I have finally discovered a country where it rains more than in the UK!

My experiences during a recent holiday to Costa Rica have underlined the notion that, given the appropriate climatic conditions, the flora and fauna most suited will flourish. The rainforest conditions so prevalent throughout this small country clearly favour dramatic growth and diversity of plants and animals. It should therefore come as no surprise that an environment that is so damp should be home to so many different amphibians and their predators.

Exotic species like these are rarely kept as "pets" in this country and, given the highly toxic nature of some of these amphibians, I am not disappointed! The "hazardous effects" of our own domesticated species appear rather tame in comparison.

The concept of an appropriate environment is still an important one and is probably the most common reason why exotic species fail to thrive and succumb to disease when kept as pets in the UK. Whilst internet access has improved the widespread availability of information enormously, inadequate research into the basic husbandry and feeding requirements of these exotics species remains the biggest hurdle in combating disease.

Terry Dunne

We have seen an unfortunate number of cats with no apparent owner brought to the surgery recently by members of the public .

Lack of a microchip or any other means of identification usually results in the cats being passed over to the RSPCA for possible rehoming. Any immediate first aid that is required is administered to ensure that any individual is made as comfortable as possible.

Where the "stray" is deemed "fit and capable" it is often advised to return the cat to the area where it was located in the hope that it can find it's way home. It is often tempting when a suspected "stray" is spotted by concerned pet owners to offer food. Whilst it is only natural to provide food and security to an animal that you may suspect is lost, very few cats (or people for that matter) will turn down the offer of a free lunch! This may in turn delay or deflect that individual from it's journey home.

The biggest dilemma is encountered where an injured or diseased animal requires on-going and expensive treatments. Animal charities, like everyone else, have restricted budgets and difficult decisions have to be made as to the likelihood of any confirmed "strays" having a reasonable chance of being successfully rehomed once the treatment course has been completed.

"Carcasonne"

Carcassonne is a town in France I visited recently! This cat lives in a graveyard there! It is so pretty that I thought I should use the photo in an article. It is, in essence, a "stray" , albeit a French one!

Taking responsibility for these difficult decisions is not something most people would relish but we are extremely fortunate in the UK that we have organisations like the RSPCA who are prepared to make those decisions even if at times it is budget driven.

Most veterinary practices will absolve anyone else from responsibilty by adopting a fair number of waifs and strays that appear on their doorstep and Fairfield is no exception. My veterinary colleague Aga is to be reunited with her recent adoption (Rudi) on her return from her honeymoon!

At a dinner party some time ago I referred to a woman with "Giant Schnauzers". It was clear from the response of my audience that no-one around the table was familiar with that breed of dog and in fact assumed that I was referring to something completely different!

The fact is that in my line of work communication can be an extremely difficult proposition. Attempting to explain to owners how a complex disease process occurs, what effect it can have on the patient and the various treatment options that are available without recourse to medical jargon is not straightforward. As veterinary surgeons, we can sometimes be needed to counsel a distraught owner on the appropriate time to end their pets' suffering with euthanasia and then find the next client requires enthusiasm and optimism over the acquisition of a new puppy or kitten. An emotional rollercoaster ride which occurs on a daily basis.

Giant Schnauzer

At Fairfield, we have always strived to strike the right balance and have always spent time educating our clients in the hope that they may become empowered and involved in appropriate decision making. Our team of veterinary surgeons and qualified veterinary nurses have each developed their own individual areas of expertise and strengths in order to deliver that message. Where owners seek guidance we try and offer advice on the assumption that their pet belonged to one of us. What is clear to me, is that often there is no single correct path and that each client has to make a decision with which they are comfortable, for whatever reason.

Last week I attended an educational evening (wine tasting). In order to enhance my knowledge on the subject I asked the international speaker a question. After pausing for several seconds she then looked around to the rest of the audience and asked, "Did anyone else understand a word he said?" Fortunately for me an Irish lady was able to translate my Scottish brogue into coherent English. It is clear that despite my 24 years south of the border my communication skills still require a little work!