VETERINARY SERVICES

• General Health
• We offer a complete veterinary service to the community on a par with any western facility. Fortunately, compared with most other countries, Saudi Arabia is a very safe environment for your cat or dog. Animals must, however, be regularly vaccinated against the common cat and dog diseases, and owners should be aware of the following:
• Ticks: Very common in Saudi. Dogs (rarely cats) will pick them up very easily. They latch on when small, suck the dog's blood, engorge to the size of a baked bean then drop off. Whilst on the animal, mating takes place. The engorged insect is a pregnant female who will produce hundreds of new ticks! These ticks will live happily anywhere - in your garden or even in your house. Once in, they are a nightmare to eliminate. If you find ticks on your dog (often acquired after a trip to the beach or desert) get them off before you get home!
• Call us for advice on removal. Ticks can carry a serious disease - TICK FEVER. Rarely seen, but it's here. It is an acute disease but treatable
• Fleas: A problem here as in all countries. With the new medicines on the market, fleas are not the problem they used to be. We stock the necessary medication.
• Ear mites: Very common in feral cats. And Saudi has a huge population of feral cats. If you adopt a feral kitten it is very likely to be infected (also likely to have ringworm and, for sure, intestinal worms.) Get any new acquisition checked out! Your imported cat, if in contact with feral animals, is vulnerable to the above infections. All treatable, nothing serious.
• Intestinal worms: Cats and dogs are liable to pick up the same worms encountered in other countries. Regular de-worming is recommended. Cats can pick up tapeworms from eating geckos (the little lizards which run up and down house walls at night eating mosquitoes). Both the lizards and the worms are harmless. We stock the treatment for clearing tapeworms.


• General care
• Cats and dogs need regular vaccinations. Other animals need vaccinations for diseases that they are susceptible to. Most reptiles do not need vaccinations. Please see the following sections for detailed vaccination programmes and general care for cats and dogs.
• CATS ▼

Cats

Vaccinations




Kitten vaccinations

• 8 weeks - First vaccination shot (FVRCP).
• 12 weeks - Feline Leukemia shot (FeLV) (only if pretest is negative). A second (FeLV) shot given 4 weeks later with second FVRCP vaccination shot.
• 4 months - Rabies and third vaccination shot (FVRCP).

Cat vaccinations

• FVRCP - yearly. Cats 13 weeks or older that have not been vaccinated should have an initial vaccine followed by a booster in 4 weeks.
• FeLV - yearly. Cats not previously vaccinated need the two injection series.
• Rabies - yearly (depending on vaccine)

Kitten nutrition

Your new kitten needs a very high quality meat-based food. Cats are carnivores (meat-eaters). Kittens need a well-balanced food with a good vitamin and mineral balance in order to ensure adequate nutrient intake. This will help them build strong cells, healthy tissue and a strong immune system. Deficiency diseases are causes by feeding your cat table scraps or junk food. Several balanced pet foods are available for your new kitten. We recommend only pet foods specifically designed for kitten feeding, such as Royal Canin Kitten, Whiskas Kitten, or Meow Mix Kitten Lil' Nibbles. These three are available at our clinics.

Start your new kitten off the right way by getting them fed right!

Ear mites

Signs of EAR MITES in cats and dogs:

• Head shaking
• Scratching the ears (there may be sores around the ears as a result of scratching)
• Reddish-brown to black discharge (crusts and cerumen) in the ears that resemble coffee grounds.
• Sometimes there seem to be no observable signs of ear mites

As ear mites move about and feed along the cat or dog's ear canal they create substantial irritation and inflammation. The mites feed on tissue debris and secretions from the ear canal lining. With repeated irritation, the ear canal thickens and debris builds up within the ear canal. This debris resembles dark coffee grounds. It is composed of mite waste products, dead tissue and fluid. In chronic (long term) cases of ear mites in cats and dogs, there is often secondary bacterial and/or yeast infections present that complicate the treatment and create even more stress on the animal.

Generally, ear mites do not break the ear drum. However, in the presence of extreme bacterial infection and severe ear mite infestation, the ear drum can be penetrated. When this occurs, a very severe middle ear disorder can result where the animal can lose balance, become disoriented and have severe physical signs of illness.

Ear mites in cats is one of the most commonly seen veterinary health care problems. Treating ear mites in cats has finally become a relatively easy experience now that veterinarians can prescribe safe and effective medications that do not require daily applications for weeks.

