A Voice for your Pets

Alex's Blog

Welcome, let's discuss the latest in pet health advice, VetCare patient successes and animal news. We'd love you to weigh in with your thoughts and comments.

Pirate Puppy

Dr. Alex Melrose - Thursday, July 15, 2010

When Angus was only 10 weeks old he got too close to a cat who unfortunately scratched his left eye and it went right through the clear protective surface known as the cornea.    Read more

Arthritis In Your Pets

Dr. Alex Melrose - Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Degenerative joint disease is the number one cause of pain in our pets. 20% of all pets of any age have arthritis. This figure climbs to 90% for the over-tens, afflicting both dogs and cats, particularly large breed dogs. The condition is the result of long-term stresses, from an old injury or from a poorly conformed joint during the growth stages of a puppy or kitten.  A pet doesn’t have to be a senior citizen to benefit greatly from joint care supplements or anti-inflammatories.

 Read more

What is your dog's IQ?

Dr. Alex Melrose - Thursday, May 27, 2010

When a mother feeds her puppy he receives the perfect mix of antibodies and nutrition to protect and develop his immature protective systems - the digestive system, the skin and coat, immune system, and also his brain. Once weaned, his antibody levels drop, leaving a gap in his immune protection.  Read more

Birds Have Feelings Too

Dr. Alex Melrose - Monday, May 10, 2010

Ravens console each other after conflictsThe Raven is capable of showing a degree of empathy towards its peers, previously thought only to be present in apes. Ravens console each other after conflicts! Read more

Puppy Biting

Dr. Alex Melrose - Monday, May 03, 2010

Puppies Using Their Razor Sharp teethControlling That Pup! Here's a few useful pointers from Simon, the Dog Guru, our puppy class teacher. Sometimes our wonderful puppies just want to get our attention and they will do it any way they can.  Read more

Lulu Belle - May's Star Patient

Dr. Alex Melrose - Monday, April 26, 2010

Lulu Belle is a 6 year old female, chocolate point Persian. For years she has had problems with vomiting intermittently but in the last 6 months it had got very bad. She was loosing weight, sometimes collapsing when she vomited and generally feeling very sorry for herself. Read more

Paw Justice

Dr. Alex Melrose - Monday, December 21, 2009

Paw Justice is an animal welfare organisation based here in NZ which is attempting to stiffen the penalties for mistreatment of animals in our community. They have released a fantastic DoggyDaycareTV DVD for your pooches. Read more

Slip Slop Slap

Dr. Alex Melrose - Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Although you may not realise it, our pets can also be susceptible to diseases related to excessive sun exposure. Numerous cancers can affect the skin of animals and most are linked to spending time in the sun. Sunburn is painful to animals too, so keep your pet out of the sun in the middle of the day during our harsh New Zealand summers. In pets, sunburn can appear as red skin or hair loss, and in severe cases can progress to blistering or the formation Read more

Acupuncture At VetCare

Dr. Alex Melrose - Monday, December 07, 2009

Acupuncture, in some form or other has been around for 5000 years. Records show fish-bone needles were used in China around 3000BC, then around 650 BC during the Zhou Dynasty, the first veterinary text was written including discussions of acupuncture techniques in cavalry horses.  Read more

Dog's Sniff Out Cancer

Dr. Alex Melrose - Monday, November 30, 2009

"Breast and lung cancer have been confirmed in people who are already diagnosed by conventional testing methods by trained dogs using their highly sensitive nose in research studies. Our canine companions are still not officially used in clinical detection but with further positive research this would be a likelihood.”, says veterinarian and ANKC spokesman Dr Peter Higgins. Read more



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