Forth Valley Veterinary Clinic Blog

Our top tips and useful information regarding pet and animal health…

How do we diagnose Arthritis?
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How do we diagnose Arthritis?

Arthritis can be quickly and easily diagnosed by our experienced team of Veterinarians. We perform a range of physical examinations to assess whether your loved horse or pony may be suffering from arthritis.

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Osteoarthritis - What exactly is it?
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Osteoarthritis - What exactly is it?

Like humans, horses can suffer from osteoarthritis (commonly known as arthritis). And, as with humans, it doesn’t just impact the very elderly. Horses of all ages can also suffer from this incredibly painful condition. 

So, what exactly is osteoarthritis? As the name suggests, ‘osteo’ refers to bone, and ‘itis’ refers to inflammation. A degenerative disease, it progressively gets worse over time if left untreated. 

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Diagnosing Pancreatitis
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Diagnosing Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a small fleshy organ located between the stomach and small intestine. The pancreas has many functions related to digestion and the regulation of blood sugar levels.

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Dogs Can Read Minds ?
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Dogs Can Read Minds ?

Owning a pet enriches your life in so many ways. Yet many people remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can come when we embark on the human-animal bond. 

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Physical Therapies and Rehabilitation in Animals
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Physical Therapies and Rehabilitation in Animals

Physical rehabilitation therapies have become very popular in small and large animals. After major surgery, we humans are referred for physical therapy to help restore normal body mobility, movement and function

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SDMA Blood Testing
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SDMA Blood Testing

Your cat’s kidneys play a vital role in maintaining their health. They help control blood pressure, regulate the bloodstream, produce important hormones, enzymes, and red blood cells, as well as remove metabolic waste from the blood.

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Goat Vaccinations
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Goat Vaccinations

As veterinarians we have often come across a common social consensus that goats are tough! They will look after themselves? Right? 

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Thinking about a Joint Supplement for your Dog?
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Thinking about a Joint Supplement for your Dog?

To be honest it’s a mine field out there when it comes to Joint supplements.  Joint supplements are used for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis and or joint disease, and there are hundreds on the market.  

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Pre - Anaesthetic Blood Test
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Pre - Anaesthetic Blood Test

Current generation anaesthetic drugs are the safest ever produced, but that does not mean that anaesthetic risk is zero. The risk to patients depends on several factors including age, presence of disease, having a full stomach, allergies, stress, amount of body fat and even breed. Minimising these risk factors is the logical step before having an anaesthetic.

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Giant and Large Breed Dogs and Puppies
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Giant and Large Breed Dogs and Puppies

Big dogs seem strong, bold, and robust. But, in reality, giant dog breeds are more fragile than medium sized dogs! That’s because of their phenomenal growth rate as puppies, which puts them at a high risk of bone and joint problems. 

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Kidney Disease
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Kidney Disease

Your cat’s kidneys play a vital role in maintaining thier health. They help control blood pressure, regulate the bloodstream, produce important hormones, enzymes, and red blood cells, as well as remove metabolic waste from the blood. If their kidneys aren’t able to do their job properly, this can lead to significant and life-threatening problems, such as Kidney Failure.

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Post-Lockdown Separation Anxiety in our Dogs
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Post-Lockdown Separation Anxiety in our Dogs

If COVID-19 has had a silver lining, it’s been getting to spend more time with our pets. Dogs all over the world have enjoyed snuggling into laps while their humans held video conferences and worked away on the phone or computer. Frequent walks and one-on-one time has become the new norm, and we’ve all loved it. But a topic of discussion amongst vets at the moment is whether we’ll see an increase in separation anxiety in our dogs as work restrictions are eased?

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Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis
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Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis is a serious disease that causes mastitis, ill-thrift, arthritis, pneumonia, and paralysis that moves up the body, and brain disease (encephalomyelitis). CAE is also considered an animal welfare issue. There is no cure for CAE.

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Older Dogs - Stress
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Older Dogs - Stress

“I’m not as sharp as I was…I get confused a little now, I have forgotten some of the house rules and I feel more anxious.”

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Older Dogs - I am in Pain
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Older Dogs - I am in Pain

“I’m sorry I growled and snapped at the little boy from next door, but he just wasn’t respecting my space and I can’t move like I use to. My hips and knees are painful and I can’t get up as quick as I use to.”

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Older Dogs - Body Changes
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Older Dogs - Body Changes

“My skin is dry and thinner… my coat has become coarse and it takes longer to come out when the season changes. And my nails don’t wear down like they use to! They’re preventing me from balancing properly and they get in my way when we go walking. I need a little extra care with grooming these days!”

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Our staff are wildly passionate about animals and making sure your pet is living its healthiest and happiest life

Back that passion with expert qualifications and a love of learning, and it’s safe to say your fur family is in very safe hands.