Pet owners in Rankin Inlet had their furry friends out for an annual check-up earlier this month. (Oct 27/04) - Pet owners in Rankin Inlet had their furry friends out for an annual check-up earlier this month.

Veterinarians from Winnipeg's Tuxedo Animal Hospital have been coming to Rankin for the past six years.

Dr. Stavros Iacovides examines Cheetah, a domestic short-haired cat, in Rankin Inlet earlier this month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The 2004 visit was sponsored by the hamlet, Aurora Northern Contractors, Calm Air and Qagvik Enterprises Ltd.

Dr. Pat Dorval says the team is seeing more older animals every visit.

"Arthritis has become a common problem in Rankin because of its aging pet population," says Dorval.

"The owners we encounter here take good care of their pets when they're sick, including flying them to Winnipeg when they need that level of care."

Dorval says the canine parvo virus is as much a threat to dogs in the North as elsewhere in Canada because it can survive the coldest winter for an extended period of time.

She says unvaccinated young dogs, especially puppies, will contract the virus, which can be fatal if not treated early.

"Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. The virus makes animals very sick, very quickly, and it's completely preventable with the proper vaccination."

Dorval says good oral hygiene is the most overlooked area of proper pet care.

She says larger breeds of dogs, such as huskies and shepherds, often have healthy teeth their whole lives.

But smaller breeds often develop problems with plaque by the age of three.

"If we don't clean their teeth, the bacteria in their mouth and gums will circulate through their body and affect their heart and liver."

New lease on life

Animals will keep eating while they're suffering oral discomfort, making it hard for owners to spot problems.

Items such as Dentabone and real bones they can gnaw on, but can't crack and swallow, help with their teeth.

Dorval says because there's often no clear sign that a pet is in dental pain, it's important to have the animal's teeth checked by a vet and cleaned when needed.

"It's always rewarding to clean a dog's teeth because it will often make it feel young again.

"They tend to become more active and that tells you they were in some level of discomfort before their teeth were cleaned."