Fond Farewell Vets

22/09/2025

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is very common in cats as they get older, affecting almost one in ten cats by 10 years of age, early recognition of signs can really improve your cat’s life.

The thyroid hormones govern the overall speed of metabolism, so having an overactive thyroid means that everything is working much faster than it ought to be. These cats will typically lose weight, despite having an (often massively) increased appetite. They may also seem manic / skittish, be increasingly vocal, have rapid heart rates, poor coats and suffer with diarrhoea / vomiting.
If you think this might describe your older cat, then it is well worth having a blood test. If left unchecked, this disease puts real stress on the other organs, particularly the eyes, heart and kidneys. It can lead to blindness and even sudden death.

Treatment is typically by an oral liquid or tablets, is relatively inexpensive and usually very effective.

At Fond Farewell Vets we offer a gentle and dignified home visit euthanasia service for dogs and cats in Dorset and South Somerset. If we can help, please contact us on:
01300 320332
07442 272728
[email protected]

Illustration by

23/08/2025

25/04/2025

Pyometra or “Pyo” is a potentially life-threatening and surprisingly common womb infection in un-neutered female dogs, affecting up to 1 in 4. It is well worth being aware of the signs, as early treatment is key.

It can happen in any breed of any age, but from age 6 the risks increase significantly, with 8-9 being the most common age.

It usually happens 1-3 months after the end of their season, and signs can be subtle at first. Often starting with lethargy, followed by reduced appetite, increased drinking and panting. If you notice these symptoms (particularly increased drinking and panting) then contact your vet immediately as untreated it can rapidly become life-threatening.

There are two types of Pyo; “Open Pyo”, where the cervix is open and pus / blood / mucus will leak through the v***a (this may not be noticeable as many dogs do a good job of cleaning themselves). If you ever see pus from your dog’s v***a, then seek immediate veterinary care. In a “Closed Pyo”, the cervix is closed and so there is no external leakage, this is more dangerous as it is less likely to be picked up promptly.

Treatment is expensive, but it usually very successful. It normally involves emergency surgery to remove the infected womb. Sometimes an “Open Pyo” can be treated with hormones and antibiotics, followed by a routine spay.

The only way to prevent your dog from getting Pyometra is to have her neutered. If she is not neutered, ensure than you monitor her for signs of a Pyo in the weeks after her seasons.

At Fond Farewell Vets we offer a gentle and dignified home visit euthanasia service for dogs and cats in Dorset and South Somerset. If we can help, please contact us on:
01300 320332
07442 272728
[email protected]
www.fondfarewellvets.co.uk

Illustration by

04/03/2025

Doggy Dementia (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or CCD) is similar to Alzheimer’s in people. It is increasingly common with age, affecting 1 in 3 dogs at age 11 and almost all by age 16. Signs can be subtle at first, but are likely to progress over time. Unfortunately, it cannot be cured, however there are ways to try and slow the decline and improve quality of life.

Common signs include confusion, behavioural changes, loss of training, house soiling and increased day sleeping. Things are often worse at night, with restlessness and vocalisation increasingly common as things progress. In many cases dogs find themselves trapped by furniture or doors and can become quite distressed.

It is important to remain calm, gentle and understanding throughout. It is worth getting down to your dog’s eye level and making their living space easy to navigate. Try to minimise obstacles and places where they might get caught or hurt themselves, whilst maintaining a familiar environment. A nightlight can sometimes help.

Mental and physical stimulation plays an important role, so it may be worth trying some simple training and enrichment exercises. Also, try to maintain a strict routine, particularly at bedtime.
There are various different diets and supplements available as well, perhaps the most promising being Aprylic from VetPlus (available from your vet). Your vet may also prescribe certain medicines, depending on your dog’s particular issues, so it is always worth visiting them as soon as you have any concerns.

At Fond Farewell Vets we offer a gentle and dignified home visit euthanasia service for dogs and cats in Dorset and South Somerset. If we can help, please contact us on:
01300 320332
07442 272728
[email protected]
www.fondfarewellvets.co.uk

07/01/2025

Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome is a relatively common condition in older dogs, and one that it is worth being familiar with, as it is often mistaken for a stroke. We have had numerous calls from worried owners thinking their pet has had a stroke and might need to be put to sleep, but following a discussion and referral to their regular vet, the majority have made a full recovery.

