Narre Warren Veterinary Clinic would like to congratulate all of our recent Puppy Class graduates!

Top picture: top row, from left - Oliver the Pomeranian, Olly the Cavilier Spaniel, Harlie the Boxer, (bottom row, from left) Beth the Spoodle, Kura and Cookie the Golden Retrievers and Tarki the Border Collie. Not pictured but also a graduate, Max the Labrador X.

Bottom picture: from left - Brothers Harley and Fenix the Maltese X Shitzus, Butch the Pug, Dexter the Border Collie, Winston the Spoodle, Jesse the Maltese X Shitzu and Jada Grae the Bull Mastiff.

Congratulations to all and good luck with all further training!

This year nurse Sarah took part in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave 2009.

The funds raised will help the Leukaemia Foundation to provide practical care and support to patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.

Thank you to everyone that helped by donating, every dollar was greatly appreciated. Sarah had set an initial goal of $500 and smashed it by raising an amazing $1017.75!

A big thank you must go to Coles Berwick Plaza and Bakers Delight Berwick Plaza for their donations on the day of the event. Without their support we would not have raised nearly as much money.

Did you know that you can ease arthritis with changes to your dog's diet?

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and can be caused by different factors such as injury and obesity. As arthritis progresses, the cartilage that provides a smooth cushioning for the bones is gradually degraded resulting in pain and difficulty moving about.

There are different additives that are known to help the condition of arthritis.

Omega 3 fatty acids - found in high levels in fish oils, help soothe inflamed tissues and ease aching joints.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - also found in fish oils, is known to help preserve healthy cartilage and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Natural Glucosamine and Chondroitin - these provide the building blocks of healthy cartilage.

The good news is there is now a revolutionary new food available that combines all of the above.

Hill's^TM Prescription Diet^TM Canine j/d (Joint Diet) helps dogs with arthritis become more mobile and improves their quality of life. Ask us if Hill's j/d is suitable for your dog. For more information go to: www.hillspet.com.au.

About six months ago one of our clients called to tell us they had lost their beloved cat Tom. He was a well loved member of the family and the children were devastated.

Tom's family put signs up around the neighbourhood, at the clinic and in the local paper but sadly had no luck finding him. The family thought he was gone forever until they received a phone call to tell them Tom had been found 20 km from home! Tom had been taken to a local vet and when they scanned him a microchip was found allowing his details to be traced.

Tom was in good health despite looking a bit rough around the edges. He was in need of a groom and a good feed after living on the streets.

Tom's owners were very thankful a small chip was responsible for reuniting the family. Make sure you microchip your pet and remember if you ever move house or change your phone number you must update your details. Ask us for more information.

Rhubarb the 12 year old Tabby came in for a check up recently. His loving owner Kaye told us she felt Rhubarb seemed to ‘be getting older'. His coat looked a bit scruffy and he had lost some weight. Strangely he was always up on the kitchen bench looking for food, even after his dinner.

A simple blood test confirmed Rhubarb was suffering from hyperthyroidism, a disease that is not uncommon in cats. Thyroid hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland have a role in virtually every organ in the body. Importantly, they regulate the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein and assist in the function of the heart.

Common signs of hyperthyroidism are caused by an over production of thyroid hormones. Watch out for:

• Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
• Poor coat quality
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Increased thirst and urination

There are a few different options for treatment of hyperthyroidism and the treatment will depend on specific circumstances, including heart and kidney function. Rhubarb was started on daily medication and has since gained some weight and is no longer jumping up on the kitchen bench searching for snacks.

It had been more than two years since Gemma the Golden Retriever had visited the clinic. During the consultation it became clear that Gemma had missed her heartworm prevention. Her owner Julie had been using a monthly spot on treatment but life was busy with three kids and the treatments had slipped her mind.

Prior to recommencing prevention medication we performed a simple blood test but unfortunately it confirmed Gemma was already infected with heartworm.

Heartworm is a potentially fatal disease. Spread by mosquitoes, the worms can mature to 30 cm long. The worms cause damage to the blood vessels and upset the normal blood flow between the heart and lungs. This can lead to heart failure and eventually death.

Thankfully we had detected Gemma's heartworm at an early stage so we have been able to offer her some treatment. She will need to undergo several weeks of medication and strict rest.

There is an annual injection available that means you don't need to worry about keeping up with monthly heartworm prevention. It is a good idea to time the injection with your dog's yearly vaccination and health check. Ask us for more information.