Southern View: July 11, 2024
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Thursday <strong>July</strong> <strong>11</strong> <strong>2024</strong> 7<br />
Community comes together for icy dip<br />
• By Dylan Smits<br />
A CHILLING plunge and<br />
community connection brought<br />
more than 100 people together for<br />
the seventh annual mid-winter<br />
swim at Scarborough Beach on<br />
Sunday.<br />
Now part of the Scarborough<br />
Dipper’s Wet <strong>July</strong> event, the swim<br />
brings attention to the fundraising<br />
initiative for a new defibrillator at<br />
Taylors Mistake and the Sumner<br />
based mental health initiative Surf<br />
Ora.<br />
Organiser Julie Zarifeh started<br />
the swim to remember her<br />
husband, Paul, and son Sam, who<br />
both passed away within weeks of<br />
each other in 2017.<br />
Paul Zarifeh, died in November<br />
2017 after a battle with pancreatic<br />
cancer and 27-year-old Sam<br />
drowned while on a rafting trip 16<br />
days later.<br />
After their chilly dip, participants<br />
were treated to a sausage sizzle.<br />
“People were exhilarated,<br />
buzzing, proud of themselves,<br />
and loved the whole vibe and<br />
connection aspect,” said Zarifeh.<br />
Fancy dress was encouraged<br />
this year to encourage a “fun and<br />
frisky” community event.<br />
Participants are tasked to take<br />
a dip in the sea every morning for<br />
the entire month of <strong>July</strong>.<br />
• Donations for Wet<br />
<strong>July</strong> can be made to the<br />
Scarborough Dippers bank<br />
account at 01-08<strong>11</strong>-0814833-<br />
00<br />
SPLASH: More than 100 people turned out for the mid-winter swim at Scarborough Beach on Sunday. The community<br />
event is part of Wet <strong>July</strong>, fundraising for a new defibrillator at Taylors Mistake and the Sumner-based mental health<br />
initiative Surf Ora.<br />
Ease Those Aching Joints at Kōwhai Vet<br />
Caring for Dogs with Arthritis<br />
At Kōwhai Vet, we understand how much your furry friend<br />
means to you. Seeing them struggle with arthritis can be heartwrenching,<br />
but with the right care and adjustments, we can<br />
help make their life more comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s a<br />
guide to understanding and managing arthritis in dogs.<br />
What is Osteoarthritis?<br />
Osteoarthritis (OA) is like the wear and tear we humans<br />
experience in our joints as we age. It’s a condition where the<br />
protective cartilage in a dog’s joints wears down over time,<br />
leading to pain and stiffness. This is particularly common in<br />
older dogs and certain breeds that are more prone to joint<br />
issues.<br />
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis<br />
Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through a combination of signs<br />
that you may notice at home about your pet’s reduced<br />
mobility, physical examination and x-rays. When you bring<br />
your dog to Kōwhai Vet, our vets will perform a gentle and<br />
thorough physical exam. We’ll check for signs like swelling,<br />
reduced range of motion, and any discomfort your dog might<br />
feel when we touch their joints. We’ll also watch how they walk<br />
and move around. To get a clearer picture, we might suggest<br />
taking some x-rays. These images help us see the inside of<br />
Normal Hips<br />
Severe arthritis in hips<br />
The hips are a common joint for the<br />
development of osteoarthritis<br />
your dog’s joints and check for signs of osteoarthritis like<br />
bone spurs or narrowed joint spaces. It also helps us to rule<br />
out other possible causes of the pain such as bone tumours.<br />
Sometimes, we might recommend more detailed imaging, but<br />
x-rays are usually a great start.<br />
Medical Treatments for Pain Relief Managing<br />
your dog’s pain is our top priority.<br />
Here are some common treatments we might recommend:<br />
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs<br />
are a staple for reducing inflammation and pain in dogs<br />
with arthritis. Medications like carprofen, meloxicam,<br />
and deracoxib can make a big difference. Of course, we’ll<br />
monitor your dog closely to avoid any side effects.<br />
• Beransa: We’re<br />
excited about Beransa<br />
(bedinvetmab), a newer<br />
treatment that’s been<br />
helping many dogs. It’s<br />
a monthly injection that<br />
targets and neutralises a<br />
protein involved in pain<br />
signalling, providing<br />
significant relief and<br />
improving mobility.<br />
Supportive Treatments<br />
Alongside medications, there are several other ways we can<br />
support your dog’s joint health:<br />
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These supplements, found in fish<br />
oil, can help reduce inflammation. We’ll guide you on how<br />
to incorporate them into your dog’s diet safely.<br />
• Weight Management: Keeping your dog at a healthy<br />
weight is crucial. Extra pounds put more strain on their<br />
joints, so we’ll work with you to develop a balanced diet<br />
and exercise plan.<br />
• Physical Therapy: Just like humans, dogs benefit from<br />
physical therapy. Tailored exercises and stretches<br />
can improve joint function and muscle strength.<br />
Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is especially gentle on<br />
joints and very effective.<br />
Making Your Home Comfortable<br />
Small changes at home can make a big difference for a dog<br />
with arthritis:<br />
• Non-Slip Mats: Adding non-slip mats or rugs on slippery<br />
floors can help your dog move around more confidently<br />
without the fear of slipping.<br />
• Orthopaedic Dog Beds: Invest in a good orthopaedic<br />
dog bed. These beds provide excellent support and<br />
cushioning, helping your dog rest comfortably.<br />
• Ramps: Using ramps instead of stairs helps your dog<br />
avoid the strain of jumping or climbing. This is great for<br />
getting in and out of cars or navigating steps.<br />
• Raised Food and Water Bowls: Elevate your dog’s food<br />
and water bowls. This simple change means they don’t<br />
have to bend down as much, reducing strain on their neck<br />
and joints.<br />
• Slings or Harnesses: For dogs with severe mobility issues,<br />
a sling or harness can be very helpful. It allows you to<br />
support your dog and help them move around without<br />
putting extra pressure on their joints.<br />
At Kōwhai Vet Clinic, we’re here to support you and your<br />
dog through every stage of their arthritis journey. By<br />
combining medical treatments, supportive therapies, and<br />
a few home adjustments, we can help your furry friend live<br />
a comfortable and happy life. If you have any questions or<br />
need personalised advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out<br />
to us. Together, we can make a world of difference for your<br />
beloved pet.<br />
For any specific treatments and recommendations tailored<br />
to your dog’s condition, please consult with us at Kōwhai<br />
Vet Clinic. We’re always here to help.<br />
Consultations • Surgery & Diagnostics • Locally Owned & Operated<br />
122 Opawa Road, Opawa, Christchurch. Ph: 03 337 5445<br />
Visit our website: www.kowhaivet.co.nz<br />
WE ARE OPEN:<br />
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:30pm,<br />
Saturday, 9:00am - 12:00pm