Caused by a little mite called Otodectes cynotis, which generally lives along the surface of the ear canal, but can also be found on other areas of the body or in the environment. These mites can, but seldom do, infest humans. If present for long periods, they can lead to serious ear difficulties in cats and dogs.

Two stages of nymphs are recognized. Each feeds for 3 to 5 days, then rests and then molts to the next stage. The ear mite life cycle, which takes about twenty-one days from egg to adult, entails going through four different stages:

• Stage 1: The Eggs
• Female ear mites usually lay about 5 eggs daily during their entire adult life. Deposited on the surface lining of the ear canal, the eggs hatch within 4 days.
• Stage 2: The Larvae
• Once hatched from the eggs, the larvae feed for 4 days then rest for 24 hours as they molt into the nymphal phase.
• Stage 3: The Nymphs
• Two stages of nymphs are recognized. Each feeds for 3 to 5 days and then rests and then molts to the next stage.
• Stage 4: The Adults
• Just barely visible to the naked eye, the adult ear mite appears white in color and feeds off the epithelial debris in the cat's ear. There can be literally thousands of mites crawling about the ear canal and external ear surfaces. Ear mites do not burrow into the skin as Sarcoptic Mites and Demodex Mites do. They are communicable from one animal to another by direct contact.

DIAGNOSIS OF EAR MITES
A diagnosis of ear mites by the veterinarian is usually made by one of the following methods:

• Direct visualization of the mites with an otoscope
• Microscopic examination of the ear discharge.

Although some cats show no outward signs of ear mite infestations, the mites can be diagnosed as described above. In most cats with ear mites if you briskly rub the ear canal area the cat will respond by automatic scratching movements of the back leg. Triggering this automatic scratching movement seldom occurs in cats that do not have ear mites. Veterinarians check for ear mites as part of the routine physical exam, especially in multi-cat households.

RHINOTRACHEITIS:

This widespread and common viral disease is very nasty. If it doesn't cause the death of the cat, it can create life-long problems with upper respiratory disorders. Coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose, fever and poor appetite may plague the cat all its life. Chronic tearing and crusty eye discharge are common and create a rather pathetic look to any affected cat. Vaccines are very effective in preventing this disease.

RINGWORM:

Also called a DERMATOPHYTE INFECTION: Fungal infections of the skin of the cat are fairly common, especially in young cats and those with long hair. Most of the cases of ringworm (which is NOT a worm at all) is due to an organism called Microsporum canis (M canis). It can also cause skin infection in other species including dogs and (rarely) humans. Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum persicolor (acquired by contact with infected wild rodents) are the two other fungal species that commonly affect cats. Cats may become infected either by direct contact with an infected animal or by exposure to contaminated objects such as grooming tools, clippers or bedding. Fungal spores are tough and can survive in the environment and cause infections for approximately two years. Some cats have severe skin disease while other cats have only very minor lesions or no lesions at all and look completely normal. That means that there can be feline carriers of fungal infections that can act as a source of infection for other cats. Typical skin lesions are discrete, roughly circular, non-itchy, areas of hair loss, particularly on the head, ears or extremities of the paws. The hairs surrounding affected areas often appear broken. The affected skin is usually scaly and may look inflamed. However, ringworm can look very similar to many other feline skin diseases, such a flea allergic dermatitis, symmetrical alopecia and feline acne. On occasion the claws can become infected. Topical and ingested medications can help eliminate cutaneous fungal infections but must be used long enough to totally eliminate all fungal organisms.

INTESTINAL PARASITES:

The most common parasites are roundworms and tapeworms. You can view them and read about intestinal worms here. Protozoal intestinal parasites can be a hazard as well, and Giardia commonly cause loose, gassy stool and abdominal cramping, especially in young kittens. Easily overlooked, Giardia infestations may need special stains in a professional veterinary laboratory for positive identification.

Coccidia are tiny, single celled organisms common in stressed kittens or those with improper diets. Causing loose, tan stools, coccidia can easily be seen on routine fecal exams and treatment generally will clear these opportunist organisms within a few days. Repeat uprisings of the organisms sometimes occur so treatment may need to be done for two weeks.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)




Q1: When should my pet be vaccinated?

A: Your pet should be vaccinated on a regular basis. The first vaccinations must be given at 8 weeks. Boosters (extra injections to ensure immunity) will have to be administered at the ages of 12 weeks. After this period, your pet should be vaccinated annually. When your pet is vaccinated for the first time you will be given a Vaccination Record Book. Keep this book and bring it with you whenever your pet is re-vaccinated.

