As pet healthcare professionals, we are often exposed to a sad and unfortunate side of pet ownership, like coming to work and finding a box of ‘unwanted' kittens on our doorstep, often in poor condition and in need of urgent medical attention. The good news is, in most cases we are able to make a difference, just like the case of little Connie. Tiny Connie was handed into our Carine practice as a stray. One of her eyes was completely fused shut and she was in much need of medical care and attention. Once settled down, our veterinarian, Dr Jonathon was able to conduct a physical examination and health check-up.

In October, Vetwest ran a hydrobath fundraiser to raise funds for the World Vision's East Africa Emergency Appeal. 50% of all proceeds made from our hydrobath services were donated to this appeal. We are proud to announce that we were able to contribute $1400 to World Vision.

As you may already be aware, East Africa is experiencing its worst drought in more than 60 years. Poor rainfall and massively inflated food prices are affecting more than 13 million people in countries including Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. World Vision is responding to the immediate needs of those affected by drought.

Our veterinarian Dr Nicole of Vetwest Canning Vale recently volunteered her time and skills at a charity animal clinic in a region in Bali. Read her story here:

"For those of you who are interested in the welfare of animals around the world, volunteering in charity animal clinics in third world countries is a rewarding and very enjoyable experience. It is a great way to learn about different cultures and meet local people in a more informal manner then when visiting as a tourist. I recently spent one month volunteering in a charity clinic called BAWA (Bali Animal Welfare Association) which is set amongst the rice paddy fields in the inland hilly region of Ubud, Bali.

Pit Bull TerrierAfter a number of dangerous dog attacks around Australia, a stir has been created between members of the public and dog owners. Unfortunately some of our clients who own Staffordshire Bull Terriers (or fondly referred to as Staffies) have been encountering problems with members of the public accusing them of owning dangerous dogs. This is most likely a result of lack of awareness of the two breeds and has unfortunately been heightened by the presence of news footage showing images of Staffordshire Bull Terriers rather than Pit Bull Terriers.

News headlines from across the world have reported on a new study where dogs were able to detect lung cancer in humans by sniffing human breath. The research was conducted in a German hospital and reported in the European Respiratory Journal. The test involved 110 healthy people, 60 patients with lung cancer and 50 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Each person was asked to breathe into a fleece filled tube which absorbed the smell of the person's breath.

Murdoch University has recently confirmed a localised occurrence of a respiratory disease in dogs caused by a bacterium known as Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Two dogs from the kennel died. Although other dogs on the property were affected, they have since made a full recovery with appropriate treatment. Streptococcus zooepidemicus is an infectious cause of respiratory disease in dogs. Outbreaks tend to be confined to kennels with larger numbers of dogs.

Sea hare found on Leighton Beach

If you have taken a visit to the beach over the past month you may have noticed an unusual looking sea creature washed up on the shoreline. Resembling a large squid like creature, the Sea Hare is causing havoc to Western Australian canines. It has been reported that Murdoch University Animal Hospital has dealt with at least two poisonings in recent weeks with other incidents also being reported throughout the veterinary community.

Vetwest Currambine veterinarian Dr Chad Marriot was invited to talk to The West about how to keep our furry loved ones cool this summer. Read the story here. There's also a video too! View it here.

We recently had a question from Deb, who has purchased an 8 week old Kelpie. Deb asked us, "How do I safely socialise my puppy given the current parvovirus disease outbreak?"