Illy's Snake Bite Story

Illy was staying with her grandparents in the Adelaide Hills at the beginning of this year. On the morning that her Mum returned from holidays and went to collect her, Illy's back end had collapsed and she was unable to walk. Illy was brought straight to the clinic initially thinking she had injured her back.

Illy just before discharge

Upon examination it was confirmed that her back end was very week and her pupils were dilated. Due to the fact she had been out in the garden this morning in the hills and summer time, it was suspected she had actually been bitten by a snake, most likely the deadly brown snake.

Illy's mum was keen to have her treated as necessary so she was admitted to hospital where she was placed on intravenous fluids and administered anti-venom, anti-histamine and cortisone.

Flea Prevention - What is Best?

Not all flea prevention & treatment products are the same...

Some inexpensive supermarket products might not be as effective and may require you to treat more often. When you choose a flea treatment it is important to check that it not only kills adult fleas but all other life stages including eggs and larvae.

Stop FIV - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline AIDS is caused by infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FIV causes a potentially fatal viral disease that interferes with the immune system of a cat.

The virus lives in the blood of the infected cat and is carried in its system throughout its life. Healthy cats contract the infection through being bitten by an FIV positive cat - approximately 18% of cats in SA are FIV positive.

Cats infected with FIV may remain healthy for a number of years. While some infected cats show no sign of disease, others may display initial symptoms.

Eventually the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections or diseases. As a result, the cat will die from one of these subsequent diseases.

Keeping Your Pet Cool

With the hot weather not far away, here are some tips on how to keep your pet cool:

• Ensure adequate shade and clean drinking water is available at all times
• Limit exercise to early morning and late evening
• Add ice to their water bowl, or make a "doggy iceblock" by filling a plastic container with water or stock and add some treats, cooked rice, raw fruit/vegies or dog biscuits and freeze. The resulting ice block will keep your dog cool as well as entertained