a medication which moderates the body’s own immune reaction. Lego’s very dedicated owners have also been diligently applying full body oil soaks and shampooing twice per week. This is very messy to do but they have done an amazing job! Thankfully all their hard work has paid off and Lego has recently visited us with his new-look coat!
Lego has responded well to treatment. Not every dog with this condition has their hair re-grow and unfortunately management will be ongoing but it is great to see Lego doing so well!
 
<div class="captionImage left" style="width: 225px;"><img class="left" src="https://southcranbournevet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/207/_resampled/resizedimage225168-bdf93d26-2097-4749-91e8-2a6e5b51db9f.JPG" width="225" height="168" alt="" title=""/>Lego before treatment
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<div class="captionImage left" style="width: 225px;"><img class="left" src="https://southcranbournevet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/207/_resampled/resizedimage225300-f60eb29b-3503-4fe8-9c9c-6bc4678cf2a2.JPG" width="225" height="300" alt="" title=""/>Recent image of Lego showing his progress and hair growth!
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 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 20:52:27 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/The-case-of-the-mystery-hair-loss/ Springtime Snake Awareness http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Springtime-Snake-Awareness/ 
With spring well and truly here we are seeing warmer days. However, with warmer weather comes more snakes out and about after their hibernation period through winter. Spring time is when most snakes tend to be enthusiastically looking for a meal to replenish food stores that they have used up during hibernation.
With urbanisation increasing interactions between snakes and pets are becoming more common, especially in the south east. The semi-rural properties along with the housing estates bordering the Botanical Gardens and local Golf Courses are particular hot-spots for snake sightings in our local area. Be on the look out whilst walking your pet. It is best to keep them on the lead to ensure that you have control over what they are investigating. Most snakes will leave you alone unless they feel threatened, so best to steer clear of them.
Unless you have seen your dog or cat interact or be bitten by a snake it can be easy to overlook the symptoms. Symptoms of snake bite may appear to have a brief recovery period of 20 – 30 mins in which your pet may seem okay followed by deterioration. In some cases there can be a delayed symptomatic period of approximately 24 hours before they present with any of the known clinical signs of snake bite. Most people will generally look for a bite mark but this can be near impossible to find amongst the hair. The following clinical signs can indicate snake bite in cats and dogs:
1. Weakness/Ataxia (inability to walk, loss of co-ordination) 2. Shaking/Tremoring 3. Vomiting 4. Paralysis 5. Respiratory Distress (laboured breathing/inconsistent breaths) 6. Dilated pupils 7. Red Urine
Some of these clinical signs may present rapidly post envenomation but some can take up to 24 hours to present, so it is best that if you have ANY suspicion that your pet has been bitten by a snake then we advise you to seek IMMEDIATE veterinary attention. Even if they are yet to exhibit clinical signs it is best to be seen by your vet who can assess and test for snake bite, then begin immediate treatment if required. At South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery we have in clinic testing to determine if your pet has been affected by snake venom and also carry the antivenom required for snakes in our local area to ensure that your pet can receive prompt treatment.
If you feel that your pet may have had an interaction with a snake contact us on (03) 5995 1451
The Team at South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery Wed, 07 Nov 2018 10:39:29 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Springtime-Snake-Awareness/ Deadly Parvovirus http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Deadly-Parvovirus/ What is Parvovirus? Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection affecting dogs. It has two strains, but the most common strain seen in veterinary practice is that of the intestinal strain. There is also a cardiac strain which attacks the heart muscles of fetuses and young puppies. 
What are the symptoms? Parvovirus presents in puppies, geriatric dogs or unvaccinated dogs initially as vomiting, severe lethargy, diarrhoea, inappetence, nausea and weight loss. As the virus progresses each of these symptoms becomes more ferocious with blood often becoming present in the diarrhoea and vomit of the patient. The virus is aggressive and does have a high fatality rate in any canine that is unvaccinated - puppy, adult or geriatric.
How can you help prevent your dog from this potentially fatal virus? Here is what we recommend; 
Vaccinate! When purchasing or adopting a new puppy ensure that you are provided with a copy of the puppy’s vaccination records to show that they have in fact had their first puppy vaccination (this should be done between 6-8weeks of age). This initial vaccination is called a C3 vaccination and begins the coverage for your puppy against Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis. At your puppy’s second vaccination they receive a booster for Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis as well as protection against respiratory infections such as Bordetella Bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza (commonly known as ‘Canine Cough’).
Breeder Research! Make sure that who/where you are purchasing or adopting the puppy from is reputable, have all their dogs vaccinated and can provide you with your puppy’s full vaccination history/information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder/adoption group to ensure that they have given the puppy their first vaccination to begin the immune support against Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis.
Exposure! Ensure they do not meet any other dogs that are unvaccinated or environments that an unvaccinated dog may have been until your puppy has had their second vaccination and if a required a third vaccination. Also remember that the vaccination takes time to interact with the immune system (this usually takes approximately ten to fourteen days) so you must wait for this extra time also.