Feline panleukopenia (Feline infectious enteritis) - This is a highly contagious disease with a sudden onset of diarrhoea, vomiting, nervous signs and possibly heart failure. Some cats can die within 24 hours whereas others will only have a mild fever and then recover. Cats of all ages are susceptible but young cats are most commonly affected. Effective vaccines have made this an uncommon disease.

Cat flu can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. The main culprits are Feline herpesvirus (also known as Feline Rhinotracheitis virus), Feline Calicivirus and Chlamydophila felis. Cat flu usually starts off with mild sneezing and eye discharge. This can progress to severe sneezing with greenish discharge from the eyes and nose. Herpesvirus can cause ulcers on the eye and Calicivirus can cause ulcers in the mouth and tongue. Chlamydophila felis is a common cause of conjunctivitis (painful runny eyes). Although cat flu seldom causes death in healthy cats it can kill young kittens or elderly cats. Once cats recover they remain carriers for long periods (lifelong in the case of herpesvirus). This means that they can get sick again especially when stressed and spread it to other cats sometimes without being sick themselves. The normal vaccination contains both calici and feline herpesvirus. Vaccination doesn't stop cats being carriers and mainly due to the problem of carrier cats it is not always effective. It will however help to prevent severe disease and is therefore recommended. Chlamydophila is a separate vaccination only given in special circumstances as the immunity doesn't last very long.

Feline leukaemia virus can cause cancer, suppress the immune system and cause anaemia in cats. It is usually fatal. It is mainly transmitted by exchange of saliva e.g. when cats lick or groom each other.

Rabies is an extremely dangerous disease as it can be transmitted to humans if they are bitten by a rabid animal. If this is not treated early enough it is fatal. If your cat is on the Pet Passport Scheme it also needs a microchip implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination and, one month later, a blood test for rabies antibodies. If your cat passes the test and has enough antibodies (0.5 iu/ml) you need to give the rabies vaccination every year BEFORE or ON the due date otherwise the blood test becomes invalid and you have to do it again.

Feline Aids (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) - This disease is common amongst feral cats in the Kingdom. It is mainly transmitted by biting, therefore cats that fight are most at risk. THE DISEASE IS NOT TRANSMISSABLE TO HUMANS. Symptoms include weight loss, fever, painful inflamed gums and chronic infection. We can test your cat for Feline Aids with a quick blood test at consultation. There is a vaccine available but its efficacy is not proven so we are not using it in the Kingdom. The best way to prevent exposure is to keep cats indoors only. Where this is not possible enclose them at night as this is when they are most likely to fight. We also recommend neutering (castration) to reduce fighting behaviour.

Your cat should be vaccinated against cat flu and enteritis, with rabies if you plan to travel. Ask your veterinary surgeon for details.

Remember - vaccination is not for life. After the initial kitten vaccinations boosters are recommended to maintain protection.

After having vaccinations some cats may feel unwell and develop a lump where the vaccination was given. This lump slowly resolves after a few days to weeks. If you are worried please contact your vet.

Q7: How often should I bath my pet?

A: Once a week at the most.

Q8: What should I use to clean him?

A: A special pet shampoo or a mild baby shampoo, certainly not any perfumed hair shampoos. If the animal has any skin complaints, there are special shampoos available.

Q10: What should I do about vomiting and diarrhoea?

A: If an adult dog or cat vomits and has diarrhoea, starve them for 12-24 hours and give small amounts of water frequently. When you start feeding them again, use a bland easily digestible diet such as boiled chicken and rice. Over a few days introduce the normal diet again. Young puppies and kittens can dehydrate quickly. If they have vomiting and diarrhoea and are unable to keep water down, they need to see a vet.

Q10: What is microchipping? Why is it necessary?

A: Microchipping is the process of injecting a small microchip underneath the skin of your animal (just on the neck). This microchip has a unique number which can be used to identify your pet. The number is read using a special reader. Microchipping is permanent and is a requirement for any animal that is to be exported. Jeddah Veterinary Clinic sells Tracer microchips, these can be put into your animal at any age.

Q11: Is the anaesthetic for my pet's surgery safe?

A: We use different types of anaesthetic depending on the age and health status of the animal. Pets older than 7 years may undergo a pre-anaesthetic blood test to assess kidney and liver function. Every pet undergoes a pre-anesthetic health examination before any surgery is considered. Although there is always a risk involved when anaesthetising an animal, we use drugs and methods that are safe.

