What's New At Kensington Vet Clinic?

Welcome to our first newsletter. We will be producing a newsletter every quarter to keep you up to date with what is happening in the clinic and any specials that are currently on offer. If you've been emailed the newsletter and no longer wish to receive it please access our homepage at www.kensingtonvet.com.au to remove your name from the list.

And while you're there, check out the new improved website. If you would like your pet to be in the gallery, send us a photo at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also download puppy preschool forms from here and catch up on some good information on pet care.

Staff News

Emma and Bevan have just had their first child - Braydon. Emma has decided to stay home and be a full time mum, which she is enjoying very much. Coba - her dog - is delighting in having another family member to look after.

Anyone who has been in on a Monday night or on weekends will know Charisse who has been working for us part time for the last 18 months. Charisse has finished work in preparation for her first baby - we wish her all the best.

Clinic Specials

Eukanuba and Iams are currently offering a great deal through this clinic only. Buy any 3kg bag of Eukanuba or Iams until the end of June (or while stocks last) and get 50% off. This is a great buy so get in quickly!.

Kitten and Cat Adoption

We still have kittens for adoption. We now have a page on the website with cute photos and all their details.

Pet Care for Winter

It's been great to have some rain for the garden recently, but the return of the cold rainy weather means it is time to think about arthritis in our pets. You may notice that your dogs are becoming a little stiff when they get up or that your cat no longer wants to jump. Maybe your pet is just sleeping more. Animals often hide their discomfort and may already be in considerable pain once they start to show us signs of arthritis.

Arthritis causes a reduced production of cartilage and synovial (joint) fluid and an increase in cartilage degradation in the joint. This effectively means a decrease in cushioning between the joints resulting in bone rubbing together, resulting in pain and localized inflammation. This causes a low grade constant pain, swelling and reduced function of the joint.

Osteoarthritis can be an incredibly painful and debilitating disease. There is no cure for arthritis however there are ways in which we can manage the disease to help maintain your pet's quality of life. There are four key ways in which we can approach treatment:

Lifestyle change
Regular gentle exercise can aid in maintaining mobility, weight and general health. Maintaining your pet at a healthy weight will relieve pressure on the joints. Cold weather can also reduce blood flow to the limbs so keep your pet warm at night with bedding, coat or a heating pad. Jumping on and off a bed or out of a car can irritate joints so provide a little step or ramp to help out.

Maintain healthy joints
There are three naturally occurring products proven to assist in treating the causes of osteoarthritis - glucosamine, chondroiton and green lipped mussel. These products are available in a powder, capsule or treat form. There is no control of the quality of these products on the market as they are not classed as drugs and not all products are registered to ensure consistency of product. Feel free to come in and discuss our recommendations. There is currently a special introductory offer available for the capsule Osteosupport, so you can try it for yourself and see how well it works.

Modify the disease progression
There are injections which can be given over a period of time and are shown to assist in treatment and slow the progression of the disease by increasing blood supply to the joints and promoting healing. The drug is penotsan polysulphate - more commonly known as cartrophen. We have found this to be one of the most successful treatments available.

Control the pain & inflammation
Anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed for acute flare-ups or long term management. Prescription of these is dependant of your pet's history and only as part of a treatment plan. We usually use these in the long term only when the other treatments are no longer providing enough pain relief.

Come and talk to us should you think that you pet may be a little sore or stiff. Early intervention can assist with better management of this disease and help to alleviate pain that your pet may be experiencing. Every case is different and we can help you choose the right treatments for your pet.

Goodbye for now from Squirt and everyone at Kensington Vet Clinic