 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 17:13:54 +1000 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Deadly-Parvovirus/ Feline Urinary Tract Disorder - a case study http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Feline-Urinary-Tract-Disorder-a-case-study/ Last month, we treated the gorgeous ‘Groot’, a three-and-a-half-year-old male Domestic Long Hair cat with a urinary blockage.
Groot was brought into the clinic after his owners noticed he seemed to be having trouble passing urine. Groot was seen to be straining to toilet and crying in pain whenever he attempted to urinate.
Unfortunately for Groot, he had a urinary tract blockage, so Dr Paula admitted him into hospital for treatment. Groot required a general anaesthesia to clear a plug of debris from his urethra. Then an indwelling urinary catheter was placed to assist in emptying his bladder whilst he was treated with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
Groot’s urinary catheter was kept in place for 48 hours, after which time the catheter was removed and he was monitored in hospital for a further 24 hours to ensure he could once again urinate on his own. While in hospital, Groot won the hearts of all the staff members and he thoroughly enjoyed all the cuddles and even a grooming session.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection and/or urinary blockage in cats include:
<ul class="wrapfix"><li>Straining to urinate </li>
<li>Frequent urination</li>
<li>Blood in the urine</li>
<li>Urinating in unusual places such as bath tubs, tile floors or flower pots</li>
<li>Crying when trying to urinate</li>
<li>Excessive licking at genitals</li>
<li>Not actually passing any urine, or passing only tiny amounts when toileting.</li>
</ul>If you suspect your cat (particularly males) may have a urinary tract infection or blockage, please seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. This condition cannot wait, as male cats have such a narrow urinary tract that a blockage means urine is unable to be released and the bladder can quickly become over-full and painful. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
Cats with urinary issues will also require ongoing management. Ongoing management for cats with urinary issues include changing their diet to urinary specific diet such as Hills™ Prescription Diet™ c/d Multicare or Royal Canin Urinary S/O. These diets are scientifically formulated to help control the pH level of the urine minimising the risk of urinary crystals from forming. It’s also recommended that cats with urinary issues maintain a healthy weight, as obese cats are more prone to developing problems.
Groot is enjoying his new food and doing well at home. He visited us again last week for a re-check and some more cuddles x
 
 Sat, 01 Sep 2018 20:08:14 +1000 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Feline-Urinary-Tract-Disorder-a-case-study/ FREE DENTAL CHECKS http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/FREE-DENTAL-CHECKS/ <div style="direction: ltr;">
South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery will be running our annual pet dental month promotion throughout August to raise awareness of pet dental problems, prevention, treatment and the importance of thorough dental examinations. 
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As many as four out of five dogs and cats will have some stage of dental disease by the time they are three years of age, making dental disease the most common disease diagnosed in our pets. Unfortunately pets often won’t show pain, so signs of dental disease can often go unnoticed by their owners. 
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A number of factors can make your pet more susceptible to developing dental disease, including poor oral hygiene, old age and breed. Dental disease is more common in smaller breeds of dogs as their teeth are often overcrowded. 
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Signs that your dog or cat may have dental disease include: 
 
<ul class="wrapfix"><li>Bad breath</li>
<li>Red/inflamed/bleeding gums </li>
<li>Tartar or staining on teeth </li>
<li>Dropping food or refusing to eat </li>
<li>Abnormal drooling </li>
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There are things you can do at home to help prevent dental disease in your pets. These include: 
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<ul class="wrapfix"><li>Regular checks with the Veterinarian.</li>
<li>Brushing your pet’s teeth: Although this is not tolerated by many pets, if started young and introduced slowly, it is the best method of preventing dental disease. </li>
<li>Dental diets: Prescription diets, such as Hills T/D are specifically designed to help clean your pet’s teeth. The kibble are slightly larger and require more chewing than regular kibble. </li>
<li>Food/Water Additives: Products such as Healthy Mouth or Plaque-Off can be added to your pet’s food or water to help prevent plaque build-up. </li>
<li>Chew toys and Treats: Anything that encourages your pet to chew will benefit their dental health. </li>
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Dental cleaning and/or teeth extractions performed at the veterinary clinic are completed while your pet is under full general anaesthetic. This ensures they experience no pain and are not placed under unnecessary stress. It also means that owners get the best value from their pet’s oral health exam because it is thorough and investigates everything above and below the gum line. 
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To help get your pet’s oral health back to its sparkling best, South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery will be providing FREE dental checks and 10% off dental procedures during the month of August. (Please be advised that free dental checks involve an examination and discussion on the health of your pet’s mouth only. If you wish to discuss other health issues with the veterinarian, normal consultation fees will apply.) 
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If you’d like to book your pet in for their FREE dental check, please call us on 5995 1451. 
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</div> Wed, 01 Aug 2018 07:30:00 +1000 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/FREE-DENTAL-CHECKS/ Case Study: a chest full of pus! http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Case-Study-a-chest-full-of-pus-/ <div style="direction: ltr;">
This month we had a very sick dog presented after being unwell for about a week. She had suddenly developed difficulty breathing and stopped eating. 
