1. 6-8 weeks old - Combination-vaccine2. 10-12 weeks old - Second Combination-vaccine3. 14-16 weeks old - Third Combination-vaccine (or Parvo) and

Rabies4. 9 months later - Combination-vaccine and Rabies5. Annually - Combination-vaccine

• Parvovirus: A very contagious, deadly virus that affects dogs younger than a year old. Treatment is expensive and often of no avail.

• Distemper: A virus of equal danger, but much less contagious. Dogs of any age are susceptible if not vaccinated properly.

• Adenovirus: Vaccination protects against upper airway disease as well as a liver disease that occurs seldom these days.

• Parainfluenza: Causes upper airway disease.

Some vaccines include the following organisms:

• Coronavirus: On its own causes light diarrhoea, but causes severe disease if simultaneous infection with parvovirus occurs.

• Leptospirosis: Can cause liver and kidney disease. Associated with rodents.

• Bordetella: This bacterium is one of the causes of Kennel cough. The vaccine is administered by nose and provides immunity within a few days. It is required by some dog kennels over and above the combination-vaccine and rabies.

VACCINATION OF CATS

1. 8 weeks old - Combination-vaccine2. 12 weeks old - Second Combination-vaccine and Rabies3. 9 months later - Combination-vaccine and Rabies4. Annually - Combination-vaccine5. After the second Rabies vaccination, Rabies vaccine should be

administered every three years. By law all cats in South Africa have to be vaccinated against Rabies.

The combination-vaccines of cats

• Panleucopaenia: A similar disease to “cat flu” in dogs. Although not common these days it is still deadly.

• Rhinotracheitis: This herpesvirus causes eye and upper respiratory infection.

• Calicivirus: Causes upper respiratory and joint infection.• Chlamydiosis: Causes pneumonia in cats, but could also infect

humans.• The virus of Feline leukaemia is available for vaccination. This

disease is very important in catteries.

Male puppies available September 2011

PET POISONING

East London SPCA is aware of 9 incidents of large breed dogs being poisoned in the Sunnyridge area, in just one week. There may be more unreported. If anyone suspects their pet has been poisoned, it is vitally important to get the animal to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Symptoms to look out for: salivation, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, seizures, weakness and paralysis, small pupils.

Avoid contact with any suspected poison or body fluids. Wrap the animal in a blanket. The best advice to anyone fearful of their pets being poisoned is to keep them indoors at night. Please report these cases.

Police stations country-wide have been circulated on the issue of pet poisonings to curb this inhumane poisoning of dogs as well as crimes associated within dog poisoning.There is no doubt that in the vast majority of cases, poisonings take place as a lead-up to other criminal activity in the area.

If cases are opened, community sector policing can improved and patterns established which could contribute to the apprehension of those responsible. It may even save the lives of other animals. It is vitally important that samples are submitted to the Forensic Science Laboratory.The SAPS country-wide has been instructed on procedure. In addition to being able to lay charges in terms of the Animals

Protection Act, charges can be laid in cases of Aldicarb (temic/sanacarb) poisoning. The NSPCA is working with the SAPS at national level on the issue. Take care to also ensure that no accidental poisonings take place. Certain products that may be readily available can be poisonous – if not fatal if ingested – to animals. Anti-freeze, for example is poisonous to cats yet its smell is attractive to them and they are likely to lick any spillages.

Beware of rat poison. Rodents may travel a fair distance – at least onto other properties – before succumbing to the toxin. If the rat is then chewed or ingested by a domestic animal, the pet may effectively be poisoned.

The NSPCA stresses that non-toxic or humane means of rodent eradication make far more sense all round. As always, prevention is the key!

www.smalltalk.co.za | East LondonPG 07 | September 2011

Interesting Facts about Goldfish...Goldfish and Koi are both members of the carp family.They are suitable for both ponds and home aquariums. Goldfish are available in many sizes, shapes and colours and there are actually over 125 varieties of goldfish.

Flat body type goldfish include the Common, Comet, Wakin, Jikin and Shubunkin goldfish. Egg-shaped goldfish include the Fantail, Ryukin, Veiltail, Oranda, Pearlscale, Telescope-eyed, Black moor, Ranchu and Bubble-eye. It is important to note that most egg-shaped goldfish, with the exception of the Fantail, Ryukin, and Black moor, are not suited to be kept in an outdoor environment such as a pond.

