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As the long nights and cold weather appear to engulf Hinckley
in their winter grip it would appear that ill health follows.
Just as the "lurgy" has decimated staff members
at Fairfield a dramatic rise in cases of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis
appears to be having a similar effect on the local canine
population. An outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea over the
last 2 weeks has seen the number of hospitalised patients
rise dramatically.
Whilst no age or breed has escaped ,the more elderly and
the very young have been worst affected as their immunity
appears less developed.
"Hixxy" was one such puppy who was admitted for
persistent and excessive vomiting. Thought initially to
be "something he ate!" it soon became clear that
a viral pathogen was the most likely cause. Antibiotics
and fluid therapy administered intravenously for rehydration
is the mainstay of treatment and despite this it was clear
that "Hixxy" came very "close to the edge."
Warmth and good nursing is the key to success and with
all these factors in his favour "Hixxy" has gone
on to make a good recovery. Not all our patients have been
so fortunate with fatal consequences.
In the current economic climate clients would do well to
check the vaccination status of their pets as some insurance
companies will refuse to "pay out" if owners have
failed to take sufficent precautions against unforseen circumstances.
Michelle
Lampens MRCVS
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