COVID-19 & pets
The New Zealand Veterinary Association is being guided by regular updates from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association regarding the role of companion animals in the current COVID-19 outbreak. To date, there remains limited evidence that companion animals can be infected with COVID-19, and no evidence that pet dogs or cats present a source of infection to humans or other animals.
– International advice is that, as a precautionary measure, people sick with COVID-19 should avoid contact with pets and other animals, as they would with people.
– MPI’s position is that currently there is no need for animals to be quarantined. This is based on international advice from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the world organisation for animal health (the OIE).
– However, where there is COVID-19 in a household, we recommend animals are not moved off the property. You can also check for new updates on the CDC’s website.
– Pet owners are reminded to continue to adopt good hygiene habits, including hand washing with soap before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies.
Why is pathology important for your pet?
Pathology testing helps your vet make accurate decisions about the diagnosis and treatment of your pet. This helps keep animals healthier for longer and avoids unnecessary delays in accessing the best possible treatment for their condition. It also helps you find out how their treatment is working and it avoids your pet from suffering unnecessary side-effects from inappropriate treatments...Read more
Health screening
As parents, we think nothing of taking our children for regular visits to the doctor and dentist, and the majority of adults are similarly disciplined about ensuring that they get regular medical check-ups for themselves. Even our cars benefit from a regular Warrant of Fitness, ensuring they are running effectively and in order to pick up on any mechanical problems before they become too serious. So why should we treat our pets any differently?
Health screening plays an essential role in disease prevention and general wellness assessments, promoting the overall wellbeing of our pets. Early detection of disease and other health conditions facilitates more effective management, leading to a happier and healthier life for your pet.
Gribbles Veterinary, in conjunction with your local vet, offers a wide range of health screening options, together with more specific testing aimed at senior pets, overweight pets and pets requiring anaesthesia.
Genetic testing services
1 June 2017 – Gribbles Veterinary is no longer providing a referral service for canine and feline genetic testing. Please contact the service providers below directly to arrange testing.