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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

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