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In consultation Dr Jack identified a problem in the chest with minimal breath sounds. X-rays then confirmed a fluid-filled chest. The picture attached shows the x-ray with no visible outline of the heart. This indicates that the chest if full of fluid. A small needle was placed into the chest and a sample of the fluid was obtained to help with definitive diagnosis of the problem. The fluid was found to be pus filling the space in the chest cavity surrounding the lungs and a severe chest infection was present. This is known as a pyothorax. 
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The dog was hospitalised and antibiotics were given via an intravenous drip to quickly combat the infection. A chest tube was also surgically placed into the chest cavity to drain out the pus and allow flushing it with sterile saline. Over a few days in hospital, treatment with antibiotics, draining the pus and re-flushing the chest cavity, the pus fluid finally stopped forming and the drain was removed. 
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At this point it was safe for her to be discharged and continue to recover at home where her owners have been diligently monitoring her breathing. To prevent the infection redeveloping the antibiotics need to be continued for a month. In some cases, the infection will return and a surgery to open up the chest fully is needed to find out what has happened to cause the infection and to remove the inciting cause. 
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The causes of a chest infection or pyothorax like this are sometimes never found and just respond to initial treatment. Some possible causes include: 
- A bite wound or other cause of wound penetrating the skin and muscles into the chest cavity. 
- Severe pneumonia can damage a lung causing it to leak infected material into the chest cavity and cause the infection to fill up the chest. 
- A tear in the oesophagus as it runs through the chest can leak food material into the chest cavity also and cause the infection to develop. 
- Migration of a foreign body such as a grass seed 
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At this stage we are thankful that the treatment has controlled the infection and hopefully it won't return and require further surgery. 
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</div> Fri, 01 Jun 2018 13:54:25 +1000 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Case-Study-a-chest-full-of-pus-/ Physiotherapy in animals http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Physiotherapy-in-animals/ Pets benefit from stretching and exercise to remain mobile and active throughout their life. Like humans, exercise requirements in pets does vary with age, physical ability and injuries. Physiotherapy is a way that we can help our pets’ movement and strength.
What is physiotherapy in pets and how does it work?
Physiotherapy aims to improve the mechanism/biomechanics of the body to achieve pain free movement.
When an injury occurs or a pet develops degenerative changes the biomechanics of the body are out of optimal alignment. Pain then develops from these changes and the improper forces through muscles and joints.
Physiotherapy is a gentle way of rebalancing the forces by strengthening muscles and improving flexibility of joints to get the biomechanics as close to normal as they can. Not all conditions can be reversed and in these cases exercise is used to help pets compensate appropriately to create a new balance that aims to achieve pain free movement.
Key features of physiotherapy
Gentle and safe movements.
Well tolerated/enjoyed in most cases.
Gradual advancement is needed to avoid overloading and reinjury.
Fun, interactive time with your pet.
Time to get results varies and should not be rushed. Gradual improvement should be seen, and routine reassessments are needed to check for this.
Which pets can benefit from help with physiotherapy support?
Any pet that is not moving as it should or is showing signs of pain when moving could benefit from physiotherapy. It is important that pets are firstly assessed thoroughly for underlying damage to the body requiring other types of intervention. For example, surgical intervention may be required to prevent further damage or deterioration of function before physiotherapy is initiated.
What are the options with pets for physiotherapy?
Specific animal physiotherapists are available for consultation in Melbourne. Animal physiotherapists have completed both human and animal physiotherapy training. They also have a gym setup for specific rehabilitation treatment after spinal surgery or major traumas.
At South Cranbourne Vets we can assess your pet and provide referral to an animal physiotherapist if needed. Additionally, we can plan, demonstrate, and assist you with exercises and stretches for your pet to help their muscles and joints work more optimally. Tue, 01 May 2018 18:37:12 +1000 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Physiotherapy-in-animals/ Keeping your pets’ teeth clean http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/-Keeping-your-pets-teeth-clean-/ <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW153155858" style="direction: ltr;">
Our pets need good dental hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout life. With poor dental hygiene, plaque and tartar begin to form on the teeth. Plaque and tartar cause gingivitis, which is painful inflammation of the gums. Eventually this may lead to destruction of the supporting structures of the tooth, which attach it to the jaw bone. Such damage to the supporting structures may result in loss of the tooth. Bacteria in plaque can also enter the bloodstream and spread to the vital organs. Long term dental disease is one of the most common causes of heart and kidney failure. 
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So how do you keep your pet’s teeth healthy and their breath fresh? 
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- Annual health checks with a veterinarian. During a health check your pet’s mouth will be examined (providing appropriate temperament) along with a full physical exam. This is a great opportunity to discuss dental care for your pets. In some animals more prone to dental disease, it may be recommended to have examinations every 6 months. 
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- Scale and polish of teeth under a general anaesthetic. A general anaesthetic is required to allow full examination of all teeth without distress to the patient. Whilst under anaesthetic a dental 'sealant' called Sanos™ can also be applied to protect against bacterial build up for 7 months. 