Q12: Why do I have to starve my pet before the operation?

A: This is to prevent regurgitation and possible inhalation of vomit or saliva into the lungs while under anesthetic or during recovery. Food should be withheld from 10pm the night before. It's easy to remember - dinner's fine, just no breakfast.

Q13: At what age can my cat be castrated?

A: This surgical procedure can be done from 5 months of age.

Q14: At what age can my cat be spayed?

A: This surgical procedure can be done at any time from the age of 6 months.

Q15: What is castration?

A: Castration is the surgical removal of a male animal's reproductive organs (testes) so that it cannot reproduce. The removal of the testes prevents undesirable roaming, aggressive behaviour and unwanted kittens.

Q16: What is spaying?

A: Spaying is the surgical removal of a female animal's reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) so that she cannot reproduce. The removal of the ovaries prevents the undesirable oestrus behaviour. It is this oestrus which causes male cats to be attracted to the female and pre-disposes her to being injured in fights or getting lost when out searching for mates. Obviously, it also prevents the animal getting pregnant and producing unwanted kittens.

• DOGS ▼

Dogs

Puppy Care

Puppy vaccinations, diseases and health care are important topics for any new puppy owner. There's lots to learn so let's get started!

If you are planning on getting a puppy, call your veterinarian before you pick it up, and make an appointment to have it examined as soon as possible. Vets have a preferred protocols for vaccinating puppies and for follow-up vaccinations throughout life. On your way home from the breeder/seller is actually a good time to have the pup seen by your vet, and, if possible, bring in a stool sample from the pup for analysis for worms. Getting rid of any intestinal parasites is the first step in having the pup's nutritional efficiency at an optimum level.

During the examination the vet will look at the pup's medical/vaccination history. If the breeder has given vaccinations just recently, and your vet is confident that it was done properly, a recommendation will be made regarding when to come in for the next booster injection of vaccine. If the pup is healthy and unvaccinated, your veterinarian will suggest vaccinating right away. One or more of the vaccines listed in the table below will be administered and a suggestion made as to when the next visit should be scheduled.

Vaccination Protocols and Schedule

Presented below is just one veterinarian's general schedule of vaccinations for puppies. Your veterinarian's vaccination protocols may be different. Vaccination protocols for dogs are changing almost yearly as new research is done on duration of immunity.

• 6 to 7 weeks of age: Give first combination vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Coronavirus)
• 12 weeks of age: Give the second combination injection.
• 12 to 16 weeks of age: Rabies vaccine is given. (Local and State laws apply regarding Rabies vaccine since this can be passed on to humans. Your vet will tell you the proper time intervals for booster vaccines for Rabies.)
• Special considerations: Many vets believe some breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermans should have at least two Parvo vaccines with the last one being given at 20 weeks of age.

Talk to your vet about which vaccinations should be given, how many times the vaccine should be administered to ensure good protection, and when booster shots should be given (a booster shot refers to giving a vaccine more than one time). The follow-up vaccinations will boost the immune level up higher and the puppy will be even better protected from contracting the disease. Most puppies will get a combination vaccine, called a MULTIVALENT, which protects against more than one disease.

A typical multivalent vaccine is the DHLPPi vaccine for dogs. Instead of giving six different injections, all these vaccines or antigens can be given in a single small volume injection. Certainly this is easier on the dog than getting six separate injections.

DHLPPCv stands for:
D - Canine Distemper Virus - a dangerous viral infection. Distemper is an odd name for a viral infection and this disease has no relationship to nor connection with a dog's temperament.
H - Hepatitis - a viral infection caused by two related viruses that mainly affects the liver.
L - Leptospirosis - a bacterial infection affecting the kidneys. This class of bacteria can infect humans, cows, dogs, pigs and other mammals.
P - Parainfluenza - a virus that, along with the Hepatitis virus, can cause upper respiratory infections.
P - Parvovirus - a severe and often fatal virus affecting the lining of the intestinal tract.
Cv - Coronavirus - is very similar to the Parvovirus, can be very severe, but has a somewhat different effect on the intestinal tract and is not generally fatal.

