ID-marking

There are many advantages to having your pet ID-marked, and it can prove invaluable if your pet were to run away. Identification can help reunite you and your pet if you become separated.

There are two options we offer at the clinic:

Tatto identification / ear tattooing

Tattoo identification / ear tattooing is the most common ID-marking method for cats and for certain dog breeds in Sweden. The marking is usually performed in the left ear. The cat must be sedated (given a sedative) for tattoo/ear tattoo identification to be permitted.

Cats are marked with a random combination of numbers and letters (provided to the clinic by the Swedish Kennel Club), usually consisting of 4–5 characters. The tattoo is read from the inside of the ear outwards.

Microchip marking

A pet can be microchipped from six weeks of age and can then be identified for the rest of its life. The microchip is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades or on the left side of the neck. The procedure feels no more uncomfortable than a regular vaccination and is not harmful.

All microchips have a unique ID number programmed into them, and this is the number that is registered in the owner database. If you plan to travel abroad, your pet must be microchipped and also have an international pet passport. We can arrange all of this at the clinic.

After the microchipping procedure, it is the pet owner’s responsibility to submit the ID number to the Swedish Board of Agriculture or to DjurID for registration. This is not done at the clinic. By law, all dogs must be registered in the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s dog register.

You are very welcome to visit us for advice regarding ID marking or to book an appointment with one of our veterinarians!

Borreliosis / Lyme disease

Lyme disease (borreliosis) is a tick-borne disease that is becoming increasingly common in Scandinavia.

Ticks are found in almost all parts of the world, and there are an estimated 800 different species. The most common species in Sweden is Ixodes ricinus. The primary hosts for ticks are voles and mice, but larger mammals and humans can also be affected. Ticks become active when temperatures reach 4–5°C. They are most commonly seen between April and October, but during mild winters they may survive for longer. Ticks thrive best in slightly humid environments such as near waterways and in shaded woodland areas.

The tick attaches itself to the skin and feeds on blood. Once it has finished feeding, it falls off. A tick bite in itself is not dangerous for a dog or cat. The problem is that some ticks can transmit diseases between hosts, such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis/ehrlichiosis.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium. The tick carries the infection and transmits it through its saliva when it bites. Removing the tick as quickly as possible reduces the risk of disease transmission. The incubation period can be long — up to five months.

Dogs infected with Lyme disease can show a wide range of symptoms. Some develop an acute form with fever, swollen and painful joints, lameness, and lethargy. More commonly, the disease follows a prolonged course with vague symptoms such as lameness or stiffness that may “move” between different legs, fatigue, behavioral changes, poor appetite, and reduced general condition. More severe symptoms such as kidney damage, heart problems, and neurological issues have been documented, but these are rare.

In cats, Lyme disease does not appear to cause serious symptoms and often goes unnoticed. Many dogs become infected without showing any symptoms, as their immune system is able to fight the infection without the need for antibiotics. Antibody levels may remain high for a long time. High antibody levels do not necessarily indicate a more severe infection compared to lower levels.

If Lyme disease is suspected in your pet, you should book an appointment with a veterinarian. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and blood tests. In the laboratory, PCR testing can determine whether antibodies against Lyme disease are present in the blood and whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Treatment consists of a specific antibiotic course lasting two to several weeks. Preventively, pets can be protected against ticks and Lyme disease. There are various tablets, spot-on treatments, and collars available that protect against ticks. We also offer a vaccine against Lyme disease, which can be an excellent form of protection for your pet. The basic vaccination consists of two injections given four weeks apart, followed by a booster vaccination once a year.

You are very welcome to call or visit us for advice on which preventive treatment is best suited for your pet.

Dog bitten by a viper

STRICT REST!

Keep the dog in absolute stillness, as activity can accelerate the spread of venom from the bite site. If the venom spreads more slowly, the dog has a better chance of reaching a veterinarian before serious symptoms develop. Any manipulation of the bite site (bandaging, cooling, suction, or similar measures) is not recommended.

SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY!

Immediately after a snake bite, it is difficult to assess whether venom has been injected and to what extent. It usually takes about 10–20 minutes before swelling may become noticeable. A snake can bite without injecting venom, and it is therefore possible to wait briefly to see whether the dog shows any signs of being affected.

Most commonly, symptoms appear relatively soon after the bite, but in some cases symptoms may worsen during the first 24 hours. It is therefore important to monitor your pet closely after a suspected snake bite. If any symptoms occur, early treatment is essential. For this reason, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible after a snake bite.