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- Brushing your pet’s teeth with a special pet toothbrush and toothpaste is the ‘gold standard’ in pet dental care. Daily brushing is ideal. Not every pet will tolerate teeth brushing but you will get the best results the younger it is started as it will become routine for them. 
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- Feeding quality dry food such as Hills™ Oral Care or Hills™ t/d. These diets are clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar build up. They are much chewier than regular dry food promoting mechanical cleaning of the teeth as they eat. 
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- Healthy Mouth™ is a highly accepted additive to daily drinking water which freshens pet’s breath and improves oral health. It has been clinically proven to significantly reduce plaque formation. 
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- Maxiguard™ Oral Cleansing Gel is applied daily to your pet’s teeth to cleanse and freshen the oral cavity. 
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- Supplementing diet with special dental treats (such as Oravet™ or Greenies™), raw fibrous vegetables or providing rawhide chews. 
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We do NOT recommend feeding raw bones due to the risk of tooth fracture, constipation, obstructions and gastrointestinal upsets/infections. Cooked bones should NEVER be fed to a dog or cat. 
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Our pets need good dental hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout life. With poor dental hygiene, plaque and tartar begin to form on the teeth. Plaque and tartar cause gingivitis, which is painful inflammation of the gums. Eventually this may lead to destruction of the supporting structures of the tooth, which attach it to the jaw bone. Such damage to the supporting structures may result in loss of the tooth. Bacteria in plaque can also enter the bloodstream and spread to the vital organs. Long term dental disease is one of the most common causes of heart and kidney failure. 
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So how do you keep your pet’s teeth healthy and their breath fresh? 
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Annual health checks with a veterinarian. During a health check your pet’s mouth will be examined (providing appropriate temperament) along with a full physical exam. This is a great opportunity to discuss dental care for your pets. In some animals more prone to dental disease, it may be recommended to have examinations every 6 months. 
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Scale and polish of teeth under a general anaesthetic. A general anaesthetic is required to allow full examination of all teeth without distress to the patient. Whilst under anaesthetic a dental 'sealant' called Sanos™ can also be applied to protect against bacterial build up for 7 months. 
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Brushing your pet’s teeth with a special pet toothbrush and toothpaste is the ‘gold standard’ in pet dental care. Daily brushing is ideal. Not every pet will tolerate teeth brushing but you will get the best results the younger it is started as it will become routine for them. 
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Feeding quality dry food such as Hills™ Oral Care or Hills™ t/d. These diets are clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar build up. They are much chewier than regular dry food promoting mechanical cleaning of the teeth as they eat. 
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Healthy Mouth™ is a highly accepted additive to daily drinking water which freshens pet’s breath and improves oral health. It has been clinically proven to significantly reduce plaque formation. 
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Maxiguard™ Oral Cleansing Gel is applied daily to your pet’s teeth to cleanse and freshen the oral cavity. 
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Supplementing diet with special dental treats (such as Oravet™ or Greenies™), raw fibrous vegetables or providing rawhide chews. 
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We do NOT recommend feeding raw bones due to the risk of tooth fracture, constipation, obstructions and gastrointestinal upsets/infections. Cooked bones should NEVER be fed to a dog or cat. 
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</div> Thu, 01 Mar 2018 08:30:00 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/-Keeping-your-pets-teeth-clean-/ Puppy Pre-School Classes http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Puppy-Pre-School-Classes/ <div style="direction: ltr;">
Being a puppy is one of the most important stages of a dog’s life. It is during this period that a young puppy will learn the most. Puppy Preschool classes are especially designed for puppies 8 to 14 weeks of age to help them to become social and well adjusted family members. It will also inform you, as an owner, on all the important aspects of owning a dog. Puppies will learn how to play appropriately with other dogs, and you will learn about general health care, plus we cover some basic training techniques. Most importantly we give you some handy hints to tackle those troublesome puppy behaviours and give you and your family the tools to teach the puppy appropriate manners. Courses run for 4 weeks on a Thursday night, with a start time of 6:30pm. Bookings are essential cost is $80 for the 4 week course. Numbers are limited to ensure all attending puppies and their families get the most appropriate attention and are not overwhelmed. A single puppy vaccination is the only prerequisite. 
If you are interested in attending puppy classes, please contact the clinic on (03) 5995 1451 
 
</div> Thu, 01 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Puppy-Pre-School-Classes/ Camping with your dog http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Camping-with-your-dog/ <div style="direction: ltr;">
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With the warmer weather and longer days many people take the opportunity to go camping. This can also be a time that dogs love to get out in nature with their owners. In order to make the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible there are a few things to take into consideration before you leave and at the campsite. 
1. If travelling to a known paralysis tick area ensure that your dog is up to date with an effective tick preventative. Unsure where ticks are found or which preventative to use? Please give us a call. Check your dog daily for any ticks, they like to hide in feet and ears! 
