Most of the products containing permethrin are labeled to be dangerous for cats. Unfortunately, this is usually done in small print so it can be overlooked. All products containing permethrins were removed from the shelves at the Fairfield Veterinary Centre over 15 years ago but are still freely available from most supermarkets.

So, to avoid hazards, only use a safe spot-on licensed for cats. If you have a dog which is treated with permethrin, try to avoid contact between the two pets so mutual grooming becomes impossible. And ... never think that your cat can be treated the same way as your small dog. This is false economy with potentially disastrous consequences!

Michele Lampens, MVM, MRCVS

Many clients have palpably winced at the "grilling" that visiting students sometimes receive at the hands of me and my colleagues (Geraldine's interrogations are legendary amongst the undergraduate fraternity). One client even registered some concern after my physical health as the student I was "educating " at that time towered over me at 6 foot 7 inches tall! I am pleased to report however that most of our student colleagues are grateful for the learning opportunities they receive - as the array of homemade chocolate cakes will testify.............a consequence of student debt.

"Seeing good veterinary practice at the coalface" provides them with a chance to put their theory into perspective. Being able to list the disease options in order of "most likely" according to clinical signs and presentation is paramount if these students are to become quality veterinary surgeons of the future.

"Common things are common" is the mantra that is underlined but, with the access to information that the internet provides and the levels of care that our clientele demand, they really need to know all of the rarer conditions too!

"Oscar" featured above has polydactyly, plasmacytic/lymphocytic gingivitis, bronchitis and early renal pathology, the combination of which had Emily really scratching her head!

"Oscar's" owners continue to insist that he obtains the best care and attention, and, through their dedication and support ensure that he receives it!

Terry Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS

Now that the snow has finally melted and Jimmy, my own feline friend, has claimed his first victim I think it's safe to say that Spring has sprung! Along with the changing seasons the types of cases we see at Fairfield vary.

Now that the feline population has returned to "the streets" we are seeing a large increase in cat fight injuries. I saw 4 cases last Saturday morning alone! This is probably the most common cause of lameness in cats.

Dogs, on the other hand, with their high incidence of osteoarthritis will now be able to cutback on the amount of medication they require to maintain their mobility throughout the cold, wet winter months.

With the rise in temperature we also see a corresponding rise in both ecto and endoparasites which are principally fleas and worms. The secret to winning this war is to initiate treatment early before numbers can reach alarming proportions and then maintain therapeutic levels by regular dosing. Many cat owners will be delighted to hear that there are now very potent worming treatments available which are applied topically. No-one looks forward to wrestling with their cat in order to administer a worming tablet..........and I am no exception!

Roll on summer!