Vaccination
*NEW* We have just updated our vaccination protocol for 2007. Download it here. As always, discuss vaccination with your veterinarian to get the best advice for you and your pet.
We require that all animals have their core vaccinations prior to elective surgery. Please discuss with your surgeon.
When traveling, remember to check if additional vaccines and/or certificates are required for your destination and along the way. The best source for information on legal requirements are the government and veterinary bodies of these regions.
Declawing / Tail Docking / Ear Cropping / De-barking and other mutilations
In general, we do not perform mutilations or cosmetic procedures on animals unless there is a sound medical reason and a demonstratable benefit to the animal. A benefit to the owner does not constitute a sufficient reason.
We do not declaw cats, unless there is an medical requirement. Many animal welfare and veterinary organisations no longer support this archaic practice. We will be happy to discuss it with you and show you simple alternatives to this mutilation of your pet. More information is found below:
Cat Fanciers Federation Statement: http://www.cfainc.org/health/declawing.html
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Statement - "If all else fails, you can discuss the pros and cons of declawing with your veterinarian."
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Policy- "This procedure is only acceptable where, in the opinion of the veterinary surgeon, injury to the animal is likely to occur during normal activity. It is not acceptable if carried out for the convenience of the owner. Thus the removal of dew claws in certain breeds of dog where they protrude from the limb and are likely to become caught and torn is justifiable and even advisable. On the other hand, the removal of claws, particularly those which are weight-bearing, to preclude damage to furnishings is not acceptable."
Neutering (Spay and Castration)
In general, female dogs and cats should be spayed at 6 months of age. Male dogs and cats can be castrated at 9 months of age, though this can be advanced a month or two if undesirable behaviour develops. Rabbits of both sexes can be done at 5 months of age. Please note that male rabbits can remain fertile up to 4 weeks after surgery.
We require that all animals have their core vaccinations prior to neutering. Please discuss with your surgeon.
A note on terminology: To neuter is to castrate (male) or spay (female) an animal. The correct way to use these words are in the following examples:
- A neutering program
- A spay/castration program
FeLV and FIV Testing
Both of these cat diseases (Feline Leukaemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) can be detected by in-house blood tests. A small amount of blood is added to the test kit and results are available in 10-15 minutes. These tests should be done prior to introducing a cat of unknown history to a household known to be free of illness. They are also done as part of the diagnosis of illness by the veterinarian when indicated. Kittens of unknown origin are also routinely screened.
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is a difficult decision between the owner and the veterinarian, whose purpose is to relieve incurable suffering. We take great care in assisting the owner with making this decision. When euthanasia is requested and the animal has not been seen for some time, we will first conduct an examination of the animal, and if there are an treatment options, they will be presented to the owner. This is to ensure that the owner is full informed prior to making any decision. In general, we refrain from euthanising healthy animals and it is not a normal treatment option for animals with curable or manageable illness.