2. Prepare a basic first aid kit. Good things to include are saline, gauze, bandaging materials, scissors and tweezers. We can assist you with what items are best to include. 
3. Ensure plenty of fresh water is taken to the campsite. Stagnant water sources can be the cause of upset tummies in dogs! 
4. Take your dog's food in a sealed container to keep it fresh and avoid other wild animals from accessing it. Avoid feeding scraps of human food, especially if it is fatty from the BBQ, as this can cause serious illness such as pancreatitis. 
5. Ensure you have a comfortable designated sleeping area for your dog. This should be secure to prevent wandering at night. 
6. Always supervise when there is a campfire. Having your dog on a lead can prevent burnt foot pads if they get too close! 
7. If at a river or boating, consider a dog life jacket. Even the strongest of doggie swimmers (and let's face it - not all dogs are great swimmers) can get exhausted too! Watch dogs in the water closely as like us they can easily get caught in currents, get struck by unexpected objects under the water surface and affected by sudden changes in temperatures and water depths. 
8. Know the location and contact details of the nearest vet in case of emergencies. 
9. Ensure that you have enough medication (if your dog is on ongoing treatment) to last the length of the camping trip. 
10. Watch for snakes. If you suspect your dog is bitten, get to a vet ASAP. 
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</div> Mon, 01 Jan 2018 18:36:00 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Camping-with-your-dog/ Stress Free Zone at South Cranbourne Vets http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Stress-Free-Zone-at-South-Cranbourne-Vets/ <div style="direction: ltr;">
For some of our patients a trip to the vets can be stressful and this is turn can make the whole exercise difficult for owners too. We are always striving to minimise pet (and owner) stress levels at our clinic. We are excited to announce we are partnering with Ceva Animal Health to use Feliway® and Adaptil® continuously in our clinic to reduce pet stress and make visits as comfortable as possible. Dogs and cats naturally use pheromones as a method of communication. Feliway® and Adaptil® are synthetic pheromones that mimic a pet’s own pheromones they naturally release when feeling safe and calm. 
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For dogs, we will have an Adaptil® diffuser running full time in the consult room, waiting room and hospital to help relieve your dog’s stress. 
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For cats, we can also supply a Feliway®-infused cage liner up to 24 hours prior to your visit to use in your cat carrier. This can help to make the journey in the car less stressful too. Please ask our receptionist when you next book an appointment for your cat. A Feliway®-infused cover can also be placed on your cat’s carrier when they arrive to help make them feel more secure. This will also be placed with them if they need to stay in hospital. 
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We look forward to observing the benefits to our patients and would love some feedback on the effects seen in your pets. If you feel that your pet may benefit from use of Feliway® or Adaptil® in your own home please speak to us about options available. 
</div> Thu, 30 Nov 2017 19:44:17 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Stress-Free-Zone-at-South-Cranbourne-Vets/ Snake season is here http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Snake-season-is-here/ It’s that time of year again that we need to warn everyone to be vigilant for snakes!
We have already had multiple reported sightings in the local area and treated our first snake bite case of the season, little Lilly a Jack Russell X Mini Fox Terrier, in mid-October. It’s going to be a long and hot summer, so everyone needs to be prepared in order to keep pets safe – especially in homes around the Botanical Gardens, homes on large properties, and around the Blind Bight and Warneet areas.
Snakes like to hide in cool, damp, dark areas and come out to warm up and feed. Common areas around the house where they may be found include in stacked firewood, rubbish/junk piles, flowerbeds with heavy mulch, around ponds/drains/creeks, in shrubbery and in long grass. It is very important to keep lawns mowed, especially in the summer months and to keep pet water bowls away from their bedding.
If you witness or suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, please seek veterinary attention immediately, even if they do not appear to be showing symptoms. Do not wait – their condition can deteriorate rapidly and lead to death. We have previously had pets unfortunately pass away in as little as 10-15minutes on the way to the clinic.
Signs of a snake bite in pets may include collapsing, twitching of the muscles, vomiting, dilated pupils and paralysis. Snake bites are common when the weather is warmer as this is when snakes are most active. In most cases, you will never find the site of the snake’s bite on your pet’s body.
Snake venom varies between different types of snake but contains toxins which damage body tissues and impair vital functions. The deadly venom attacks the nervous system and interferes with the body’s clotting mechanisms. Tiger snake venom will also cause massive muscle damage and some kidney damage.
Treatment for pets with snake bites varies depending on the severity of the effects. A severely affected animal will require treatment with intravenous fluids, supplemental oxygen, (often multiple) vials of anti-venom, intensive pain relief and hospitalisation over a few days. Once they return home, recovery can take one week to a month depending on the severity and type of snake bite. Unfortunately, some animals will never be 100% again and may always experience muscle pain and weakness.
At South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery, we keep anti-venom on hand at all times in case of such emergency. The anti-venom covers against venom from all types of snakes found in the local area so there is no need to identify the type of snake involved. Unfortunately, as antivenom is extremely expensive to produce, it is also very expensive to administer and you will need to decide whether to go ahead with antivenom treatment very quickly.
