Holly is a 2 and a half year old cavachon.

At around 6 months old Holly started scratching excessively. So much so that she regularly caused her skin to bleed and become infected.
A change of food for a few weeks made no difference so blood samples were taken for skin allergy testing.

Results confirmed that Holly is extemely sensitive as to what she eats – she is allergic to beef,chicken, lamb, turkey and amazingly not to pork. The indoor allergy tests confirmed her intolernce to house dust mites.
Treatment has vastly improved Hollys itchiness but has not cured it.
This is what we regularly find at The Animal Hosptal, Tallght – we can manage but not cure skin allergies.

The main treatment that Holly is getting – on an ongoing basis – is a special low allergy food. Her owner has also purchased a high powered Dyson Pet hoover to keep dust mites to a minimum.

TIP – if your dog is scratching excessively from a young age – initially try a food change to see if that helps.

In December 2016 Bobby started drinking and urinating a lot. He also started eating much more food. Blood tests were taken over several weeks and confirmed that Bobby is a diabetic.
Diabetes in dogs is very common, although definitely more common in the female !! The most common clinical signs are excess drinking and urnation. It is really easy to rule it out by a simple in-house blood test.
Bobby is now getting insulin injections morning and evening and in great form – as you can see from todays picture of him.

TIP – if you have a diabetic dog be aware they can get LOW blood sugar when receiving insulin. Weakness and lethargy is usually the main signs. A couple of spoons of honey by mouth will usually sort the problem

• limping
• stiffness after exercise
• reluctance to exercise
• difficulty rising, sitting or climbing stairs
• changes in behaviour
• loss of appetite

Any dog can be affected by osteoarthritis , however it is more likely to occur in large breeds. This is because they tend  to grow quickly, age faster and do more exercise. Some high risk breeds include;

• German sheperds
• Golden retrievers
• Labrador retrievers
• Rotteweilers
• Mastiffs

So how can this disease be managed? After a check over with your vet, they may suggest a number of plans for your pet. This may include the use of antiinflammatories(for pain relief), joint supplements, change of diet (especially if overweight), and regular controlled exercise( to improve mobility and strength). The level of exercise will vary depending on each case.

If you think your dog may have arthritis book an appointment with your vet, as treatment can very much improve the quality of your dogs life!