Goldfish and Koi are sometimes referred to as coldwater fish, which just means they can survive in an unheated aquarium. Even though they are coldwater fish, this does not imply that they can tolerate very rapid fluctuations in water temperatures. Temperatures below 10 °C are dangerous to fancy goldfish varieties and can increase their chances of becoming sick and ill. During winter months, goldfish will become sluggish, stop eating, and often stay on the bottom of the pond. This is completely normal behavior; once the temperature is warmer they will become active again.Goldfish are very easy to care for,

but they still require cleaned and well-aerated water, which is hard to maintain in a goldfish bowl. Housing a goldfish in a bowl can increase the risk of nitrate/ammonia poisoning and stunting the goldfish.

Goldfish will consume almost anything. The kind of food goldfish will eat includes flakes, cooked peas and insect larvae. Flake food often is preferred over pellet food due to the fact that it is easier for the goldfish to see and to clean up afterwards. In general the lifespan of goldfish is over 10 years. Goldfish can show a range of social behaviour. When new fish are introduced to an aquarium, aggressive “bully-like” social behaviours may sometimes become evident, such as chasing the new fish, or fin nipping. Goldfish lay eggs.

They produce adhesive eggs that attach to aquatic vegetation. The eggs usually hatch in three to five days when temperatures are kept around 18 to 23 °C.

“There are two main types of goldfish: the egg-shaped goldfish and the flat body type. The flat body goldfish generally are the hardiest, most competitive and easiest to care for - thus they are most suited for beginners.”

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet

• Alcoholic beverages• Avocado• Chocolate (all forms)• Coffee (all forms)• Macadamia nuts• Mouldy or spoiled foods• Onions, Raisins and grapes• Salt, Yeast dough, Garlic

Warm Weather Hazards

• Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions

• Blue-green algae in ponds• Cocoa mulch• Compost piles & Fertilizers• Swimming-pool treatment

supplies• Fly baits containing

methomyl• Slug and snail baits

containing metaldehyde

Human medications lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:

• Pain killers

• Cold medicines

• Anti-cancer drugs

• Antidepressants

• Vitamins

• Diet Pills

Non-toxic Substances for Dogs and Cats

• Water-based paints• Toilet bowl water• Silica gel• Poinsettia• Cat litter• Glue traps• Glow jewelry

www.smalltalk.co.za | East LondonPG 09 | September 2011

Symptoms that warrant a visit to the vet• Coughingorsneezing• Runnyeyesand/ornose• Drooling,thecatstopsgroominghimself(gingivitisandtoothache)• Recurringvomitinganddiarrhea• Increasedwaterintakecoupledwithexcessiveurination(signorliverorkidneyfailureordiabetes)• Frequenttripstothelitterbox,butthecatisunabletourinateorproducesonlyafewdropsofurine(cystitis)• Cathas‘accidents’(urinatesordefecatesoutsideofthelitterbox)• Thecatsuddenlybecomesaggressiveandbeginsbiting(possibletoothache)• Ageriatriccatthatsuddenlybeginsrunningintofurniture(visionlosscausedbyhypertension)• Catcrouchesatwaterbutdoesnotdrink• Labouredbreathingwithexaggeratedchestmotion(presenceofliquidinthechest)• Yellowskinandmucousmembranes:gums,conjunctiva(eye),earflap(signofjaundice)• Anymassorgrowthonorundertheskinornearthemammaryglands(possibletumour)• Vaginaldischarge:dischargeorblood(signofmetritisoruterinecancer)

With thanks to The Royal Canin Cat Encyclopaedia

Q: I want to adopt a cat, but I have an allergy to some cats, or maybe all. Do you have any advice?

A: When people are allergic to cats, what they actually react to is the cat dander. When cats groom themselves, they deposit saliva on their fur. The saliva dries, and little bits of dried cat saliva flake off the cat’s fur. Sometimes, little bits of fur flake off into the environment as well. Dead skin cells flake off the cat’s skin, too. Dander is this mixture of cat saliva, cat hair and a cat’s flaking skin. Many people think that shorthaired cats are less likely to cause problems, but shorthaired cats are no better than longhaired cats in terms of triggering an allergic reaction.

The hairless Sphynx (remember the cat in those Austin Powers movies?) is said to be less likely to trigger cat allergies in people. The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex both are reported to produce less dander and to be less allergy-inducing than most other cat breeds. The most hypoallergenic cat breed, however, is the Siberian. These cats are reportedly hypoallergenic because they produce very small amounts of a protein called “Fel d 1” in their saliva. This protein triggers the allergic response in people. These are your best options if you want to own a cat.

Written by CatChannel veterinary expert Arnold Plotnick, DVM

“Cats never strike a pose that isn’t

photogenic.” - Lillian

Jackson Braun

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” Robert Heinlein

“There’s no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a

cat.” - Wesley Bates

“Thousands of years ago, cats were

worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.”

- Anonymous

From birth to 4 months: very fastThe kitten develops her skeleton and increases her birth weight by 5 to 7 times by the age of 8 weeks. Her energy needs at this stage are very high.

