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ARTHRITIS – PIONEERING NUTRITION RELIEVES PET PAIN

Although there have been many advances in the treatment of arthritis in recent years, it seems our four-legged friends are ahead of the pack when it comes to managing the disease with nutrition.

Pioneering nutrigenomics has been applied to develop a range of pet food that can help ease the pain and slow down the progression of this devastating joint disease. Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d contains high levels of EPA, an omega 3 fatty acid, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and influence the gene that causes joint damage.

Nutrigenomics is a relatively new science that explores how certain nutrients can assist in preventing specific diseases. This allows scientists to gain a better understanding of how nutrition can influence disease and has the potential to improve well-being for people and pets, and, in some cases, prolong life expectancy.

“Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d is the first range of pet foods to be developed by applying nutrigenomics,” said Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor for Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “The nutrients in the food literally block the genes that produce cartilage destroying enzymes, and thus protect the joints from further damage.”

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It seems an annual altercation with the landlord of Wet Nose is inevitable. Last year this time, an urgent High Court interdict was granted against him, forcing Grobler to restore the water supply to more than 200 Wet Nose animals including restricting Grobler from entering or interfering with the leased portion of Wet Nose and it’s staff etc- Grobler has on numerous occasions violated the interdict. (Access to the borehole water forms part of the lease agreement, payment of which has never been violated.)

This time, Wet Nose has no power or water. As the phone lines operate on an electrical switchboard, no one is able to get through to the office. A tanker has had to deliver water to clean the kennels and provide drinking water for the animals.

During January, the Municipality and Department of Labour advised Mr Grobler that he needed to supply them with an electrical compliance certificate for his entire property. Wet Nose subsequently obtained an electrical compliance certificate covering its rented portion of the property at a cost of R6000.00. It must be pointed out that this money could surely have been far better spent on medication and care of the abandoned and neglected animals it seeks to help.

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With just under three weeks to go before entries close, there is already some seriously weighty competition for the 2007 Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year title.  This annual competition looks for South Africa’s most successful pet slimmer, a previously portly dog or cat who has reached their target weight on a veterinary supervised weight management programme.

And if you think a bit of extra ‘padding’ helps keep your pet warm during winter, but experts say the reverse may be true, and being overweight can cause serious health problems.

“Fat doesn’t necessarily insulate well,” says veterinarian Dr Guy Fyvie, spokesman for the Hill’s Pet Slimmer programme. “And because overweight pets have poorer circulation they are likely to feel the cold more. There is no benefit to getting fatter when it’s cold, but losing weight can give relief to stiff and sore joints. Don’t feel guilty about putting your pet on a diet, it is one of the best things you can do for their health and well-being at any time of the year.”

South African vets say that about half the animals they treat weigh more than is healthy.  And because these excess kilos cause major health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, cancer and heart disease, hundreds of veterinary practices around the country are now running special pet slimmer clinics for their super-size patients. The Hill’s Pet Slimmer programme combines regular weigh-ins and professional support with a therapeutic diet that helps overweight animals lose weight humanely; it contains a special fibre that helps the pet feel fuller for longer and prevents hunger pangs.

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Phillip Matthysen of Sundra was sentenced to a fine of R10 000.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, suspended for 5 years, in the Delmas Magistrates Court on Tuesday 24 July 2007. He was found guilty of criminal charges laid against him in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962.

He was permitted to keep the dogs currently in his possession. The Court ruled that he may never own a husky again.

Mr Matthysen was also ordered to pay R5 000.00 to the SPCA Springs.

In February 2007, he cut off the head of his young Husky, using a chain saw.

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Sadie, a gorgeous German Shepherd cross owned by a very proud Boy Nxele, won Best on Show at the fourth annual Hill’s Township Dog Show, recently held in Lidgetton, KwaZulu-Natal.

Unlike traditional shows where the entrants arrive ready groomed, at the Hill’s Township Dog Show each of the 77 contestants were first given a lead and collar, then had a veterinary check up and were dipped, de-wormed and inoculated before entering the show ring.

This was the fourth Hill’s Township Dog Show organised by the uMngeni SPCA, as part of their ongoing outreach programme. “We held the show in Lidgetton for the first time this year because we’ve seen the positive difference it has made in the Mpophomeni area. We are trying to reach as many communities as possible,” said uMngeni SPCA’s Adrienne Olivier, the Show Co-ordinator.

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CatDoes your local veterinary practice take extra special care of your cat?  Then they could be elected as South Africa’s most Cat Friendly Practice.  Cat owners have until 10 July 2007 to vote, with ballot boxes available in participating vet clinics around the country.  And by casting your vote you could win a year’s supply of Revolution® complete parasite protection and super-premium Hill’s cat food.

Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary consultant for Hill’s Pet Nutrition and one of the judges, says: “We’re looking for veterinary practices that work at making things as stress-free as possible for their feline patients, because stress can have a negative impact on diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

“It could be as simple as having a raised shelf in the waiting room, so cat baskets can be off the floor and away from inquisitive dogs.  It might involve having different consulting times for cats and dogs.  Certainly the staff at a cat friendly practice will handle cats calmly and gently, making sure security measures are in place so that cats can’t run away.  The staff will also be knowledgeable about cat nutrition, parasite control, catteries, steps you can take to make your visits easier, grooming and breeders.”

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Many pet owners thought that by spending a lot of money buying premium dog food brands, they were ensured that their pets were consuming the best.

How wrong could they have been? The recent pet food scare has left many owners feeling quite unsure about the way forward in giving one’s pets the best available.

That’s where homemade foods spring to mind, where you are in control of what your pet is fed. The Angela Day helpline has been inundated with callers looking for old-fashioned solutions, recipes for pet food.

We have discovered that the homemade option needs a lot more than a few tasty titbits. Feeding pets requires a thorough understanding of the specific nutritional needs of the animal. This covers the nutritive value of different foodstuffs, dietary interactions and methods of preparation and storage.

So feeding Rover a balanced diet, according to the experts, is not as straightforward as it seems and needs considerable time, effort and expertise.

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The SPCA is teaming up with Cape Town police to help curb animal cruelty in the most gang-ridden neighbourhoods.

The partnership, launched in April, has paired SPCA inspectors with police officers in raids on suspected gang and drug dealers’ homes in Athlone.

The inspectors gain access to check for signs of animal abuse. They bring on board their know-how and equipment for handling aggressive guard dogs – R4 000 handling gloves and R2 000 control poles, for instance.

“We are able to go into areas, homes and (see) living conditions of animals that we would never be able to get to if it weren’t for police assistance,” said Andries Venter, chief inspector for the SPCA.

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