Shelby is a 7 year old Bischon Frise. In late 2016 she was brought to the Animal Hospital very off form and with a high temperature.
We routinely see cases like this and usually an antibiotic and an anti inflammatory rectifies the problem.

This was not the case for Shelby however………..

Several weeks later all Shelby’s lymph nodes were swollen and she had lost a lot of weight. This is a very worrying sign and and rings a lot of alarm bells. Despite weeks of treatment and further tests here in the Animal Hospital Shelby continued to deteriorate.
Eventually we sent her to the Referral Hospital in UCD, After many investigations Shelby was diagnosed with a problem with her immune system.

She was put on immunosuppressive treament along with other meds. Gradually over the coming months she slowly returned to her old self.

At a check up several days ago she was in fab form. She continues to receive daily meds and will probably do so for life…….

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.

Sheeba – March Pet of the Month

Sheeba is a 13year old crossbreed dog. Her proud owner Eddie is delighted that his old friend has been awarded March Pet of the Month. Sheeba has typical signs of old age such as heart problems and arthritis. Recently, Sheeba had a collapsing episode and everyone here at The Animal Hospital feared the worst. A blood sample was taken and the results showed an unusually low level of potassium, a condition known as hypokalemia. She was placed on some supplements and is now doing very well and has a new lease of life! We were happy to award March pet of the month to Sheeba.

Gizmo

GIZMO – 10 month old Jack Russel Terrier. Gizmo was hit by a car last week and has terrible injuries to his leg. He is very lucky that none of his bones were broken, however the wounds will require constant veterinary attention over the next month and Gizmo has been a very good patient.

January Pet of the Month

Merry Christmas!