Regular visitors to our clinic will know that when it comes to your dog's 'booster vaccination' visit, we are more likely to have a conversation with you about taking a vaccine antibody test before deciding whether to vaccinate or not.
What you might not realise is just how unusual this is for a veterinary clinic to take such a strategic and well-considered approach to vaccination, to focus our efforts on making sure that your dogs remain fully protected rather than just vaccinating away with little regard for any possible adverse consequences.
We are proud that for many years we have been so far ahead of the rest of our profession, and it was gratifying this week to read an article this week in the Veterinary Record (the weekly journal of the British Veterinary Association) about vaccination against parvovirus, the often fatal virus gastro-enteritis that affects dogs.
Here are just a few direct quotes from the paper and it's accompanying editorial piece:
- vaccination may be unnecessary if an animal already has antibodies against the infectious disease, but usually vets do not know the immune status of their patients
- antibody status against canine parvovirus should be determined instead of periodic 'blind' vaccination to ensure reliable protection with unnecessary vaccination
- such an approach could prove useful in reducing the adverse effects of vaccination, such as hypersensitivity and immunosuppression
- obesity is considered a chronic inflammatory state that can lead to impairments in innate and adaptive immune functions
- Riedl and others have helped to develop a new concept; to evaluate the immunity of a dog before it's first and subsequent vaccinations
- with cat calicivirus (flu) infections, serological data in predicting protection are limited
- transient side effects to vaccination are common and can be indicative of an adequate immune response
- transient side effects occurred in 37% of dogs: lethargy 17%, gastro-intestinal signs 12%, increased thirst 1% or a combination of problems 5%. Injection site reactions with local swelling or pain 2% and lymph node enlargement 20%
The final recommendation was that:
- antibody status should determined instead of periodic re-vaccinations to avoid unnecessary vaccinations in adult dogs.
The Hyde Park Veterinary Centre - way out ahead in appropriate pet health care!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
LGBT vets led by our very own Mat Hennessey
Vets come together to support LGBT colleagues
18 September 2015
Vets across the country are coming together to back a new initiative that will support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender colleagues in the veterinary professions and provide a support network promoting fairness and equality for all.
The new British Veterinary LGBT group (BVLGBT) will meet at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) headquarters at the end of September in London to bring together supporters and start to plan activities for the coming year.
Vet Mat Hennessey started the group after noticing a medics banner at the Pride in London parade and realising that there was a need for representation and support for the LGBT community amongst vets. BVLGBT is open to anyone who wants to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights within the veterinary professions, whether studying or working, and already has nearly 300 members.
Mr Hennessey said:
“Seeing that banner brought to the fore something that I had been aware of for some time – the need for a visible and supportive community for veterinary professionals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and the colleagues who want to support us and promote equality.
“Veterinary professionals are a supportive bunch, but there has not been an open culture for LGBT vets on campus and in practice and that should change. The nature of veterinary work also means that vets can be located in remote, rural regions, without an LGBT community to plug into and this can be a very lonely and isolating experience. BVLGBT wants to engage with all colleagues who could benefit from the group and we are particularly keen to reach out to vets working in those rural areas without an LGBT community to feel part of. We are here for you.”
John Blackwell BVA President commented:
“This is a forward thinking and much needed initiative and one that BVA is proud to support. Veterinary surgeons and our veterinary nurse colleagues work within a close-knit community whether it is practice based or otherwise and the formation of BVLGBT sends a clear message out that the veterinary professions and organisations such as BVA welcome diversity and will fight for equality. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our LGBT colleagues and look forward to marching with them at Pride in London in June 2016, having achieved much in the coming year.”
To find out more and become involved in BVLGBT, please emailbvlgbt@gmail.com
The BVLGBT/BVA meeting in September 2015 is by invitation only. Please email bvlgbt@gmail.com
Monday, November 2, 2015
I'm a Jack Russell, a breed not a type
I see that the Kennel Club has finally given in and added the Jack Russell terrier to the list of official pedigree dogs. This is a rare honour indeed - since 2008 only a handful of breeds have been added to the list, most of whom I suspect you will never have heard of. The ever popular Turkish kangal and greater Swiss Mountain dog to name just two.
