Happy Hoooowloween from Animal Doctors,

In this post

1. Limited time offer for our feline seniors
2. News from the Hospital
3. Genetic testing now available
4. Ticks, ticks, ticks.

With the warmer weather we have seen a drastic increase in skin infections and itching. Early intervention and control when managing allergies makes a huge difference.
First ask, is the skin red? Are there scabs? Are there pimples? Is the skin just senstitive to touch? Is there a doggy smell within days of a bath? Is the dog keeping you up at night licking its feet??
All these are common symptoms of the same problem, dermatitis. We have a range of treatment and prevention options available, call and book and book an appointment with Dr Steve or Dr Jo, sometimes it is much simpler than you expect!
This last month as feared, loads of tick paralysis cases. Not good. Stay safe, ask us if you are confused about your prevention options.

	Cat health check - are you proactive or reactive? Is your cat looking well? But do you know its blood pressure? Could it be on the edge of kidney failure? For a very limited time we are offering a health check, blood tests, blood pressure for all > 7 year old cats at a incredible price. Over some months we have had plenty of delas and discounts for dogs, now it is the cats turn...... Health check with Dr Steve or Dr Jo (value $54.90) Blood test for liver, kidney disease, diabetes (value $99) Blood pressure measurement (subject to temperament) (value $77) Day hospitalisation - only if easier for you, may not be needed (value $30) Limited price - only ....... (you have to ask - price revealed to our email list - are you on it? (click here to add your email) Why do it? Most of the time we pick up kidney failure once it is too late. We want to provide a cheap screen for those worried about their cats health. This is strictly only available from the 1st -10th November 2011. Normal pricing resumes after the 10th.
	News from inside the hospital New website coming soon....... we are currently in the design phase. Our aim is to have a simple yet powerful site to allow you to get where you want, simply, quickly and without fuss.......... stay tuned. Thanks to Bendigo Bank Webpartner (great webdesigners/hosts to deal with!). New signage!!! Have you noticed our new signs? What do you think? The update is long overdue, I have for 6 years looked to change and upgrade our look. Initially everything was done by me, Steve, and finally we have had the opportunity to have not just our logo, but our signs revamped. Next step, website..... Two recent tragic Animal Doctors family problems, one snake bite and one tick paralysis, if it can happen to our Team's family, it can happen to yours. Keep safe. (both making a speedy recovery).
	Genetic testing for you family We now have available genetic testing for dogs and cats. The cheek swab takes seconds, and is painless. We can screen from a wide range of known genetic problems, warnign you of protential risks. Most importantly is a test for the MDR1 gene, which predisposes dogs to fatal reactions to common drugs (such as one used to treat mange). The test is incredible value, and results takes about 2-4 weeks. Knowing this in advance is incredibly valuable. I tested Toby, my Border Collie, he consented to me publishing his results, there are over to the left in image form (he was clear!). And for those that wonder "what breed is my dog?", there is also a parentage genetic test available, that informs you of the various pedigrees and breed types in your dog. Pretty nifty. Both tests are now available at Animal Doctors.
	Ticks, Ticks and more Ticks Ok, so you might be sick of us talking about ticks, but just so everyone knows, the tick season has definately arrived, and with a vengence. Last email I said we had thus far a quiet one, hoping they would just "give it a miss this year". Unfortunately not. 3 weeks late we have hit a "peak" of cases. So far all treatments have been early and every case has survived. A record we aim for but realistically won't keep.