Why so many vaccinations? Good question! The reason is that no one can be sure that the pup will actually mount a good antibody response to a disease just from one vaccination. The age of the pup and just how much immunity it has received from its mother will complicate the "probability of protection". So... if the pup has lots of immunity (called PASSIVE IMMUNITY) that was passed on from the mother during early nursing, this immunity will actually interfere with the pup's ability to make its own immunity from the vaccine challenge. The idea is to get the vaccine into the pup just as soon as the mother's passive immunity wears off (NOW the pup is very susceptible to sickness if it is exposed to the disease!) so that the pup can make more lasting immunity of its own. The precise time when a pup can respond well to a vaccine is variable... it might occur at 6 weeks of age or might be 12 weeks. So to be as safe as possible, why not start vaccinating at 6 weeks and end at 16 weeks? Almost 99% of puppies will develop a good immune level to the various disease from a vaccine schedule similar to the one above.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)




Q1: When should my pet be vaccinated?

A: Your pet should be vaccinated on a regular basis. The first vaccinations must be given at 8 weeks. Boosters (extra injections to ensure immunity) will have to be administered at the ages of 12 weeks. After this period, your pet should be vaccinated annually. When your pet is vaccinated for the first time you will be given a Vaccination Record Book. Keep this book and bring it with you whenever your pet is re-vaccinated.

Q2. Why is vaccination so important for your pet?

Vaccination protects healthy dogs from some common diseases. These diseases can kill. They are listed below, together with the symptoms most commonly seen.

Parvovirus Dogs of any age can be affected but it is most common in unvaccinated puppies under one year of age. The disease is much more severe in young pups and is often fatal. The symptoms include an initial high temperature, vomiting, profuse bloody and smelly diarrhoea and abdominal pain. This leads to dehydration, collapse and death which can occur in as little as 24 hours. Vaccination is very effective in preventing this disease, but must be done BEFORE exposure to the virus. It is essential to vaccinate puppies at 6-8 weeks and then monthly for another 1 to 2 doses.

Distemper A serious infectious disease of dogs. It can affect dogs of all ages but is most common in unvaccinated puppies under 6 months of age. Initially dogs have a high temperature, discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, diarrhoea and vomiting. If they survive this stage they can develop nervous symptoms including fits, twitching and paralysis. The nose and footpads can also become hard and cracked. Even if dogs survive the initial stage they carry a guarded prognosis for a normal life as the nervous signs may occur in apparently recovered dogs. Vaccination largely controls this disease.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis This disease can affect dogs of all ages. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In severe cases, dogs can have a high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing and be very reluctant to move. Some dogs die. If they recover they can have "blue" eyes caused by clouding of the cornea, and can develop liver and kidney damage. Even dogs with mild disease can develop liver damage. Due to effective vaccination programmes this disease is now rarely seen.

Kennel cough can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. The main culprits are Canine parainfluenza virus, Canine Adenovirus and a bacterium called Bordetella. Although seldom causing death, it is highly contagious. It is most commonly encountered where dogs are kept closely together for example in kennels. Signs may vary from a mild cough to severe coughing, gagging and retching. This is usually made worse by exercise. The normal vaccination contains both viruses. Bordetella requires a separate vaccine that usually is given into the nostrils with a dropper. Most dogs find it quite unpleasant and therefore recommend it only if your dog is going to go into kennels. Vaccination does not always prevent disease but will make the symptoms less severe.

Leptospirosis can cause liver and kidney damage in affected animals. It is transmitted by contact with urine of infected animals, (or rats which are common carriers of this disease) or through environmental contamination especially damp conditions and stagnant water. There are many strains of this bacterium - the vaccine contains two common strains but doesn't protect against others. It is not a very common disease but humans can also be infected.

Rabies is an extremely dangerous disease as it can be transmitted to humans if they are bitten by a rabid animal. If this is not treated early enough it is fatal. Saudi Arabia is NOT recognized as a rabies-free country, so if you plan to travel with your dog, a rabies vaccination is necessary. If your dog is on the Pet Passport Scheme it also needs a microchip implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination and, one month later, a blood test for rabies antibodies. If your dog passes the test and has enough antibodies (more than 0.5 iu/ml) you need to give the rabies vaccination every year BEFORE or ON the due date otherwise the blood test becomes invalid and you have to do all the vaccines and tests again.

Your dog should be vaccinated against all of these major canine diseases. Ask your veterinary surgeon for details. Remember - vaccination is not for life. After the initial puppy vaccinations annual boosters are recommended to maintain protection.

After having vaccinations some dogs may feel unwell for a day or two, and may develop a lump where the vaccination was given. This lump slowly resolves after a few days to weeks. If you are worried please contact your vet.

Q3: When should my dog be dewormed?

A: In Saudi Arabia, puppies should be wormed at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks and thereafter at 6-monthly intervals.

