Gooldes Vet Clinic

Why Microchip your Pet?

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:23:18 +0000

The microchip is a tiny chip which has a unique identification number programmed into it. It is injected under the skin of the pet and the contact details of the owner are then registered on a database. If your pet is lost or stolen and is handed into a vet, animal welfare organization etc. they will scan your pet and contact you through their stored details on the database.

How often should I worm my dog/cat?

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:24:24 +0000

Dogs and cats should be wormed every month up to the age of 6months and every 3 months after that.

Does Neutering my pet hurt them?

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:19:11 +0000

As the surgery is done under a general anaesthetic it is painless. The operation for both males and for females is straightforward and low risk. Recovery is usually uneventful. The worst your pet might experience is some discomfort for a short time after the operation.

I’m considering neutering my pet, why should I do this?

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:16:53 +0000

Neutering increases your pet’s changes for a longer, healthier life – Spaying your female pet reduces her chances of developing mammary cancer and eliminates the threat of uterine and ovarian infections.
Neutering your male dog or cat prevents testicular cancer and may prevent prostate problems. Neutered dogs are less likely to roam and fight or get killed on the roads.
A neutered dog/cat is a better pet – Males neutered early in life are less aggressive towards other dogs/cats and are not distracted by females in heat.
The number 1 cause of death in male dogs under 2years of age is euthanasia for behavioural problems.
Spaying your female pet eliminates the problem of stray males camping in your garden and decreases her desire to roam and breed.
Spaying prevents your pet from giving birth to unwanted puppies and kittens. It also stops the messy and difficult twice-annual heat period.

What Do the Terms “Spaying” and “Neutering” Mean?

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:15:33 +0000

“Spaying” and “neutering” are surgical procedures used to prevent pets from reproducing. In a female animal, “spaying” consists of removing the uterus and ovaries. The technical term is ovario-hysterectomy. For a male animal, “neutering” involves the removal of the testicles, and this is known as castration.

What other types of animals have been treated previously at Goold’s?

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:46 +0000

What differences is their between neutering a cat and dog?

admin — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:45:24 +0000

Neutering a Dog

The average female dog comes on ‘heat’ twice yearly. This may last for 1 month. During this time, a bitch is ready for mating and pregnancy may result. Spaying is now a routine operation, performed under general anesthetic. Female dogs are generally spayed about 6 months of age, but your pet can be spayed at any age. As well as making your dog less likely to stray, dog’s tend to be less aggressive and less likely to fight, and often more amenable to training. Castrated dogs will not develop testicular cancer, and are far less likely to have prostate trouble or anal tumours.

Neutering a Cat

The male operation (castration) is very straightforward and usually doesn’t require stitches. The female operation (spaying or hysterectomy) is also a common procedure, which involves removing the ovaries and womb through a small incision in the cat’s side or belly. She may only need to wear a collar if she starts picking or nibbling at her stitches. Both operations are carried out under a general anaesthetic. Kittens and cats are generally neutered at any time from around five to six months onwards. The operation can be carried out on cats aged 5 months or older. Our vets can advise you on your particular pet.

How can Cats pick up worms and how can we treat them?

admin — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:39:07 +0000

Kittens and cats can pick up worms if they catch and eat prey. Your kitten may have worms when you get her but GOOLD’s Vet Clinic can provide treatment. Even if you don’t see any evidence of worms you should discuss a preventive worming programme with us as soon as you get your kitten.

How important is it to get my Cats teeth checked?

admin — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:15:08 +0000

A kitten’s baby teeth come through when she’s about three to four weeks old and her adult teeth start to erupt at around four months. Cats are particularly prone to dental decay, often occurring where the tooth meets the gum, so start inspecting her teeth regularly so that you will see when it’s time for a trip to GOOLD’s Vet Clinic. Look for teeth that are dark, loose or chipped and check that the gums are not bleeding, puffy or discoloured. If your cat has difficulty eating she may have a tooth or gum problem, so make an appointment with us, so we can check whether she needs a ‘scale and polish’, or any other treatment.

Why should I vaccinate my cat?

admin — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:05:51 +0000

There are vaccinations that will protect your kitten from a number of serious and highly infectious diseases. Vaccinations prime the cat’s immune system so that if she comes into contact with the disease later, her body is better able to ‘fight back’. These vaccinations are generally given at approximately nine weeks with a follow-up dose three weeks later. Thereafter booster vaccinations are usually recommended every year, to keep protection up to date. Having your cat vaccinated each year also means that GOOLD’s Vets can give your cat a thorough health check to spot any possible problems early.