If you notice a snake on your property, do not approach it. You can call a licensed wildlife controller to relocate it for you. Local snake catchers include Neil Haesler (0418 130 728) and Barry Goldsmith (0408 067 062). Wed, 01 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Snake-season-is-here/ Allergic Skin Disease and Dietary Management http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Allergic-Skin-Disease-and-Dietary-Management/ While we are all looking forward to the spring weather, there are some pets that suffer badly from skin issues in the warmer months. This months blog discusses allergic skin disease and dietary management. While this information is of a general nature, please contact the clinic to discuss the individual recommendations for your pet.
What causes skin conditions? Your veterinarian may recommend tests to identify the exact reason for your dog’s skin condition. Common causes include:
Allergies: Your dog may be allergic / intolerant to either foods or environmental factors like dust, grasses, pollen or mould.
Parasites: Fleas, lice and mites can all cause mild to severe skin irritation.
Hormonal Imbalances: Dogs with too much or too little of certain hormones are prone to skin problems.
Infections: Bacterial infections can cause skin problems.
Does my dog have a skin condition?
 Your dog’s skin should be smooth and soft with no flaking, redness or signs of irritation. It should be neither too dry nor too oily or have areas of hair loss. Signs of skin disease include the following:
<ul class="wrapfix"><li>Red patches, spots or pimples</li>
<li>Scabs, crusts or thickened skin</li>
<li>Hair loss</li>
<li>Flaky or scaly patches</li>
<li>Bad skin odour</li>
<li>Itching, scratching, licking or rubbing</li>
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<img class="right" src="https://southcranbournevet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/207/Hills-Skin-Signs.jpg" width="360" height="327" alt="" title=""/>
IMPORTANT: Skin discomfort can have many causes. If your dog is showing signs of skin irritation or discomfort, consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
 
 
Choosing the Right Food
The food your dog eats plays a major role in their overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. When your dog has a skin condition, it’s even more important to feed the right dog food.
Some skin conditions can be cleared up quickly, while others need lifelong management. The good news is, most dogs with skin conditions can be helped if you feed the right dog food, even if the cause of the condition is not nutritional.
Some important nutrients that can help heal and protect your dog’s skin include:
Protein: High-quality protein provides the building blocks to repair damaged skin. Feeding unique protein sources, such as venison or duck, can also help reduce reaction in dogs with a food allergy or intolerances to more common ingredients.
Essential Fatty Acids: A diet containing high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, will help protect your dog’s skin, prevent dryness and help control inflammation.
Antioxidants: Vitamin E and other antioxidants are vital in helping to maintain your dog’s healthy immune system and protect it from cellular oxidation caused by free radicals.
Combining these nutrients in a single dog food provides a convenient way to manage your dog's skin condition. If feeding a premium diet formulated for healthy skin it is unnecessary to give extra supplements, such as fish oil capsules, as the diet is already rich in these vitamins.
Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate dog food recommendation for your dog’s needs.
Allergy Testing Testing for allergies in dogs may involve a blood test to help identify the causes of the allergy. Identifying the causes will help you to avoid those triggers or manage them, with desensitisation vaccines. Most pets respond well to the desensitisation, and this reduces the need for medications.
However skin patch testing performed at a specialist dermatologist can be more conclusive as to the causes of the skin allergy. We can advise on individual patients and refer to a dermatologist when recommended.
 Food Allergies Food allergies that trigger skin issues are relatively rare in pets. The latest trend of grain-free diets actually provide no protection for allergies over normal diets and are just a marketing fad. Pets with reactions to food will more commonly exhibit gastrointestinal problems and Inflammatory Bowel Disease symptoms rather than skin issues.
The reasons a veterinarian may suspect a food allergy is:
- The reaction is persistent whilst on the food. No seasonal flare ups or settling down.
- The meat or carbohydrate source is something they have been fed long term or had exposure to in the past. Usually occurs in middle age, not young dogs.
For pets that have persistent skin issues all year round, a dietary trial is the only way to find out if it is related to the diet. A dietary trial requires strict control over what is fed to your pet so that they only eat or have access to the prescribed diet. Unfortunately reactions from food can cause long-lasting skin problems so a trial period of 8-weeks is required before a food allergy can be ruled out. 
</div> Sun, 01 Oct 2017 09:48:21 +1100 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Allergic-Skin-Disease-and-Dietary-Management/ A case of snail bait toxicity in a dog http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/A-case-of-snail-bait-toxicity-in-a-dog/ Recently we had a serious case of snail bait toxicity when a dog ate a whole 500g pack of a snail bait product. There are a few types of products and all are very toxic and harmful to pets no matter what it is says on the packet. The most common snail baits attack the nervous system causing uncontrollable seizures, salivation and diarrhoea which can be rapidly fatal. There is also an iron based bait that when eaten by pets causes liver failure and intestinal ulceration that is also commonly fatal. The problem with the iron based bait is it that unless you notice the pet has eaten the bait they may not show clinical signs until it may be too late to save them. There is a very expensive iron absorbing medication that may save a pet but many still don’t survive.