From 4 to 12 months: the rate of growth slows down...to allow the skeleton to strengthen and for muscles to develop.A kitten’s energy needs during this period remain high.

From milk teeth to final teethThe milk teeth appear very early, at around the second week. The kitten enters the second stage of growth when the final set of teeth appear, at between 4 and 6 months.

1st Age 2nd AgeKibble size, shape and texture must be adapted to each stage of growth

Off to ahealthystart!

salts

tudi

os- P

hoto

s Yv

es L

ance

au -

07/2

010/

3560

A WHOLE PROGRAMME FOR HER FUTURE HEALTH

For more information, contact 0860 63 00 63 or email info@royal-canin.co.zaReg No: V16309, V16839, V12214, V22409, V18779. Act 36 (1947) *Available at veterinary practices & vet shops exclusively

NUTRITIONAL PRECISION FOR FELINE CARE

The kitten, a growth in 2 stages.The kitten’s growth takes place in two stages during which they build their future health.

1st Age from birth to 4 months 2nd Age from 4 to 12 months

3746 AAC 2011 Growth ad.qxd:Mise en page 1 6/27/11 10:30 AM Page 1

 

The Wish-list

Any  new  or  second  hand  tack  (Bits  bridles  and  

numnahs)   Medical   supplies,   dip   deworming,   mange  

shampoo,  wound  spray,  bandages  and  plasters.    

supplements  and  salts   Hair  clipper  (to  clean  around  wounds)   Feed   Industrial  Sewing  machine  for  tack  repairs   Cash   Poles   and   roofing   to   build   clinic   shelter   and  

-­n .   Wendy  House  or  container  as  office  space.  

     

 

Saturday Clinic - This is the regular turnout  

Home-always mean something

s NO good bridle made of rope.

Rabbits are inquisitive, intelligent, sociable and affectionate. They can live indoors and have a lifespan of 7-10 years, sometimes more. Depending on the breed, rabbits can range from 4.4Kgs - 28.6 Kgs. Rabbits are very delicate and fragile and need specialized vet care. They might scratch or bite to protect themselves from being picked up and/or cuddled. An adult should be the primary caretaker of a rabbit or at least supervise over a child when handling a rabbit.

Housing

You can keep your bunny safe indoors, where he can have plenty of interaction with family members . They require a lot of room for exercise, they have powerful hind legs made especially for jumping and running. Rabbits should not be housed with other rabbits unless spayed or neutered, or in pairs of females. Rabbits need things to chew on such as cardboard boxes or chew sticks.

Feeding Grass and hay are the most important parts of your rabbits diet and should always be available, this keeps his intestinal tract healthy. You will also need to feed good quality pellets. Pellets should be fresh and plain, without seeds, nuts or coloured treats. Treats such as carrots, fresh cut green grass and bananas should not be offered more than once daily, and only in small amounts. Clean fresh water must be available at all times through a water bottle or out of a bowl.

Litter training

When his choice of toilet is clear put a litter box in that corner lined with newspaper and filled with hay, grass or pelleted newspaper litter. Clean the litter box daily to prevent odour. Don’t use pine or cedar shavings because the fumes can damage your rabbits liver enzymes which will prove fatal if he needs to go under anaesthesia for surgery.

Vet care

Rabbits should be spayed or neutered by a vetinarian, this prevents unwanted litters, spraying in males and uterine cancer in females. Your rabbit should have a check up at least once a year. Signs of illness are watery diarrhoea, no bowl movement or no eating for 12 hours, runny nose and eyes, dark red urine, fur loss and red, swollen skin.

www.smalltalk.co.za | East LondonSeptember 2011 | PG 13

Some interesting Facts:

1. Rabbits are not rodents, they are lagomorphs.

2. A male rabbit is a buck, a female rabbit is a doe.

3. A baby rabbit is a kit.

4. The gestation period for a rabbit averages 31 days.

5. A rabbits teeth never stop growing.

6. A pet rabbit can live as long as 10 years.

7. Rabbits can purr similar to a cat.

8. Domesticated rabbits are born without fur.

9. Domesticated rabbits eyes do not open until

they are about 2 weeks old.

10. Rabbits cannot vomit and need hay to assist the

digestive system and prevent fur balls in their

stomach.

11. A group of rabbits is called a herd and a group of

rabbits live in a warren.

12. Rabbit droppings make an excellent garden

fertilizer.

13. Rabbits can see behind them, but have blind spot

in front of their face.

14. When rabbits are happy, they will jump and twist,

this is called a binky.

15. Rabbits can start breeding as early as 3-4 months

of age.

16. Predators can literally scare a rabbit to death - so

handle them with care.

A short introduction to pet rabbits