With the change in seasons comes a change in weather, and with that, potentially, a change in your arthritic pet’s comfort levels.

As rainy weather sets in, atmospheric pressure drops and the joint capsule starts to stretch, stimulating nerves to trigger a feeling of tightness and pain. So, our older furry friends start to feel more uncomfortable both walking and in general day to day activities.

As nights draw in and the weather gets colder, our focus turns towards osteoarthritis (OA). This is common in both man and animals, but our pets tend to suffer more from the degenerative, ‘wear and tear’ type rather than immune mediated forms such as rheumatoid seen in man.  As far as our pets are concerned it may occur as a progression from a developmental disorder such as hip or elbow dysplasia, or as a result of repetitive trauma or an injury to a joint.

St Boniface Vets are taking part in the XLVets Charity Challenge, in aid of Send a Cow & The Farming Community Network. 

We aim to walk, swim, cycle and even roller skate 453.95 miles by September!  We are already clocking up a few miles.  To track our progress, keep checking back on Facebook for weekly updates www.facebook.com/stbonifacevets.

During the Mid Devon Show, we had the pleasure of meeting one of founding farmers and senior programme co-ordinator David Bragg, who hosted a farmer from Ethiopia. 

St Boniface Veterinary Clinic of Exeter Road, Crediton has supported local families and their pets for more than six decades.  

Since 2001 St Boniface Vets has grown from a two-vet mixed practice to a 13-strong veterinary team; offering dedicated small animal, equine and large animal services.

Despite this expansion it remains a family-run business committed to providing the best in veterinary care.

The disturbing truth about fleas is only 5% of the infestation lives on your beloved pet, the other 95% live in your home!

Fleas are a persistent problem for many households not only in the summer months but all year round due to central heating. They cause many problems including severe discomfort and self-trauma, allergic skin disease, transmission of tapeworm and anaemia.