Here's our vet Gwen hard at work in the surgery.

****CITY VET COLOURING COMPETITION**** Ever wonder what goes on in the Treatment room or Operating theatre at City Vet? Would you like to win a "Behind-the-Scenes" tour? Along with a tasty Easter treat? Colour in a picture or, better still, draw your own pet and colour it in (extra points for this option). Be as creative as you like! RULES: 1. the first picture (puppy and flowers) is for children 8 years and under, 2. the second (2 puppies) is for 9-12 year olds and 3. the third (pets) is for 12 years + (adults too!) 4. you must supply your name and a contact telephone number with each entry. (IF you do not leave a contact number we cannot accept your entry) 5. Simply print off the appropriate picture, colour it in, photograph/scan it and send it to us on Facebook as a private message or e-mail it to reception@cityvet.ie. Or you can drop it in to the clinic. The City Vet staff will then decide on the winner in each category. Competition closes on Friday April 6th 2018. Have fun and best of luck!

Remember this smashing pair? Here are the two German Shepherd sisters returning to City Vet for their booster vaccinations. Their owner, after much deliberation, decided to call them Bella (the gentle one) and Lagnertha (crazy lady!!), named after a character in the TV series "The Vikings". Needless to say they took the visit all in their stride and were very well behaved. See how much they've grown?!

****FREE EAR EXAM**** Does your pet have an ear problem? Could he/she be suffering in silence? Is your pet scratching/rubbing their ears or shaking their head more than normal? Are their ear(s) dirty or is there a smell from them? City Vet is offering a FREE ear exam all of next week, from March 26th to Saturday 31st. To book an appointment please phone 061-419760.

****COMING SOON - COMPETITION WITH GREAT PRIZES!!**** Sharpen your colouring pencils! We're having a fun competition for children and adults to colour in a picture or draw one of your own pet. For more details watch this space......

Should I vaccinate my pet rabbit? If so, how often? The simple answer is YES! Rabbits can contract and suffer from very serious diseases which can be prevented by vaccination. They are called Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) types 1 and 2 and Myxomatosis. These diseases are highly contagious and almost always fatal. VHD-type 2 was exotic to Ireland up until 2017 when there were outbreaks in counties Clare, Wicklow and Cork. It is unknown how widespread the disease is in Ireland but with a large population of wild rabbits, we have to presume it is a potential threat nationally. Vaccination for VHD - type 1 and Myxomatosis can be done from 5 weeks of age and then annually (after 12 months the immunity to these diseases reduces so annual booster vaccinations are very important). There is no "cross protection" between VHD-types 1 and 2; VHD-type 2 vaccine should be given every 6 months. If you wish to enquire about vaccinating your rabbit or book an appointment, please phone 061-419760.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY from all at City Vet. Please note the clinic is CLOSED today. For any veterinary emergencies please call us on 061-419760. The clinic is also CLOSED on Monday but re-opens on Tuesday morning at 9am as usual. Opening hours are as normal for the rest of the week.

PLEASE NOTE, City Vet will be CLOSED on Saturday March 17th AND on Monday March 19th. Apologies for the inconvenience. In the event of a veterinary emergency at this time, please phone 061-419760

***LUCKY LUCKY BEAR*** Bear was brought in to us today by a kind citizen who had found him wandering and lost. Luckily he is micro-chipped and his owner's details are registered and up-to-date. We contacted his owner and they were happily reunited within hours of being separated. PLEASE microchip your pet - it's simple, affordable and it's the Law. If you wish to enquire about microchipping or would like to make an appointment, please phone the clinic on 061-419760

Last week we welcomed a group of pupils from St. Michael's Infant School to City Vet. They were very well behaved and kept our vet Donal on his toes with their enthusiasm and questions! Who knows if there are any budding vets or vet nurses in their midst?

Why do cats fight? Cats fight with other cats to protect their territory, or to gain more territory. Bite wounds are common in cats; over 90% of infected wounds are from cat bites. These wounds are frequently infected and without treatment cats can become very ill. Bite wounds are more common in male cats, especially in Tom (un-neutered male) cats. My male cat is neutered. Why does he still fight? Tom cats are very territorial and defend an area around their home and try to expand their territory, so that they are constantly fighting with other cats. Neutered male cats defend smaller areas, and females also defend their territory. The frequency of fighting will depend on the number of cats in an area and the presence of Tom cats. What can I do to stop my cat from being bitten? Neutering may reduce territorial fighting, but will not completely stop it. Confining the cat indoors, particularly at night when fights are most common, may help reduce the number of bites and fights. What happens after a cat has been bitten? When a cat bites, the canine teeth cause small deep flesh wounds. These rapidly seal over, trapping bacteria from the cat's mouth under the skin. This may go unnoticed for several days as an abscess forms and the affected cat is often fevered and in pain. On the lower legs or tail infection spreads through the tissues causing cellulitis. What should I do if I know my cat has just been bitten? If you know that your cat has been in a fight, contact your vet immediately. Treatment within 24 hours will often stop the spread of infection and may prevent abscess formation. If several days have elapsed since the fight, an abscess will usually form, requiring more involved medical and possibly even surgical treatment. Are there any other problems associated with fight wound infections? Bite wounds are the main route of transmission of some very serious feline diseasess, including, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) which can lead to further serious disease in your cat. If you have any questions regarding any of the above or would like to make an appointment to neuter your cat, please phone the clinic on 061-419760