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20 Oct 10

Living Conditions

There are lots of dogs and cats here in Hong Kong. Unfortunately they are banned from public housing estates and some private residential blocks, so check that pets are allowed in your flat before you move in. It seems quite strange at first to see a big dog living in a typical small Hong Kong flat, but owners are often quite conscientious and take them out for plenty of walks. Then the dog may be happier than one living in a big house! However, most dogs here are small. Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians,Schnauzers, Miniature Pinschers, Maltese and Shih-Tzus are all popular. Cats usually adapt well to flat life and quickly get used to litter trays. People are becoming much better at picking up their dogs’ stools, with a scooper, or newspaper. Remember “on the spot” fines are now in force to people who do not clean up after their pets in public areas.

Common Ailments

What are the main problems here in Hong Kong? Well, the weather can get pretty hot and humid so skin problems are probably the most common thing we deal with. Fleas, ringworm, mange, allergies and various sorts of eczemas are all popular.

Your dog should already be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. These are included in the normal “6 or 7-in-one” puppy shots. Make sure to get your annual booster as these diseases are common here. A rabies vaccination every 3 years is compulsory, although there have been no cases of rabies in Hong Kong since 1988. Similarly with your cat, get the “cat flu” shots every year, and there is now a good vaccination against feline leukaemia.

“High Rise Syndrome” is what we call the tendancy for cats, which are out on high balconies or window-ledges, to fall off. Anything falling from more than 7 floors up tends to reach terminal velocity, and even when they survive, cats often don’t seem to learn from their experience!

It is important to ensure your dog gets out for enough exercise, as well house-trained dogs, bursting for a pee all the time, can develop cystitis. Similarly, cats who would normally go outside, or with dirty litter trays, can develop cystitis, nephritis and Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

Heartworm is fairly common here. This also occurs in North America and Australia but is not common in Western Europe.

Most other problems are very much the same as you would find anywhere else and shouldn’t cause you to worry too much about bringing your pet here.

Other Pets

We see a full range of other pets here. Birds are very popular, especially with the local Chinese who can be seen taking them out in their cages for walks and to meet other enthusiasts. Chinchillas are gaining in popularity and there are a lot of rabbits, hamsters and reptiles. If you have a pet such as a parrot which may be a rare species, and CITES listed, you should contact the Agriculture and Fisheries Department with regard to import and export regulations and restrictions. Certainly it is wise to check the species of any bird you are offered for sale here, and make sure you get a proper receipt, or you may find you are not allowed to export it when you leave.

Local Laws
All dogs need to be vaccinated against rabies to get the complusory license. This will normally be re-done by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department on arrival. (There have been no cases of Rabies in Hong Kong since 1988). Microchipping of all dogs has been introduced. This can be done by your Green Cross Vet.






19 Oct 10

When first choosing a puppy it is important to choose one that appears healthy.  If it is from a pet shop. it should have a proper vet’s vaccination certificate.

購買小狗的標準,最重要是選擇一隻(健康)的,並且必須持有註冊獸醫注射的防疫證明書一張.

It should have no signs of coughing or sneezing, no eye or nose discharge and there should be no signs of hair loss or redness of the skin.  It should be bright alert and playful.  You may be able to ask Green Cross to check the puppy for before you purchase.

選擇的時候,要挑選沒有打嘖嘖,沒有流眼水鼻水,同時沒有脫毛或皮膚紅腫的狗隻.牠應表現活潑,機靈,頑皮.

Once the puppy has been purchased and introduced to it’s new environment, such as your home, it will be under a great deal of stress.  It will require time to adjust and will require a lot of your time and attention.  Do not wash the puppy at this time as this will cause further stress and increase it’s chances of contracting one of the many transmissible diseases.

可以請獸醫代你檢查牠的健情況.  你買了一隻小狗後,把牠帶到一個新環境,例如住進你的家,小狗通常都會感到很緊張,需要一段時間去適應,也需要你多用時間去陪牠.在這個時期不要替牠洗澡,因為這樣做會令小狗更緊張,而且也會增加牠感染傳染性疾病的機會.

It is important to realize that if the puppy has already contracted a transmissible disease the disease may not appear at the time of your purchase of the pet.  Sometimes the disease may be in a transient state and may only surface a few weeks later.  It is important the the puppy is kept well fed and kept in a comfortable environment to allow the puppies own immune system to develop well.  The puppies immune system is a key factor in avoiding and fighting potentially fatal diseases.