The main signs are a sudden onset of unsteadiness (ataxia), eyes flickering back and forth (nystagmus) and the head tilted to one side. We do not know why it happens, but the good news is that it tends to get better on its own quite quickly. Usually, improvement starts within 1-3 days and by 2-3 weeks most animals are largely back to their normal selves, although sometimes the head tilt remains long term. There is no specific treatment, but quite often dogs will feel “sea sick” and so not want to eat. Drugs can be prescribed to tackle the nausea and sometimes we use drugs to help improve blood flow to the brain.

There are other causes of vestibular disease (such as ear disease), so it is always worth seeing your vet to rule these out.

At Fond Farewell Vets we offer a gentle and dignified home visit euthanasia service for dogs and cats in Dorset and South Somerset. If we can help, please contact us on:
01300 320332
07442 272728
[email protected]
www.fondfarewellvets.co.uk

07/09/2024

Arthritis is thought to cause pain to 1 in 3 dogs of any age, and 8 out of 10 dogs once they reach 8 years old.

The pain is not the acute pain that we usually think of, it does not cause crying or limping, but chronic pain, whose signs are much more subtle. Early signs of chronic pain are often dismissed as normal signs of aging such as being less active on walks, taking longer to find a comfortable resting position, or pausing before using stairs / jumping. Sometimes the signs seem completely unrelated, such as increased anxiety, becoming fussy with food, barking at other dogs / strangers or becoming fearful of noises.

If the chronic pain of arthritis is not recognised early and treated, then it can lead to “wind up” of the central nervous system, which effectively amplifies the pain and can lead to pain even without any painful stimuli.

Sometimes the treatment may be as simple as moderating exercise, reducing body weight, removing the ball from walks or providing a ramp. There are many natural remedies that may help, such as Green Lipped Mussel Extract and Omega-3 fatty acids.

If you think that your dog may be showing signs of arthritis then it would be worth seeing your vet. Sometimes the signs are subtle and nothing will be picked up on a routine exam, if this is the case then you may want to discuss a pain trial with your vet – a period on and off pain relief with close monitoring of signs.

There is an excellent website if you want to know more; https://caninearthritis.co.uk/

At Fond Farewell Vets we offer a gentle and dignified home visit euthanasia service for dogs and cats in Dorset and South Somerset. If we can help, please contact us on:
01300 320332
07442 272728
[email protected]

Illustration by

10/08/2024

Losing a pet is such a difficult time, not only for us humans, but also for any other animals they leave behind. Pets can experience grief and loss just like we do, and they may exhibit signs of sadness or behavioural changes. Each pet is unique, and their grieving process may vary. By providing support, patience, and understanding, you can help your beloved pet navigate their grief and find healing. You can find some strategies to support grieving pets on our website https://www.fondfarewellvets.co.uk/.../supporting.../

At Fond Farewell Vets we offer a gentle and dignified home visit euthanasia service for dogs and cats in Dorset and South Somerset. If we can help, please contact us on:
01300 320332
07442 272728
[email protected]

Illustration by

We offer a gentle and dignified home visit
euthanasia service for dogs and cats
in and around Dorset.

05/06/2024

Pets hold a special place in a child’s heart, providing companionship, love and comfort. They can be seen as a best friend and even a sibling. When a beloved pet passes away it is often the first time that they experience such a deep sense of grief and loss, and children can struggle to understand and express how they are feeling. Supporting children through pet loss requires empathy, understanding, and patience. By providing a safe and loving environment, encouraging expression of emotions, and allowing them to grieve in their own way, you can help children navigate the difficult process of pet loss and find healing. The Ralph Site has some very useful information to help children cope with pet loss and you can also find some strategies on our website at https://www.fondfarewellvets.co.uk/resources/supporting-children/

At Fond Farewell Vets we offer a gentle and dignified home visit euthanasia service for dogs and cats in Dorset and South Somerset. If we can help, please contact us on:
01300 320332
07442 272728
[email protected]

04/06/2024

We have had a call from a lady to say that she has seen a black cat on Norden Lane, midway between the A37 and Maiden Newton. Unfortunately, it looks like it has been hit by a car and did not survive. I will go and check if it is chipped on my way home this evening.