Please keep in mind that other animals, such as insects, can also cause allergic reactions including swelling and skin irritation. In these cases as well, it may be advisable to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

CORTICOSTEROIDS

Routine administration of corticosteroids in cases of suspected acute snake bite is not recommended. However, there are certain situations where the medication may be considered:

• Allergic reactions on previous occasions
• If the dog has previously been bitten by a viper
  
  If acute corticosteroid treatment is given, the following should be considered:
• The treatment must not delay veterinary assessment. The dog must be kept on strict rest.
• Use only an anti-inflammatory dose.
• Both the pet owner and the veterinarian are aware that corticosteroids are not expected to have any significant effect and that the patient urgently requires other treatment.
  
  

VAD HÄNDER HOS VETERINÄREN?

För att bedöma om hunden har fått i sig gift och i vilken omfattning, tar veterinären blodprov. Ibland kan man behöva ta ytterligare prover. Vid tecken på förgiftning rekommenderas vård på klinik för observation och burvila. Man ger då intravenöst dropp efter blodprovstagningen för att förebygga hypotension och njurskador. Man kan även ge blodprodukter, smärtstillande, antihistamin, adrenalin.

Diarré

Kräkningar och diarré hos hund

Kräkningar är oftast mer oroväckande än diarré. Detta är på grund av att hunden förlorar mer elektrolyter (kalium i detta fall) samt magsyra. Det kan då fortare bli komplikationer än vid diarre. Dessutom är kräkning i mycket större utsträckning förknippat med allvarliga orsaker så som stopp i tarmen förgiftning etc än diarre.

När ska man kontakta veterinär? Om hunden kräks intensivt i mer än 1 timme, eller om den fortsätter att kräkas trots att man svält hunden ett par timmar samt om hunden kräks upp vätskeersättning eller små portioner skonkost. Om hunden har diarré och verkar ha ont i buken, om hunden inte vill äta eller om den får en intensiv diarre, eller att det pågår i mer än 2 dagar, om den blir blodig, eller om din hund får ett påverkat allmäntillstånd, inte vill gå på promenad eller inte vill äta.

Hundar drabbas ofta av mag- och tarmsjukdomar. Kräkning & diarré kan orsakas av att hunden ätit något den inte tål, av olika virus eller bakterier. I lindriga fall blir avföringen lös och smetig, i andra fall sprutar diarrén ur hunden och kan till och med bli blodig. När hunden kräks och har diarré förlorar den vätska. Efter en tid resulterar detta i vätskebrist och uttorkning. Stora hundar klarar det mycket bättre än små eller unga hundar.

Diarré: Ge skonsam kost

Om en hund får diarré bör man ge skonkost eller speciell dietkost. Även vid diarré är det viktigt med ett par timmars vila från matintag då belastningen på mage och tarm behöver minskas. Däremot är det viktigt att de har tillgång till vatten, eller ännu hellre – vätskeersättning. När Ni börjar mata hunden igen ge då små portioner 6-8 gånger under det första dygnet av en lättsmält föda. Öka gradvis portionsstorleken och minska antalet mål gradvis under de första dygnen. Efter ett par dagar kan i regel det vanliga fodret gradvis blandas in.

Kräkningar: svält hunden

Vid kräkning är det lämpligt att helt ta bort maten under ett par timmar, ca 8-12timmar, och därefter starta med endast vätskeersättning. Detta ger man lite åt gången och ofta. Om hunden får behålla vätskeersättning försöker man med upprepade små portioner av lättsmält föda.

Det finns bra medel som kan hjälpa när hunden fått diarré t.ex. Diarsanyl och Canikur. Dessa binder vätska och då blir avföringen fastare. De innehåller även viktiga näringsämnen för kroppen och ämnen som även hjälper tarmen att läka. Finns på apotek eller hos din veterinär.

Dog spaying & neutering

Before deciding to have your dog neutered, it may be helpful to read some information in advance to avoid disappointment.

During neutering, the production of sex hormones is eliminated by removing the reproductive organs — in males, both testicles, and in females, the ovaries and sometimes the uterus. After surgery, hormone levels gradually decrease over the course of approximately one month, which may reduce hormonally driven behaviors. However, it is important to be aware that certain established behaviors, such as male aggression and some types of aggression, do not always disappear. For this reason, it may be beneficial to try chemical neutering first to see how your dog responds.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to neutering; however, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks.