有一點大家要非常小心,有些小狗可能在你購買時已經受到感染但仍未浮現病徵.因為有些疾病是有潛伏期,可能

過數天甚至數星期才有病徵,所以提供充足食物及舒適的居住環境給小狗,從而令牠的免疫系統好好地發展.小狗

的免疫系統是一個對抗及預防致命疫病的非常重要因素.

The puppy will be exposed to diseases that are spread in the air, by contract with other dogs and also by contaminants such as saliva and faeces.  The puppy should be confined in your house and kept away from other dogs and away from other areas where other dogs have been.  It should only be released from this confinement once the necessary vaccinations have been given.  This must be done by a qualified veterinarian registered with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department.

空氣與其他狗隻的接觸,唾液和糞便的污物,都會容易令小狗受到感染,因此你應該將小狗留在家中,不讓牠與其他

狗隻接觸,也不要帶牠到其他狗隻可能會出沒的地方,直至牠已接受了一切必需的防疫注射.所有防疫注射必須由

已在香港漁農自然護理署登記,合格獸醫主持.  在香港狗隻常會感染到的疾病有:

Parvovirus 腸炎

Often fatal.  Signs to look for include severe diarrhoea with blood and vomiting.  Especially serious in breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermanns.  Death can result within 48-72 hours if not treated immediately.  It is transmitted by faeces, indirect faecally contaminated shoes and kennels as well as direct contact.  Puppies from unvaccinated mothers have a higher chance of contracting the disease.

這種病毒會致命.病徵包括嚴重腹瀉,糞便中帶血,嘔吐.狗隻中以洛威拿和都柏文最容易受到感染.如果不立即醫治,

狗隻會在四十八至七十二小時內死亡.這種病毒可以由糞便傳播,包括直接接觸糞便,或間接接觸到給糞便弄污的鞋

隻和狗舍.如果狗媽媽不曾接受防疫注射,小狗受感染的機會更大.

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Distemper 狗瘟

A frequently fatal disease spread by inhalation, usually in dogs less than one year old.  Watery/mucoid  discharge from the nose and eyes, vomiting and diarrhoea (sometimes blood).  Later nervous signs can appear such as twitching of muscles and convulsions.

這種通常可致命的疾病由空氣傳染的機會最大.病徵包括流眼水鼻水,或者鼻涕,嘔吐,腸瀉(有時糞便中帶血),稍後更有神經受到影響的病徵出現,如肌肉抽搐痙攣等.

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Infectious Canine Hepatitis 傳染性犬肝炎(犬線病毒第一類)

Excreted in saliva, faeces and urine.  Ingestion is the most likely source; may only be general malaise or loss of appetite, fever or sudden collapse, pale gums, corneal oedema “blue eye”

由唾液,糞便和尿液排出.主要因進食不乾淨的食物引起.病徵可能只是感到不適或胃口不佳,發熱或虛脫,齒銀無血色,角膜浮腫(俗稱’藍眼’).

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Kennel Cough (CAV2/Parainfluenza) 狗房咳(CAV2)

Usually pup is still bright and alert and eating well.  Transmission from other dogs by inhalation; soft dry cough which can worsen with some watery mucous discharge.  If not treated can develop severe pneumonia with fever which may lead to death.

染病的小狗一般仍會活潑機警,胃口良好.通常經空氣由其他狗隻傳染.病徵包括輕咳嗽,有鼻水或者有鼻涕流出.如果不加治理,會演變成肺炎 發熱,至終可能致命.

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Leptospirosis 鉤端螺旋體病

Infection often from contaminated urine.  Sudden onset of fever, jaundice and extreme depression; may show vomiting, thirst and blood stained diarrhoea.  Mucous membranes may have small hemorrhages.

通常由受到有病菌的尿液傳播.受到感染後,會突然發熱 出黃疸和情緒極度低落,有時會有嘔吐,口渴,腹瀉(便中有血).

粘膜可能會有輕微出血現象.

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Rabies 狂犬病

It is a legal requirement for all dogs to be inoculated against rabies as it is a zoonosis, which means it is transmissible to humans.  It is fatal once signs appear.

根據法例規定,所有狗隻都需要接受狂犬病防疫注射,因為狂犬病屬於一種動物傳染病,可以將病菌傳染給人類,同時一旦

病徵顯露,即不可醫治.