As a previous Jack Russel owner myself, I know I am biased but it always seemed a bit odd that this most recognisable of dogs should not have been granted that privilege decades ago.
But apparently all this time they have not been a breed but a 'type'.
All Jack Russell Terrier births will now be registered and a breed standard will be set describing their size, exercise requirements, temperament and grooming needs, all in the name of 'protecting it's future as a much-loved traditional working dog and popular pet'.
My mind wanders back to one of my very early canine patients who - somewhat incredibly - had been hit by a train and survived. I was in the operating theatre trying to put the various bits of this poor little creature back together again when the senior partner of the practice popped his head around the door (in a haze of pipe smoke - those were the days) to mutter a few words of support for my efforts with the immortal phrase:
"He'll do fine - you'll see. When you're dealing with Jack Russells, my boy, you'll find that you have to redefine words like tough..."
He was right.
As a previous Jack Russel owner myself, I know I am biased but it always seemed a bit odd that this most recognisable of dogs should not have been granted that privilege decades ago.
But apparently all this time they have not been a breed but a 'type'.
All Jack Russell Terrier births will now be registered and a breed standard will be set describing their size, exercise requirements, temperament and grooming needs, all in the name of 'protecting it's future as a much-loved traditional working dog and popular pet'.
My mind wanders back to one of my very early canine patients who - somewhat incredibly - had been hit by a train and survived. I was in the operating theatre trying to put the various bits of this poor little creature back together again when the senior partner of the practice popped his head around the door (in a haze of pipe smoke - those were the days) to mutter a few words of support for my efforts with the immortal phrase:
"He'll do fine - you'll see. When you're dealing with Jack Russells, my boy, you'll find that you have to redefine words like tough..."
He was right.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
3 things you ought to know?
One:
This Thursday (29th October) it's the Hyde Park Vet Halloween Pet Party from 6-8pm at the Pet Boutique at 63 Connaught Street W2 2AE. Dress yourself up, peel the kids away from the television and come along for a Halloween Fancy Dress moment. Judges for the event are the irrepressible Jo Good and Anna Webb, the Barking Blondes from Radio London's 'The Barking Hour' (you can listen in to BBC Radio London 94.9FM every Thursday 3-4pm for all that's dog in London).
This Thursday (29th October) it's the Hyde Park Vet Halloween Pet Party from 6-8pm at the Pet Boutique at 63 Connaught Street W2 2AE. Dress yourself up, peel the kids away from the television and come along for a Halloween Fancy Dress moment. Judges for the event are the irrepressible Jo Good and Anna Webb, the Barking Blondes from Radio London's 'The Barking Hour' (you can listen in to BBC Radio London 94.9FM every Thursday 3-4pm for all that's dog in London).
Two:
Last week, Codie, one of our veterinary nurses, climbed 5,895 metres to the very top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and in the process she and her friend Sophie Holmes, who has cystic fibrosis herself, raised over £10,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. If you want to chip in, click on their Just Giving page. We think it's a pretty amazing achievement and and are very proud of them both.
Last week, Codie, one of our veterinary nurses, climbed 5,895 metres to the very top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and in the process she and her friend Sophie Holmes, who has cystic fibrosis herself, raised over £10,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. If you want to chip in, click on their Just Giving page. We think it's a pretty amazing achievement and and are very proud of them both.
Three:
We're about to start the dreaded Firework season. Loads of fun and games for the people setting them off and having firework parties, not so much or you are an anxious or noise-phobic pet. There's lots you can do to help them cope better and make the whole experience a bit less of a nightmare. Take a look at our Firework Advice page for more information or come and talk to one of our veterinary nurses about how you can help them.
Look forward to seeing you on Thursday evening from 6pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Vegans in a hamburger joint
Sitting in a local burger joint last night with the family, one of them posed the question to the waitress
"Which is your favourite cheese in a cheeseburger?"
Imagine my surprise when she replied
"Well it used to be the blue cheese but I don't eat cheese any more because I'm a vegan."
"Excuse me?"
"Oh yes, there are several vegans on the staff here - three in fact, plus one vegetarian."
"Anything to do with the food?"