In female dogs, the risk of uterine infection (pyometra) is completely eliminated — a condition that affects approximately 50% of certain breeds. Additionally, if spaying is performed before two years of age, the risk of mammary tumors is significantly reduced.

In male dogs, the risk of prostate disease, perineal hernia, and testicular tumors is reduced. One common consequence of neutering is weight gain, which can lead to weight-related health issues if not managed properly. It is recommended to reduce food intake by approximately 30% or switch to a special diet formulated for neutered dogs. This may be more than necessary in some cases, but it is always easier to increase food portions if your dog becomes too thin than to lose excess weight.

Other possible disadvantages include a deterioration in coat quality in some individuals, resulting in a coat that resembles puppy fur. In female dogs, approximately 10% may develop urinary incontinence, which in most cases can be managed with medication.

Neutering cat

We recommend neutering cats at the age of 6–7 months, which is when sexual maturity typically begins.

Male cats may start marking their territory, often to the frustration of their owners — sometimes on the finest rug or newly decorated wallpaper! The odor is very strong and difficult to remove.

Female cats begin to come into heat at this age, which is noticeable as they may walk around vocalizing loudly and rubbing against objects. They may also start spraying urine in various places.

Once these symptoms appear, the best treatment is neutering. However, for female cats, the procedure should be performed after the heat cycle has ended, as the reproductive organs are highly vascular during heat, increasing the risk of bleeding if surgery is performed at that time.

If male cats are neutered at an early age, testosterone levels do not have time to rise significantly, and it takes less time for the cat to stop these unwanted behaviors.

Neutered female cats do not develop high levels of estrogen, which reduces the risk of mammary tumors. Female cats treated with contraceptive pills are at a high risk of developing future health problems, such as mammary tumors.

The benefits of neutering cats are many!

Ex.

• The cat develops a calmer temperament, with reduced aggression and similar behaviors.
• Is less likely to urinate indoors.
• Less strong odor in the urine.
•  A more pleasant companion cat.
• Reduced risk of hormone-related diseases.

dental

Does your dog have bad breath or difficulty chewing? Dental problems are very common in dogs. Soft bacterial plaque forms on the teeth and gradually mineralizes, forming tartar (hard, yellow-brown deposits). These deposits cause inflammation of the gums. Periodontal pockets then develop along the tooth roots, which can lead to tooth loss.

In some cases, inflammation in the oral cavity can spread throughout the body and cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart.

Check your dog´s teeth

You can check your dog’s teeth yourself. Gently lift the upper lip so you can see the canine teeth and molars. The teeth should be white, and the gums should be light pink. Many dogs normally have black pigmentation on the gums.

However, red or swollen gums, as well as teeth with discoloration or plaque buildup, indicate disease. In these cases, you should contact your veterinarian.

Treatment

For a thorough dental treatment, your dog needs to be placed under anesthesia. First, the teeth and oral cavity are examined to determine what treatment is required. The teeth are then cleaned, and tartar and soft plaque are removed using ultrasound. If appropriate, the teeth may also be polished, creating a smoother surface and a good starting point for regular tooth brushing.

In some cases, loose or damaged teeth need to be extracted. The gums may also require surgical treatment, for example to remove periodontal pockets. Finally, the teeth and gums may be treated with a bactericidal solution. After a thorough dental treatment, inflamed gums are given the opportunity to heal, and further tooth loss can be prevented.

Follow-up advice on continued dental care is often needed. All of this can be done here at our clinic. We also usually run an annual dental care campaign to encourage more pet owners to take care of their dog’s teeth.

A few steps to improve your dog´s oral hygiene

• Regular tooth brushing with a recommended toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental problems.
• Most dogs benefit from chewing on marrow bones, chew bones, or similar items. This provides chewing exercise and helps slow the formation of tartar.

• Proper nutrition is an important part of preventive dental care. The teeth need to be used, and therefore feeding dry kibble is better than softened food. Choose a high-quality dry food that does not need to be moistened. A bowl of fresh water should, of course, always be available.

  At our clinic, we also offer special diets for dogs with tartar-related dental problems.

  
  
  

the heat cycle

Female dogs come into heat 1–3 times per year, and each heat cycle consists of four phases.

