client corner

	Welcome to our new client corner! If you would like to submit some news about your pet, email the details to info@orwellvets.co.uk and we will try to put the details onto our website.
	Barney Hallo, my name is Barney and I am a 4 year old Cocker Spaniel and about one year ago I got a skin infection (Dermatitis) and had to go to the Small Animal Hospital in Newmarket Since then I have to have an injection every month to keep it under control. I am so pleased that my owners took out pet insurance. It can be very costly when you get ill if you do not have pet insurance and you never know when you might need it. Having pet insurance gives us all peace of mind. Without the insurance I might not be here so if you have kind and loving owners make sure they get you covered. Speak to the nice ladies at the front desk. Lots of love Barney woof woof XX
	Lily On the 10th December 2007, Lily Buggs was found to have reduced range of movement in both hips and was also very overweight at 32.5kg. She was already on Hills Canine JD reduced Calorie and had lost 2.0kg in the one month that she had been eating it. It was decided that it would be best if Lily joined the Weight Management Clinic and her owner was very happy to commit to bringing her to the Hospital every two weeks. Eleven months later Lilly and her owner received their Certificate of Achievement from Orwell Veterinary Group. Lily has lost almost 10.0kg and now weighed a much healthier 23.8kg. She looks beautiful and acts like a normal 4-year-old Labrador now. Mrs Buggs says “she looks fantastic now and she's such a happy little girl and I have been asked recently whether she's taking happy pills.” A huge well done to Lily’s owner for all her hard work from all the staff at our Practice.
	Millie Millie was 9 years old when her owner reported to the vet that she was showing signs of stiffness. The vet found she was stiff in her hind limbs, stifles and hips. Millie was also finding it difficult getting up after resting. The vet prescribed some medication to help ease her pain and told her owner about a diet called JD made by Hills, which eases aching joints and helps to maintain healthy cartilage. Millie had also put on weight because she was reluctant to exercise as much. The vet referred her to the Nurse led Weight Management Clinic. On the day that Millie attended the Weight Clinic she weighed 23.6kg, was having regular pain relief and was not exercising much. Millie’s owner decided to use Hills Canine JD Reduced Calorie and was told how much to feed. She attended the clinic every two weeks so that we could monitor Millie’s progress and support her owner. On November 11th, Millie reached her target weight of 18.9kg. She is no longer taking any medication, enjoys long walks and still enjoys her new diet. Well done to Millie’s owner for showing such dedication and commitment. Congratulations from all the staff at Orwell Vet Group.
	Diesel Diesel Parker and his three sisters had been abandoned somewhere near Ipswich – when found near Nacton Shores they were dreadfully thin; Diesel's fur was matted and caked in his own faeces. He winced away from human touch and was silent -the strongest sign of a broken spirit. Diesel found his new home with Ron and Margaret Parker, already experienced dog owners of mastiffs for 24years. They brought him to Orwell Vets weighing just 34kg (fully grown Newfoundland males weigh 60-70kg) and were advised by vet Charles Bagnall he may never reach his full potential. What Diesel needed was a high protein diet where all the food goes into building muscle not fat. This was provided by the Saxmundham based pet food company Salters in a highly specialised diet using natural products. Vets and nurse Lesley at Orwell Vets saw Diesel regularly to oversee the rehabilitation and ensure weight was gained at a careful rate. It took Ron and Margaret and the staff team 6 months to get Diesel to his target weight. The sisters went to new homes with the help of Newfoundland Welfare Rescue – contact Mrs Sue Hislop 01669 650320 for more information. Now Diesel has a full life and is a proud healthy handsome dog. His coat glistening, he happily gives his paw and bounds into the surgery full of beans wagging his tail looking forward to his cuddles. It is true testimony to the dedication and love that Ron and Margaret have been able to give him.
	Yoda Bartram the rabbit! Our first client corner star! Yoda is a four year old rabbit has been enjoying regular gold star treatment from his owners who live in Kesgrave, Suffolk. To help keep this affectionate white lion-haired male rabbit a happy healthy hopper Yoda is fed unlimited “Timothy Hay” and regular feeds of “Suparabbit Lite”. Yoda’s owner says ”Yoda has always had benefits of regular health checks which initially alerted us to his dental problem. With this being treated, coupled with his varied diet including plenty of good quality hay, Yoda continues to enjoy a very healthy lifestyle. We very much appreciate all the help and advice provided by all staff at Orwell Vets. Vets at Orwell Veterinary Group also regularly vaccinated Yoda against Myxomatosis, and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. Charles Bagnall, one of the partners at Orwell Vets, said: “Poor dental health can cause all manner of problems for rabbits. Because there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages, many owners don’t realise that anything’s wrong. By the time the rabbit is taken to a vet, it’s often too late. However, with just a quick check-up, we can see what condition the teeth are in and advise on how to help the rabbit stay healthy and happy. Yoda regularly comes in to see me and to have his teeth rasped to ensure he is able to eat his food and stay healthy and happy."
	Blue & Robbie Well done to Blue and Robbie Girling both blue roan cocker spaniels who achieved a sponsored stay this autumn and they and others dogs at their dog group, Ipswich Dog Training Club, raised £344.00 for the Cinnamon Trust in Autumn 2007.