Kivalliq house call
Animal health team set to return to Rankin Inlet
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
RANKIN INLET
An animal health team from the Tuxedo Animal Hospital in Winnipeg, Man. will be making its annual visit to Rankin Inlet this coming week from Sept. 15 to 19.
Animal health technician Jen Dakin does some canine teeth cleaning during Tuxedo Animal Hospital's most recent visit to Rankin Inlet. - photo courtesy of Page Burt |
Veterinarians and health technicians from the hospital will be in Rankin to spay and neuter dogs and cats.
Page Burt organizes the clinic and said when a female dog is spayed, it will not go into heat and have puppies.
She said spaying also reduces the chance of mammary tumours and infections of the uterus.
"Neutering a male dog means it will not wander as much and will not father unwanted puppies," said Burt.
"In both cases, it usually means a dog will become a better pet.
"The vets also spay and neuter cats, which prevents male cats from spraying and female cats from going into heat and acting crazy.
"The team will also perform minor surgeries, such as the removal of suspicious lumps, do dental cleaning and perform examinations and vaccinations as needed."
Burt said the visit is a good opportunity for owners to get a professional opinion if their pet is having problems.
She said due to a scheduling conflict, the clinic will not be held at the curling club this year. Instead, it will be held at the Nanuq Lodge building between Nanuq Executive Suites and the Eskimo Point Lumber building.
"I'd like to remind Rankin pet owners that appointments are necessary, and ask them not to simply show up with their pet.
"To book an appointment, they may call me at 6452650.
"Daytime and evening appointments are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, while surgeries will be done on Thursday and Friday.
"We have quite a few requests already but we'd like to see more spays being done, and the puppy problem is still with us because there's not enough good homes for them."
Burt said some funding may be available to assist with the cost of spaying or neutering.
She said assistance can be discussed while booking an appointment.
"If a dog needs to be vaccinated for rabies, parvovirus or distemper, I can do that at Nanuq Lodge.
"The rabies vaccination is free, while parvovirus/distemper is done at $10 per shot.
"Puppies should be vaccinated for parvovirus and distemper – two or three shots for full immunity – at five weeks, while the rabies shot can be given at 12 weeks."