Q4: Why does my pet scratch?

A: Some scratching is normal, but if the scratching is persistant, then a visit to your vet is recommended. Fleas and flea allergy are common causes of scratching. Other allergies are also common, and sarcoptic mange also causes scratching. Scratching the ears, or shaking the head may indicate ear mites.

Q5: How do I keep my dog tick-free?

A: There is an anti-flea/tick product called FRONTLINE for dogs and cats. This is applied to one spot on the dog or cat's neck and ensures that he does not have any external parasites such as ticks or fleas. This product is special in that it is not absorbed but stays on the oil layer of the skin and kills ticks when they get on the animal. Frontline now also comes as a very effective spray, although this is not always available for sale. It's very important to get the environment (house or garden) sprayed by a reputable pest control company if you find many ticks on your pet. Ticks can carry tick-fever, a sometimes fatal disease in dogs.

Q6: What is tick-fever?

A: Tick-fever or Erlichiosis is caused by the tick-borne parasite called Erlichia canis. It is transmitted when an infected tick attaches to your dog. In the acute phase, dogs usually have a high temperature, decreased appetite and are lethargic. Sometimes they have nose bleeds and spots of bleeding on the skin and gums. Most dogs improve within a week and can then appear normal for 3 months or more before the chronic stage sets in. During the chronic stage dogs can become very ill and die if not treated soon enough. There is NO vaccine available - the only way to prevent it is by controlling ticks. We have spot-on treatments and sprays available to kill ticks. You may also have to spray your garden if your dog has a lot of ticks. If your dog has had ticks and is unwell you need to make an appointment for a check and possibly blood tests.

Q7: How often should I bath my pet?

A: Once a week at the most.

Q8: What should I use to clean him?

A: A special pet shampoo or a mild baby shampoo, certainly not any perfumed hair shampoos. If the animal has any skin complaints, there are special shampoos available.

Q9: How often and at what age should my pet's teeth be cleaned?

A: Teeth start to get dirty around 2 years of age and should be cleaned under a general anaesthetic. Some people brush their pets' teeth with special pet toothpaste from a very young age. This helps to prevent a build up of calculus. Terriers and small dogs like poodles are particularly prone to teeth problems and should have 6-monthly dental check ups from the age of 2 years.

Q10: What is microchipping? Why is it necessary?

A: Microchipping is the process of injecting a small microchip underneath the skin of your animal (just on the neck). This microchip has a unique number which can be used to identify your pet. The number is read using a special reader. Microchipping is permanent and is a requirement for any animal that is to be exported. Jeddah Veterinary Clinic sells Tracer microchips, these can be put into your animal at any age.

Q11: Is the anaesthetic for my pet's surgery safe?

A: We use different types of anaesthetic depending on the age and health status of the animal. Pets older than 7 years may undergo a pre-anaesthetic blood test to assess kidney and liver function. Every pet undergoes a pre-anesthetic health examination before any surgery is considered. Although there is always a risk involved when anaesthetising an animal, we use drugs and methods that are safe.

Q12: Why do I have to starve my pet before the operation?

A: This is to prevent regurgitation and possible inhalation of vomit or saliva into the lungs while under anesthetic or during recovery. Food should be withheld from 10pm the night before. It's easy to remember - dinner's fine, just no breakfast.

Q13: At what age can my dog be castrated?

A: This surgical procedure can be done from 5 months of age.

Q14: At what age can my dog be spayed?

A: This surgical procedure can be done at any time from the age of 6 months.

Q15: What is castration?

A: Castration is the surgical removal of a male animal's reproductive organs (testes) so that it cannot reproduce. The removal of the testes prevents undesirable roaming, aggressive behaviour and unwanted pups.

Q16: What is spaying?

A: Spaying is the surgical removal of a female animal's reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) so that she cannot reproduce. The removal of the ovaries prevents the undesirable oestrus behaviour. It is this oestrus which causes male dogs to be attracted to the female and pre-disposes her to being injured in fights or getting lost when out searching for mates. Obviously, it also prevents the animal getting pregnant and producing unwanted pups.

Q17: What do I do if I have an emergency after hours?

A: Call the clinic's regular number. A recorded message will give you the mobile number for the veterinarian currently on-call. Please note that an after hours consultation fee is payable.