In the recent case seen at South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery the owners of a dog noticed her to be behaving unusually during the afternoon and so they brought her into the clinic. On presentation she had begun to have uncontrollable tremors and developed a fever of 40.4°C.
Suspecting a toxin as the cause of the clinical signs, the vet gave her a medication to make her vomit. A small amount of green pellet-like material was in the vomit increasing suspicion of snail bait toxicity. Not long after her bowels opened and released a flood of green diarrhoea. This is very typical of a snail bait toxicity of the ‘nervous system attacking type of bait’ and so treatment was started immediately.
Treatment consisted of intravenous fluids, sedation to settle the seizures followed by a general anaesthetic to allow decontamination with stomach pumping (Gastric Lavage) and an enema to flush her bowels.
She woke from the anaesthetic smoothly and the tremoring had subsided significantly. After a night in hospital on intravenous fluids she was back to her normal self and was discharged back home.
The key factor that made this a successful outcome was the speed of admission and treatment. If the pet was not seen so quickly or it happened when no one was home there is a very high chance she would not have survived and would have died of uncontrollable seizuring within a short period of time.
If you have pets we advise that you do NOT use snail baits of any variety. Some products are marketed as ‘OK’ around pets but this generally only means it has been given a bitter or unpleasant taste. As I am sure many of you are aware this is not necessarily a deterrent to pets and they are still harmful if eaten. There are multiple types of snail baits and all are very toxic to pets. To be safe it is best not to use them at all. Fri, 01 Sep 2017 14:57:25 +1000 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/A-case-of-snail-bait-toxicity-in-a-dog/ Free Dental Checks in August http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Free-Dental-Checks-in-August/ August is ‘Dental Month’ at South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery, where we highlight the importance of good oral hygiene in our pets. To help get your pet’s oral health into a perfect state we are offering FREE dental checks and 10% off dental procedures for the month of August. A free dental check involves the examination and discussion on the health of your pet’s mouth only. If you want to discuss other health issues with the veterinarian a normal consultation fee will apply.
But that’s not all! We also have a dental hamper available for one lucky winner valued at over $85. Visit our Facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/southcranbournevet">www.facebook.com/southcranbournevet</a> for details.
So why is Dental Health so important in our pets?
Periodontal disease (dental disease) is the most common disease diagnosed in dogs and cats. It is so common that 70% of cats and 80% dogs show signs of dental disease by the time they are two-years-old. 
Dental disease occurs when plaque build-ups on the teeth, leading to gingivitis (red, swollen gums), bad breath and eventual infection and loss of teeth. The infection caused by serious gum disease can also potentially affect the heart, kidneys and liver, so it is vitally important to keep your pet’s teeth in top condition. 
A number of factors can make your pet more susceptible to developing dental disease, including poor oral hygiene, old age and breed. Dental disease is more common in smaller breeds of dogs as their teeth are often overcrowded. 
Pets often will not show pain. Even pets with sore gums, infected mouths and broken teeth will continue to eat so owners may not see any problems. However, signs that your pet may have dental disease can include:
<ul class="wrapfix"><li>Bad breath</li>
<li>Yellow-brown crust on teeth</li>
<li>Bleeding gums</li>
<li>Changes in eating habits</li>
<li>Tooth loss</li>
<li>Abnormal drooling </li>
</ul>Dental disease does not only affect your pet’s mouth. Plaque build up on the teeth can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed. The bleeding gums then allow the bacteria from the plaque to enter your pet’s blood stream and travel throughout the body. This can affect your pet’s vital organs, such as their heart, kidneys and liver. It is therefore very important to get on top of any dental problem quickly. 
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent dental disease. These include
<ul class="wrapfix"><li>Regular Checks with the Veterinarian: Much like humans go to the dentist twice a year, it is a good idea to visit the veterinarian regularly to help maintain your pet’s oral hygiene. If teeth cleaning or extractions are required, this is performed under a general anaesthetic.</li>
<li>Brushing your pet’s teeth: This is not tolerated by many pets, but if started young and introduced slowly, it is the best method of preventing dental disease. Ask us at the clinic for some tips on introducing teeth cleaning.</li>
<li>Dental diets: Prescription diets, such as Hills Prescription Diet T/D™ are specifically designed to help clean your pet’s teeth. The kibble are slightly larger and require more chewing than regular kibble.</li>
<li>Food/Water Additives: Products such as Healthy Mouth™ or Troy Plaque-Off can be added to your pet’s water or food to help prevent plaque build-up.</li>
</ul>If you’d like to join in Dental Month, call 5995 1451 to book in your pet’s FREE dental check! Wed, 26 Jul 2017 13:55:11 +1000 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Free-Dental-Checks-in-August/ Upgraded Health Screening for your pets at South Cranbourne Veterinary Surgery http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Upgraded-Health-Screening-for-your-pets-at-South-Cranbourne-Veterinary-Surgery/ We are excited to announce that we have just upgraded our in-clinic laboratory to the most advanced in-clinic blood testing machines. The machines are produced by Idexx Laboratories who are the world leader in veterinary laboratory testing. The blood testing machines come with Idexx Laboratories full support and quality assurance to accurately give Laboratory quality results rapidly in the clinic without sending them off site to their Laboratory.
