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Rabbits – combined RHD, RHD-2 and Myxo vaccination

In the last decade a new strain of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) has become prevalent in the UK. This variant strain is known as RHD-2 and is now responsible for a significant proportion of all RHD cases across the country.

All breeds of rabbit, including both pet and wild rabbits, can be affected by both strains of RHD as well as myxomatosis. Both fatal diseases are endemic to the UK.

Most rabbits affected by RHD die rapidly often without showing obvious clinical signs apart from a short period of dullness and lethargy. If the rabbit does show symptoms, these can include widespread haemorrhages, fever and organ dysfunction before they die.

Myxomatosis causes puffy swellings around the head, face and genitals as well as a high fever. These swellings can be so severe that they can cause blindness. Affected rabbits typically cease eating and drinking and death typically follows within 12 days.

Ultimately, both diseases are typically fatal. The diseases are spread by insects, meaning contact with other rabbits isn’t necessary for disease transmission.

These diseases cannot be cured, only prevented.

We are now able to vaccinate against Myxomatosis and both strains of RHD in a single vaccine.

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Cats and arthritis

As they get older cats often begin to suffer with arthritis.

This can have a negative impact on their quality of life – affecting their ability to move and jump around comfortably and keep themselves clean and tidy by grooming themselves. Being less active and not grooming properly can cause a range of secondary issues such as loss of muscle mass and tone, fur matting and skin infections.

Osteoarthritis is usually a painful condition but being a predatory species cats can be very good at hiding obvious signs of being in pain. This means that cats don’t recieve treatment as often or as early as dogs where the problem is much easier to spot.

The chart below shows a number of signs you can watch out for that might suggest your cat is suffering with arthritis – if you start to see any of these changes it can be worth getting in touch to have your cat checked over as there are things that can be done to help and treat the condition.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns about your cat!

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Home deliveries of medication

Please contact us by telephone on 01302 785549 if you would like us to post out ongoing medication to your home address.

Routine medications such as flea / worm / tick control can be sent out as long as we have a fairly recent weight for your pet on file.

Medication for ongoing health issues can also be posted to you – if your pet is due for a check up then depending on the condition we may be able to prescribe extra medication to ensure you do not run out if you are physically unable to attend the practice due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check here for updates on our services in general during this time.

Medication will be posted 1st class signed for via the Royal Mail unless we have discussed otherwise – please bear in mind that postage is taking longer than normal at present and let us know if you require something urgently so that we can arrange a next day delivery where possible.

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COVID-19 Updates

We are currently able to offer most services but please be aware that there may be a longer wait time than normal for non emergency appointments. To discuss an appointment please call us on 01302 785549.

Our current requirements are as follows:


• Please ring the doorbell on arrival to the practice, provided the waiting areas are not at capacity you will now be able to wait inside the building for your appointment.

• Please continue to wear a face covering where possible. If there are vulnerable members of staff on duty we may still require you to wear a face covering to enter the building – if this is the case you will be provided with a face covering if required.

• Attend the practice as a group of 2 or less where possible.

• For collections of medication, parasite treatments, food etc. please come between 1pm and 3pm on a weekday so that we are able to assist you quickly without crossover between clients waiting for appointments (home delivery of medication is available where appropriate.)

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Ticks and tick borne diseases

Do you regularly check your dog for ticks? These bloodsucking parasites may start off tiny but they can cause serious harm to your dog– spreading diseases such as Babesiosis and Lyme disease. Make sure you check your dog for ticks, especially around their head and tummy. Ticks are common but hard to spot and tick-borne diseases are on the rise.

Ticks feed on dogs for days causing both discomfort and sometimes passing on serious infections such as Lyme disease. Using a product to kill ticks quickly will reduce the risk of these diseases being transmitted.

A study has shown that as many as 1 in 3 dogs carry ticks without their owners realising. 1

Ask us about broad-spectrum, easy-to-give cover to free your dog and family from the worry of ticks and other key parasite threats. External parasites such as ticks and fleas are one of the most common causes of skin allergies and irritation that we see and routine treatment can help to prevent these problems and avoid prolonged and expensive treatment.

For the most cost effective way of maintaining protection against ticks and other parasites year round you can have a look at our practice health plan or give us a call for more information.

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  1. Abdullah S, et al. Parasit Vectors 2016;9:391.
65 Bentley Road Bentley Doncaster DN5 9SD 01302 785549
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