• Birds
• Birds need enough space in their aviaries to move around, as well as excellent diet and toys to keep them occupied. Saudi has a large population of captive falcons which we attend to regularly.
• We see many African Grey Parrots, and have a page especially for them with advice about care and diet
• AFRICAN GREYS ▼

African Grey Parrots

General care




The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is native to a broad area of Central Africa. P.e. erithacus is the Congo African Grey, and P.e. timneh is the Timneh African Grey. Given the appropriate nutritional requirements in a nurturing home, African Greys can have a lifespan of 50-70 years.

Greys from Nigeria usually have darker grey wings and those from the Congo region are, on average, larger in size. On occasion you might see a Grey with red feathering throughout the body - they are known as "Red Factor Greys". The Timneh African Grey Parrot is a dark grey bird with shades of light grey on the body. The bare area is white. They have a bone coloured upper mandible and a dark maroon tail. The Timneh is smaller in size ranging from 9-11 inches beak to tail, and vary in weight from 275 g - 400 g.

African Greys have the most extraordinary flair for speech. But do not think that they are limited to speech only! They can mimic almost any sound in your home. Although most Greys do not start talking until a year old, there are many cases where they will speak earlier. Some do not start speaking until 2 years old, so never give up hope! They have the capacity to have a vocabulary of over 2000 words. I would like to add this "food for thought"... there is no guarantee that a Grey will speak. This should never be the sole reason for buying a one. There is so much more to this parrot than just speech. They are more human than some will admit. They feel our emotions and act accordingly. They do not mimic, they learn from us. Speaking in sentences, responding appropriately to questions, the physical motions to comfort us when we are sad, the list goes on and on.

African Greys have the intellectual capacity of a 5 year old child with the emotions of a 2 year old. Because of this higher intelligence, they can be demanding pets and rightly so. They require constant attention along with a stimulating environment that includes various types of toys, a large cage and a play-stand.

Generally speaking, Greys are cautious birds. They have a tendency to sit back and watch you before giving themselves up freely. They tend to not be very outgoing towards strangers. They are very intuitive to your feelings and it is always best to approach them with a calm demeanour. Once you win the trust of an African Grey, he/she will be your best friend for life. They are very dedicated and loyal birds.

In sum... although African Greys are the most popular pet parrot, they are not for everyone. They stand apart from the rest. It is not easy being a caretaker of an African Grey or any parrot for that matter. Lots of love, time, patience and effort goes into the relationship we have with our avian companions. They give us so much more than we can ever return.... Are you ready to take the African Grey challenge?

Diet

Feeding your birds a nutritious diet provides longevity. A bird that is on a healthy diet has the potential to heal itself, as well as prevent ailments. It is our decision on what we choose to feed our birds. A varied diet that is consistently fed and well-balanced is the key to optimum health!

It is beneficial to share healthy human foods with your birds. Birds are flock animals. They enjoy partaking in family activities. When eating dinner be sure you give your birds a small portion of your meal. Note: Never change your bird's diet if he/she is not healthy to begin with. It could be detrimental; see your Avian Veterinarian first.

Purchase only enough fresh vegetables and fruits to last a few days so that it is always fresh. Offer as much organic produce as possible. But sometimes that is not always as readily available as regular fruits and vegetables. For optimal health, a large variety of of fresh fruits and vegetables is crucial. Think if you were to eat the same food day in and out, we all would get bored. Elaborating on the exact types of foods we offer our flock is stated later in this article. By giving your birds a variety of foods, you ensure they are getting the proper essential vitamins and minerals from these fresh foods. Prepare a batch of fresh fruits and vegetables every two days, changing the variety every time.

Did You Know... In some situations, diet plays a role in behavioural problems. Birds that lack certain vitamins & minerals in their diet can resort to biting, plucking, etc. When we think of humans who are nutritionally deficient they can suffer from depression, anxiety, etc. The same applies to animals.

FRESH FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Here are some of the fruits and vegetables we offer our flock. Note they are not given this every day, but we make sure to give about 10-12 fruits and vegetables daily, changing the variety every other day. We do not offer any canned vegetables because the nutritional content is minimal and the sodium is very high. Frozen vegetables are rarely offered.

