Barb's Bits

Did you have a lovely Easter break this year? I had the wonderful good fortune of visiting relatives in Canberra, Wagga Wagga and Bendigo, while watching Abby and her SA team compete in (and win) the national u18 Women's lacrosse title. The family visits were particularly poignant - my sister-in-law is in the final (hopefully successful) treatment phase for breast cancer, my cousin is in the advanced stages of metastatic bowel cancer. and my auntie is 93 - I confess I shed quite a few tears.

Having cancer occur again in family members so close to my heart made me reflect once again on the importance of cancer research. Our Biggest Morning Tea is on Thursday May 22nd this year, from 11am - 12.30pm, and it is your opportunity to help raise funds for this great cause. Don't stress if you can't make it - you can still donate http://sa.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/hubvets

If you can come, though, it will give you an opportunity to farewell Karl - this will be his last day, before heading off to Melbourne to try his luck (and love!) in the Big Smoke! We thank Karl for his wonderful professional and personal support over the last 2 1/2 years, and we wish Karl and Sarah the brightest of futures together - because they're family!!!!

We see a lot of different types of cancers here in the clinic - blood cancers, bone cancers, skin cancers, cancers of the bladder, liver, spleen. Wherever there are dividing cells, cancer can occur.

When I was growing up, cancer was like a death sentence. Not now, though. The rate of growth of medical knowledge is absolutely astounding - the treatment knowledge gained over an 18 month period saved my niece's life when she was first diagnosed with leukaemia, and that knowledge continues to grow today.

Please, come and join us at Aberfoyle Hub Vet Clinic on May 22nd, from 11am - 12.30pm. For a $5 donation, you can enjoy real coffee and lovely home made cake. If you can't get away, you can still donate - either online at http://sa.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/hubvets or in person at the clinic. You can make a difference - please do!

Because cats are relatively small and very agile they are even better than dogs at hiding or covering up mobility difficulties caused by arthritis. We generally don't take cats for a walk around the block so it is hard to see a limp or change in gait. Pain commonly goes unnoticed in our feline friends so watch out for these subtle signs:

Mobility

• Your cat may hesitate when jumping up or down from your lap or from the furniture
• She may not land very gracefully when jumping down
• Will be reluctant to climb the fence or climb trees
• Will be unwilling to move freely in and out of cat flap 
• She may no longer use the litter box, especially if it has high sides 

Temperament

• She may be less tolerant around people and be reluctant to be picked up or moved
• Hissing, scratching or even biting when touched
• More withdrawn and less likely to interact with you or other pets she usually tolerates

Appearance

• Matted or scruffy coat; she may be too sore to turn around and groom herself
• Your cat’s nails may not wear down as quickly as they once did simply because she is less active

This dog doesn't seem to have any mobility issues...yet! Oh, and we don't recommend your dog attempts all of these moves at home!