• Progesterone is a hormone that maintains pregnancy. Its role is to create the proper environment in the uterus for potential embryos, stimulate the growth of the uterine lining, and increase mucus production. By measuring the level of progesterone in the female dog’s blood, it is possible to determine how close she is to ovulation. A value above 12 ng/mL is considered optimal on the day of mating.

• Proestrus (pre-heat), During this phase, the reproductive organs fill with blood, the vaginal walls thicken, and the vulva becomes swollen. During this period, the first signs of bleeding appear, gradually increasing in amount and becoming lighter in color. The heaviest discharge is usually seen just before ovulation.

  During this phase, the female dog may want to play with other dogs. Proestrus lasts approximately 7–10 days, with normal variations ranging from 3 to 27 days. During this period, the female dog is dewormed.

• Estrus (true heat), During this phase, the female dog accepts the male. Vaginal discharge becomes lighter in color (it may also stop completely or, in some cases, be abundant), the vulva softens, and the female dog’s behavior changes noticeably.

  Estrus lasts approximately 4–12 days, with normal variations ranging from 3 to 27 days. The female dog is usually in estrus (standing heat) around days 11–14 of the cycle.

• Metestrus (post-heat), Regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not, this phase lasts for approximately two months due to the hormone progesterone. During this period, the vulva returns to its normal size and shape.
• Anestrus (resting phase), Lasts approximately three months.
  
  

HD/ AD X- RAY

For many dog breeds, there are genetic health screening programs for certain joint and skeletal diseases. Nowadays, hip dysplasia (HD) radiographs are also recommended for some cat breeds.

For information about which examinations are relevant for each breed and the recommended age for testing, we refer you to the Swedish Kennel Club (SKK) at www.skk.se. You may also consult your breed club or breeder. We make this referral because SKK sets the regulations, and we want to ensure that you are aware of the most up-to-date rules.

When hip joint radiographs are performed, SKK requires that the dog be sedated. When your dog is sedated (given a sedative), various withdrawal periods apply for shows, trials, competitions, or training. The Swedish Kennel Club determines these withdrawal periods and provides information on the timelines required for participation in different activities. It is the pet owner’s responsibility to stay informed about these regulations.

Please remember to bring your dog’s pedigree certificate. It must always be presented when attending HD/ED radiography. Do not feed your dog on the morning of the examination, as sedation will be administered.

Kind regards
SKK

POISONING

One of the most common reasons for visits to veterinary clinics during the summer is poisoning.

This can happen when your dog ingests something inappropriate, such as a rat that has eaten rat poison. It is very important to know what type of poison your pet has been exposed to. Rat poison contains substances that inhibit the blood’s ability to clot, which can lead to internal bleeding 1–3 days after ingestion.

Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog has eaten chocolate, it is important to induce vomiting as soon as possible. Milk chocolate contains less theobromine than dark chocolate and is therefore less toxic. Toxicity also depends on the size of the dog and the amount of chocolate consumed.

It is important to observe your dog carefully during walks, as many dogs ingest harmful substances without the owner noticing.

Cats can also ingest rat poison in the same way as dogs. In cats, common signs include loss of appetite, reduced drinking, and lethargy. Sometimes cats may develop diarrhea or vomiting, depending on the type of poison ingested. Cats can also ingest harmful substances by licking liquids that have become stuck in their fur.

If the owner lives close to a veterinary clinic, they should seek veterinary care immediately. If it takes a long time to reach a clinic, it is important to call the clinic and receive guidance directly from a veterinarian.

There is extensive information about poisoning available on the Poison Information Centre’s website.

Read more

The owner may give activated charcoal or milk to the pet. These substances bind toxins and prevent absorption from the intestines. Inducing vomiting can also help remove certain types of poison from the body. Always contact a veterinarian before inducing vomiting.

TRAVELING WITH PETS

Traveling abroad with pets

To travel abroad with your pet, you must be familiar with the rules and regulations of the destination country. These regulations can be found on the website of the Jordbruksverket.
Read more

It is important that you obtain a pet passport from a veterinary clinic before traveling abroad with your pet. The passport must contain all relevant information about the animal, such as name, identification or microchip details, and vaccinations. Rabies vaccination is not the only important requirement when traveling, your pet may be exposed to different diseases depending on the country you are visiting. Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before traveling to EU countries.

Some countries also require deworming against the fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis).

It is advisable to contact the Swedish Board of Agriculture or the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) for more information about the regulations in the countries you plan to visit, as you, as the pet owner, are responsible for complying with the rules during the journey.