"Oh no, I just couldn't help feeling sorry for them,"
The animals, I assumed she meant. But apparently management don't like them mentioning that bit.
=
"Which is your favourite cheese in a cheeseburger?"
Imagine my surprise when she replied
"Well it used to be the blue cheese but I don't eat cheese any more because I'm a vegan."
"Excuse me?"
"Oh yes, there are several vegans on the staff here - three in fact, plus one vegetarian."
"Anything to do with the food?"
"Oh no, I just couldn't help feeling sorry for them,"
The animals, I assumed she meant. But apparently management don't like them mentioning that bit.
=
Monday, August 3, 2015
Killing lions for fun
Isn't it weird?
A highly paid medical health professional pays £££ to go all the way to Zimbabwe to kill a lion.
And - oops, the country's most famous one.
I know I'm a vet, so maybe it's a bit different for me, but I still find it astonishing that anyone - particularly in this day and age of environmental sensitivity - would WANT to do such a thing.
And then put it up on Facebook as a matter of pride.
Maybe in the hope that his patients, as they sat in his dental chair, would gaze admiringly at his manly, latex-gloved hands and think 'Hmm those are the fingers that cradled the rifle and then pulled the trigger. Those are the hands that belong to a man of courage and sensitivity, just the type of hands I'd like in my mouth, fixing my teeth.'
Not sure whether he necessarily deserves to have to close down his clinic as appears to be happening, but you would think he could find something better to do with his time...
A highly paid medical health professional pays £££ to go all the way to Zimbabwe to kill a lion.
And - oops, the country's most famous one.
I know I'm a vet, so maybe it's a bit different for me, but I still find it astonishing that anyone - particularly in this day and age of environmental sensitivity - would WANT to do such a thing.
And then put it up on Facebook as a matter of pride.
Maybe in the hope that his patients, as they sat in his dental chair, would gaze admiringly at his manly, latex-gloved hands and think 'Hmm those are the fingers that cradled the rifle and then pulled the trigger. Those are the hands that belong to a man of courage and sensitivity, just the type of hands I'd like in my mouth, fixing my teeth.'
Not sure whether he necessarily deserves to have to close down his clinic as appears to be happening, but you would think he could find something better to do with his time...
Monday, July 6, 2015
Pet Owners and Trainspotting
I see that the Blue Cross has commissioned a survey to see if there are any benefits to owning pets. Apart from the obvious, that is.
And the results?
From what is admittedly a fairly small sample (1000 people out of the billions on the planet, of whom 13 million are classified as pet owners living in the UK), came the following conclusions.
If you are a pet owner, you are more likely to:
- have a job (40% of non pet owners were unemployed)
- spend more 'family time' together
- enjoy your job
- be fitter, taking at least 2 hours more exercise a week
- earn £3000 per year more
- manage an average of 5 people in your work (against 2 for non pet owners)
I'm not sure what to do with this astounding information, but if it's representative of the real situation, rehoming centres like Battersea Dog's Home and the Mayhew really ought to be empty.
When Irving Welsh wrote that now infamous sequence in Trainspotting, maybe he missed something (and I paraphrase in case there are children watching):
"Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life… "
Maybe if this data had come out sooner and he had bothered to read it, some of the nihilist gloom could have been avoided.
Choose a dog would be my advice.
Or a cat.
And the results?
From what is admittedly a fairly small sample (1000 people out of the billions on the planet, of whom 13 million are classified as pet owners living in the UK), came the following conclusions.
If you are a pet owner, you are more likely to:
- have a job (40% of non pet owners were unemployed)
- spend more 'family time' together
- enjoy your job
- be fitter, taking at least 2 hours more exercise a week
- earn £3000 per year more
- manage an average of 5 people in your work (against 2 for non pet owners)
I'm not sure what to do with this astounding information, but if it's representative of the real situation, rehoming centres like Battersea Dog's Home and the Mayhew really ought to be empty.
When Irving Welsh wrote that now infamous sequence in Trainspotting, maybe he missed something (and I paraphrase in case there are children watching):
"Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life… "
Maybe if this data had come out sooner and he had bothered to read it, some of the nihilist gloom could have been avoided.
Choose a dog would be my advice.
Or a cat.
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