• Vitamin A
1. papaya
2. sweet potatoes
3. yam
4. cantaloupe
5. acorn squash
6. pumpkin
• Calcium
1. Swiss chard
2. mustard greens
3. dandelion greens etc.
• Fresh fruit
1. apples (cored)
2. mango (pitted)
3. oranges (seeded)
4. melon
5. star fruit
6. pineapple
7. pomegranate
8. berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
9. pears (cored)
10. peaches (pitted)
11. plums (pitted)
12. kiwi fruit (peeled)
13. banana (peeled) (only serve fresh)
14. cherries (pitted)
15. cranberries
16. grapes (with seeds)
17. grapefruit (seeded)
18. tangerines (seeded)
19. prickly pear (peeled)
Note: citrus fruits should be given only 4 or 5 days a week.
• Fresh Vegetables:
1. red beets (peeled)
2. radishes
3. turnips
4. carrots
5. cooked sweet potatoes
6. radicchio
7. endive
8. beet & turnip greens
9. kale
10. parsley
11. basil
12. cooked red potatoes
13. peeled and steamed squash (Acorn, Spaghetti, Butternut, Summer, Pumpkin, etc. Note: the seeds are a favourite of our flock)
14. green beans
15. tomato
16. sweet red & green peppers
17. hot peppers
18. cauliflower, broccoli, broccoli rabe, kohlrabi
19. turnip greens
20. eggplant (aubergine, brinjal)
21. snow peas, sugar snap peas
22. tofu
23. fennel
• Natural flavourings
  • These are some things we will use to change the flavour variety to keep them interested in the fresh foods. Note: They are not used all at once. Flavourings are alternated every other day. You can also use this to get your feathered friend interested in a certain food.
  1. fresh squeezed lemon or orange Juice (Vitamin C boosts the immune system)
  2. diced garlic (wonderful antioxidant)
  3. peeled & diced ginger
  4. chopped parsley
  5. ground nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine, Brazil, pecan)
  6. chopped cilantro

• Sterilisation
• Cats and dogs that you do not want to breed with must be sterilised - castration (neutering) for males, and spaying for females. Animals recover very quickly from these operations without undesirable side effects. Not only does it prevent the animal from producing unwanted babies, but it also removes the mating behaviour which result in fights and injuries, as well as spraying (urinating) in cats. The earlier sterilisation is performed, the less likely the animal is to exhibit mating behavious. Cats should be sterilised from five months of age, and dogs from about six months.

BOARDING & KENNELS

We have superlative boarding facilities at Khobar Vet Clinic, and the service includes a daily vet check, 24 hour veterinary care, your pet's personal diet, and grooming if required.

Each animal is housed in a separate apartment in our purpose-built kennels, each with a window, play area, scratching posts for cats and snuggly sleeping spots. The dog kennels are air-conditioned, and shade cloth is hung over the exercise area in summer. Dogs are exercised daily under supervision, and bathed weekly. They are also treated with an anti-tick product on admission, as we try to keep our kennels tick- and parasite-free as far as possible, for the health and safety of all animals.

GROOMING

• Grooming and Clipping
• Some animals require special grooming, especially if they are long-haired cats or dogs, or show animals.


• Clipping - we clip coats in "fashion" or breed styles, or simply to keep the coat shorter in summer.
• Grooming - we bathe, condition and comb long-haired cats and dogs. Some animals don't mind being groomed, and others find it distressing. We sedate stressed animals for the well being of both animal and groomer.
  If your pet is to be sedated, please do not feed them breakfast, as sedatives make them nauseous.
• Bathing - all animals are bathed after grooming. Some animals require insecticide baths if they have ticks or other parasitic infestations.
• Nails and teeth - nails will be clipped if necessary, and teeth cleaned if requested. Teeth-cleaning requires that the animal be anaesthitised, so please don't feed them breakfast.
• Animals brought in in the morning are usually ready to come home the same afternoon.
• Pet Care Advice
• Our trained staff are only too happy to help you with pet care advice. All animals are sold with a pamphlet on recommended care, and we have a wide range of books available too.

PET SUPPLIES

The clinic stocks a wide range of pet care products including:

• pet foods scientifically formulated to maintain the excellent condition of your animal
• toys, scratching posts and litter trays
• collars and leads
• baskets and beds
• travelling cages (internationally airline-approved, sizes from kitten to camel)
• medicines and anti-parasite products

IMPORT, EXPORT & RELOCATION

• Pet Relocation Services
• We know how precious your pets are to you, and want to ensure that they are relocated in comfort, with all the necessary paperwork in order. We will assist with import and export of animals in and out of the Kingdom with the necessary health certificates, import/export permits and customs clearance certificates. We will also assist with the relocation of animals within the Kingdom, and the rehoming of pets in suitable new homes which will be registered with the Clinic.
• We also provide a pick up/drop off service of animals to the clinic in Al Khobar from Dammam, Jubail and Qatif.