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Heartworm 犬心蟲(心絲蟲)

A parasite that lives inside the dogs blood vessels and heart.  Preventative treatment is available.  For more information go here.

犬心蟲為一種寄生蟲,由蚊蟲傳播,寄居於狗隻的血管和心臟內,有效的預防方法可. 往這裡

以上所列全屬嚴重疾病,預防是最佳的治療方法,請按照獸醫的指示,給你的小狗作防疫注射.若你的小狗有以上任可列出的臨床病徵,請立即延醫診治.






19 Oct 10

This is a disease of growing importance for all dog owners in Hong Kong.  Due to the increase mobility of dogs with their owners, especially in a cosmopolitan place such as Hong Kong, the incidence of canine Heartworm disease is on the increase.  All it takes for an infection to occur is the presence of an already infected dog and the transmitter of the disease, the mosquito.

這種致命的病在香港日漸普遍,本地的狗主應該多加注意.在香港這樣的大城市,狗隻經常都要隨著主人搬家,染上這種病的個案日增.  狗隻染上這種病並不困難,只要附近有一隻已經受感染的狗,和有蚊蟲出沒就可以了.

Life Cycle of the Canine Heartworm 犬心蟲的生命循環週期

1. Adult male and female heartworms are usually found in the lung arteries and the right hand side of the heart.  The female will produce first stage larvae or microfilariae into the bloodstream.  These 1st stage microfilariae are ingested by the mosquito when it takes a blood meal.

1)成年的雌雄犬心蟲通常寄居在肺動脈和右心房,雌性犬心蟲會將第一期的幼蟲或者微絲蚴產生進血管中.當蚊蟲吸食狗隻的血時,會同時吸進這些微絲蚴.

2. The 1st stage microfilariae will develop into 2nd and then 3rd stage microfilariae in the mosquito within the first 8-17 days.

2)第一期的微絲蚴在蚊蟲的體內,發育成第二期和第三期的微絲蚴.這段時期約需八至十七天.
3. When the mosquito feeds on another dog it will pass the 3rd stage microfilariae into the bloodstream, thereby infecting the new dog.

3)這隻蚊蟲再吸食另一狗隻的血時,即將第三期的微絲蚴帶進狗隻的血管內,這樣又有一隻狗隻受到傳染.

4. The 3rd stage microfilariae in the dog continues developing for 3-4 months prior to reaching their final destination, the heart.

4)第三期微絲蚴繼續在狗隻體內發育,三四個月後才游至最後的寄居地——–心臟.

5. Once in the heart the young heartworms develop into full adults and the females will start producing more infective 1st stage microfilariae in 5-6 months.

5)青年期的犬心蟲一旦抵達狗隻的心臟,即發育成成蟲.五六個月後,雌性犬心蟲會產下第一期的微絲蚴, 這樣又開始另一個感染循環.

Clinical Symptoms 臨床病徵

The earliest signs of canine Heartworm disease include coughing, laboured breathing, weakness and increasing exercise intolerance.  Due to the presence if the adult heartworms in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries of the heart, there is an increase resistance to the flow of blood, thereby causing the blood pooling in the liver and spleen.  If there is a high count of adult heartworms the dog may develop congestive heart failure.

犬心病的早期病徵包括咳嗽,呼吸沉重,體弱,漸漸不肯做多些運動.由於成年犬心蟲寄生在心臟的肺動脈和右心室,阻礙了血液流通,令肝臟和脾臟充血.若成年犬心蟲的數目眾多,會令狗隻患上充血性心力衰竭.

Diagnosis 診斷

A diagnosis can be based on an examination of blood sample microscopically.  Confirmation is usually done with the use of an antigen test using a fresh blood sample.

診斷的方法是抽取血液樣本,以顯微鏡找出微絲蚴,或用快速犬心蟲抗原測試來確診.

Treatment/Prevention 治療

The best treatment is to prevent the infection in the first place. The most common treatments include a monthly oral treatments or yearly injectable treatment. 

最佳的治療方法是預防. 常用的預防方法包括每月一次的口服預防藥物或每年一次的心絲蟲預防針。

If the dog already has an established colony of adult heartworm, treatment can be quite risky, time consuming and relatively expensive.  Treatment involves treatment with drugs which could potentially cause adverse reactions.  Fatalities are possible if the patient is very sick.