What does this mean for our clients? We have previously offered a limited range of in-clinic testing with an older Idexx machine but we can now offer a wider range of tests to provide even better care for our patients.
Our in-house pathology services can now provide:
- Quick results for pre-anaesthetic testing prior to surgery
- More comprehensive pre-anaesthetic tests available before surgery
- Rapid results for emergency/critical patients to proceed quickly to treatment of a pet’s illness
- More comprehensive rapid health screens to include thyroid testing, liver function testing, kidney health tests and electrolyte testing.
- Running individualised testing specific to your pet which could save you money
- Ability to get rapid results out of hours
- Idexx pathologist support with result interpretations for complicated cases
There will still be indications to send blood samples to an external Laboratory and this will be discussed on an individual patient basis. Sat, 01 Jul 2017 13:41:43 +1000 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Upgraded-Health-Screening-for-your-pets-at-South-Cranbourne-Veterinary-Surgery/ Introducing puppies to horses http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Introducing-puppies-to-horses/ This year we’ve seen multiple cases of injuries to puppies relating to interactions with horses. This includes puppies being stood on by horses and even getting scared and running into electric fences. Given the sheer size and weight of a horse, choosing to take your puppy around horses can be an extremely dangerous situation if not handled correctly.
In general, off lead puppies and horses do not mix. If you wish to have your puppy around horses then the ideal time to introduce the puppy to a horse is during the critical socialisation period of 10-16 weeks of age. Obviously at this age we cannot expect a puppy to be fully trained so having pup on a lead to allow more control of the situation is recommended. There are steps to take to ensure neither animal becomes afraid or overwhelmed, minimising the risk of injury. 
Prior to the Meeting:
Having an obedient dog will allow you to have more control of the situation when you do introduce a puppy to a horse. It is extremely important to continually work on obedience training so that your pup reliably knows how to sit, stay and recall/come back to you. You may also eventually want to teach your puppy boundaries and ‘no-go’ areas in and around the stables/paddocks, but this comes with time. As with all puppy training we need to make the lessons achievable and positive. It is important to remember that puppies are just babies and we can’t expect too much of them.
Researching dog body language and signs of fear is also a fantastic idea, so you can recognise the often subtle hints that your pup may not be feeling totally comfortable (for example eyes wide, pacing, licking at lips). Speak with one of our vets or nurses who can assist you with how to read your pups body language.
It can be useful to also get your pup used to the smell of a horse by bringing home their halter or saddle blanket for example.
 Ground Rules:
- Keep your puppy on a lead so that you can control the situation and know exactly where they are at all times
- Do not allow a dog to free run around a horse property
- Do not leave a puppy unattended with a horse
- Do not allow a puppy to wander around the legs of your horse. While you may trust your horse the pup may then try this with another horse who is not so cooperative.
The Introduction
The key to a successful introduction is to take it slowly! You do not want to rush up to either animal or force them to be near something that makes them scared or uncomfortable. If either animal gets spooked, it can lead to life-long fears, so taking your time now will set both animals up for success for the future. It may take months for both animals to be comfortable around each other, so do not rush the encounter.
Initially, begin by walking your dog on lead in the vicinity of the horse, so puppy can see the horse and get used to such a large animal without being thrust up next to them. Once your puppy can walk near horses without barking or showing any signs of fear or aggression, you can slowly decrease the distance between puppy and the horse. Once again, do not expect this to all happen on the first day.
When you feel your puppy is ready you can allow the horse and pup to sniff at each other through the safety of a fence or stable. Ideally start with a horse that has been around dogs previously and is not likely to react to a dog that may bark or behave nervously.
Having a second person present, who is experienced with horses, focus on the horse can allow you to focus your attention on your puppy. Only ever approach slowly and when the horse is relaxed. If your puppy is too overexcited, it may also be best to wait until puppy has calmed down before making the introduction.
It is also important not just with horses but when introducing anything new to your puppy, that the experience remains positive. Give puppy lots of treats and pats to make sure your puppy associates the horse with happy and positive experiences. If your puppy displays any negative behaviour, ignore it and give them a command they reliably know how to do, such as ‘sit’, and reward them for that. It may be that you have moved too quickly and your puppy is not ready for face-to-face introduction. Take them a short distance back and again wait until they are comfortable being in the same area as the horse before introducing them at a later time.
Dogs mixing with horses can be extremely dangerous, so taking the time to ensure both animals remain comfortable in each other’s presence is extremely important. If you have any questions, or would like further information on dog body language and signs of fear, please feel free to contact the clinic on 5995 1451. Thu, 01 Jun 2017 07:30:00 +1000 http://southcranbournevet.com.au/news/news-and-blog/Introducing-puppies-to-horses/