如果狗隻體內已有犬心蟲成蟲群,治療的過程就會頗危險,而且需要花上很長的時間,費用很昂貴. 治療犬心蟲用的藥有可能會引起副作用.嚴重染病的狗隻甚至會死亡.






19 Oct 10


In Hong Kong, the answer is Probably!  Everybody’s pet gets them at some time in their lives; it’s a fact of life and has nothing to do with having a dirty flat or being unhygienic.  Look for small insects (1-2mm long) especially around the base of the tail. Often you can see black specks of flea dirt in the coat.  These specks will leave a brown or reddish stain if squeezed on wet tissue.

在香港很有可能有跳蚤!在寵物的一生裹,主人總有機會和跳蚤打交道.由於感染到的途徑實在太多,就算家居怎樣清都有可能有跳蚤的踪影.很多時在尾部附近會看見一隻隻的跳蚤(1-2mm大),或一點點黑色沙粒狀蚤糞在毛上.如果將這些黑沙擦在濕紙巾上,就會看到啡紅色的痕跡.






18 Oct 10

Hong Kong summers can be extremely uncomfortable when humidity levels become very high. Not only unbearable for us, but spare a thought for a shaggy Chow Chow, Pomeranian or fluffy Persian. Not only that, have you seen a dog or cat sweat before?

香港的又濕又熱的夏日會令到我們很辛苦,何況毛茸茸的鬆師狗,松鼠狗和波斯貓!?但是你們有無見過貓狗流汗嗎?

Actually they do sweat, but it is limited to the underpads of their feet. Sweating is one good way to keep your body temperature under control. As your sweat gets evaporated away it helps to draw the heat away from you. If your sweat glands are only available on your feet it is hardly an efficient way to cool your body down.

事實上牠們會流汗的,只是局限在腳板底,流出來的汗在蒸發時可以帶走身體上的熱力,從而調節體溫.如果汗線只在你的腳板底,就真的難有效降低溫度了.

Generally dogs and cats will try to cool themselves down by panting. The act of rapidly breathing helps to draw hot air away from them. The movement of air will also help draw the heat from the vascular blood supply of their tongue. This process has it’s limits though. You can only breath rapidly up to a certain rate before your breathing becomes too shallow to be of any use and your excessive muscle movements also contributes to the production of heat as well.

通常貓狗是靠張口喘氣來冷卻自己.急速的呼吸有助排出體內的熱空氣,同時流動的空氣還可將熱力從脷上的血管帶走.但這個過程是有限制的,因為當呼吸到某個頻率時,呼吸就會變淺,而有效的空氣流動會消失,還有,過量的肌肉運用會產生更多熱力.

Heat stress comes about when your body is unable to stop the ongoing rise in body temperature. In extreme circumstances organ damage will occur has the body literally begins to burn up. If body temperature rise to 150F or 41C organ damage will lead to organ failure and can be fatal! Annually we will see many cases of heat stress to varying degrees.

當身體不可以控制不斷上升的體溫時,中暑現象就會發生,在極端的情況下,過高的體溫會”灼熟”體內的器官.體溫升到150F或41C時,器官會開始受到破壞至死亡,每年我們都會遇到不同程度的中暑病症.

The cases that lead to death can be very stressful to deal with for all parties. Seeing the dog or cat suffer is very unpleasant. From this experience prevention is definately a better option over cure. Make every effort to keep the living space for your pet as well ventilated as possible. Do not assume that if your pet is away from the sun, that they are safe from heat stress. A still, non-ventilated room will be very stuffy.

由於中暑會嚴重影響寵物的健康甚至死亡,所以預防勝於治療.寵物的居住空間要儘量安排在空氣流通的環境裹.不要以為沒有太陽的地方就等於不會中暑,空氣不流通的房間也是十分悶熱的.

If your pet is active for any reason; perhaps playing or overly excited about something, it’s body temperature can rise very quickly under these conditions. Your pet dog still needs it’s exercise even during the summer months. You must be extra cautious in preventing your dog from over exerting itself.

Try to avoid prolonged outings during the hottest time of the day. Midday is generally not a good time to go out for long runs! Try to arrange early morning or evening walks when the weather has cooled down a little. You may have a dog who happens to be very excited and happy when it comes their daily exercise. They will be very active whether it is a hot or cold day. You need to monitor these dogs very carefully.

如果你的寶貝是一隻十分活潑好動的寵物,體溫很容易會在玩耍或過度激動時迅速上升.當然寵物在夏天裹仍然雖要適量的運動,但作為主人的你,就要特別當心牠們過度活動. 嘗試避免在天氣最熱的時候外出,尤其是中午!試試安排在清晨或夜晚外出,因為室外溫度相對比較涼快,可能你的狗狗每逢出外都會極度興奮,那就要小心留意狗狗的狀況.

If the dog is panting excessively it might be time to settle the dog down. If it is off the lead it would be a good time to put the lead back on so you have better control.

如果你的狗狗開始喘氣,那就是令牠冷靜下來的時候.如果你習慣放繩由牠自由活動,這時是時間扣回狗繩令牠慢下來.

It would be a good idea to carry water with you. A good way to cool down is to have a good drink of water. If the dog is near water it may be a good time for the dog to go for a swim t o cool that body down.

另一個好的方法是帶備充足的水,隨時任寵物渴水是可以幫助降溫.如果剛巧附近有水,這是一個游泳的好時機了!






18 Oct 10

旺角綠十字寵物診所 Mong Kok Vet Clinic

星期一,二,四,五  早上 9:00am-11:00am 下午 2:00pm-7:00pm

星期三 早上 12:00pm-1:00pm 下午休息

星期六  早上 9:00am-11:00am 下午 2:00pm-6:00pm

星期日 及 公眾假期  早上11:00am-12:00pm 下午休息

Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri      9:00am – 11:00am 2:00pm – 7:00pm

Wed   12:00pm – 1:00pm      Evening session closed

Sat   9:00am -11:00am 2:00pm – 6:00pm

Sun & Public holidays  11:00am – 12:00pm  Afternoon session closed

沙田綠十字寵物診所 Shatin Clinic

星期一,二,四,五  早上 9:00-11:00  下午 3:00-7:00

星期三  早上 9:00- 11:00  下午休息

星期六 早上 9:00-11:00 下午 3:00-6:00

星期日 及 公眾假期   早上 9:00- 10:00  下午休息

Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri   9:00am – 11:00am    3:00pm – 7:00pm

Wed   9:00am – 11:00am    Evening session Closed

Sat    9:00am – 11:00am     3:00pm – 6:00pm

Sun & Public Holidays  9:00am – 10:00am    Afternoon session closed






10 Sep 10

With the cold weather approaching it is important to keep your pet in a comfortable living environment.  Sudden fluctuations in temperature variation can often be quite stressful to your pet’s immune system and health. In particular, older pets, will be quite susceptible to cold related diseases such respiratory related problems and hypothermia.

One common disease, which will usually affect the older pet, is arthritis. Arthritis in most cases is associated with joint pain. Many pet owners will notice this with their pets for the first time during the colder months, when they suddenly do not appear as active or have difficulty walking.  They may find that they are especially uncomfortable when the temperature is coolest in the evening or first thing in the morning.

Arthritis is a progressive disease and in many cases cannot be cured. If treated early it may be possible to slow the progression of the disease.  In some cases antibiotics may be required to treat arthritis and there are many forms of conservative and pain treatments available to treat a patient with.

A veterinarian can help you determine the cause and severity of arthritis with examination and other procedures such as blood testing and x-ray.

寒冷天氣與關節炎

寒冷的天氣又到了, 是時候為你的小寶貝準備一個舒適溫暖的安樂窩了!小寶貝的免疫系統和健康最容易受到乍暖還寒的天氣威脅,特別是長者“,寒冷是牠們的敵人,會引發起一些如,呼吸系統和低溫症的問題.

關節炎是常見會影響年長寶貝的疾病.最常見的病徵是關節痛.很多主人會在寒冷天氣來臨時,察覺到寵物突然間減少了活動,或行動困難.尤其是夜晚和清晨溫度最寒冷時,牠們會容易感覺到不舒服和打震.

關節炎是持續的疾病,雖然並非一定能治癒,但及早治療可減輕症狀和延緩病情的發展.治療包括各種止痛消炎藥和不同類形的非藥物性治療,有時甚至需要服用抗生素.

透過診症和其他程序,如血液驗查,x-,我們的獸醫可替你的寶貝找出關節炎的成因和程度.