Southern View: January 31, 2017

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4 Tuesday January 31 2017 McMaster & Heap Veterinary practice KIDNEY SURGERY A 6 year old Golden Lab called, you guessed it, LOLA, came to see us for a referral ultrasound at the end of last year because she had been urinating “clots” of blood. She was clinically bright and alert at the visit but did have a history of possibly having access to rat bait 7 days earlier. The abdominal ultrasound was performed by Catherine and she found a possible bleed into the left kidney but no sign of tumours anywhere else. A wide range of blood and urine testing was performed, including clotting times in case of rat bait access, and all showed up very normal, apart from evidence that she had experienced a recent bleed. So initially she was discharged on Vitamin K in case of rat bait and antibiotics. She seemed bouncy and was of course still ravenous but a follow up ultrasound was scheduled for the following week to check to see if the haemorrhage had resolved in the left kidney. She returned happily to see Kirsty the following week looking great. No further blood clots were seen in her urine. The ultrasound of the left kidney appeared in worse shape – the kidney was increased in size and still full of fluid – blood? Specialists were consulted and it was agreed that a CT scan was needed to rule in or out cancer. Kirsty accompanied Lola to her CT scan. The radiologist noted marked pathological changes in the left kidney that resembled a rapidly progressing primary kidney tumour. No sign of cancer was seen in the lungs or other parts of the abdomen. It was decided that she needed a nephrectomy ( removal of the left kidney) fairly urgently while she still essentially well. Her right kidney was functioning normally ( as seen on CT scan and via the bloods)and without surgery her prognosis was probably less than 1 month. So Kirsty and myself put our hands up to operate on Lola. A nephrectomy surgery is not to be taken lightly so we did our research before attempting the left kidney removal ( text book reading, U tube videos, consulting with other surgeons). We had a blood donor dog, a German shepherd called Pepper, on standby in case she lost a lot of blood or we couldn’t control surgical bleeding. My Lola frequently gave blood but since she’s had a renal tumour removed and undergone chemotherapy, she can no longer have blood drawn. It is important for a clinic to have access to a healthy, young, disease free canine patient in the case a blood transfusion is needed. Collecting blood is largely straight forward although the donor dog often needs to be sedated as the collection needle is large bore and goes into the jugular vein. The patient must lay very still while we are collecting the blood. Pepper did an amazing job and her blood was sent to the After hours clinic with Lola in case she required it. The surgery was a complete success, and even though there were a few tense moments during the 2 hour operation, Kirsty and I were thrilled with the final outcome. Her left kidney and ureter were carefully removed and the bleeding controlled. Georgie did a superb job of anaesthetic monitoring – not straight forward at all. Lola woke up brilliantly and has really never looked back. Her owners were very thrilled and grateful for the work our entire team carried out from start to finish. And the best news being, the mass in the kidney wasn’t “cancer”, the kidney was diseased, non functioning and had a large blood clot present. Lola will need ongoing monitoring to make sure the surviving kidney maintains good health. This will be done by regular blood and urine testing with her primary vet in Ashburton. Just like with my Lola, we are out of the woods but still need to keep our eyes open for any small changes. My Lola did have kidney cancer confirmed so she gets 6 monthly CT scans at St Georges and 3 monthly blood and urine testing. Periodically she is fed Prescription kidney diets but for now her surviving kidney is holding up well. Long may it last – my Lola is now swimming and relaxing up in the Bay of Islands with the family. Take home message – consult your vet immediately if your dog passes clots of blood in the urine. This isn’t normal. Your Local Views Trump changing politics Christchurch local body politician Sam MacDonald talks about what Donald Trump is doing to politics Has Donald Trump revived politics? It seems to be the topic every media outlet across the globe is reporting – the Donald Trump presidency. While we have seen him already make controversial moves like remove the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and adopt an archaic, protectionist approach to trade, the question still stands. Is a Trump presidency likely to improve the awareness of politics and the importance of voting? One of the struggles inherent with local government elections is the lack of awareness or engagement and the resulting low voter turnout. In the 2016 elections, only 40 per cent of Christchurch voters cast a ballot. For an organisation tasked with spending millions of dollars www.ruapunaspeedway.co.nz every year on roads, traffic, waterways, parks and collecting rubbish, there isn’t much of everyday life that isn’t impacted by the work overseen by elected representatives. Now, while I don’t propose that our elections are comparable to the US elections, the challenge remains: How do we improve voter participation and increase the awareness of what your city council and community board do for you? I’ve taken a different approach in the Waimairi Ward. Firstly, by working with local residents on key issues, such as challenges with urban planning and development, parking and traffic issues, and the under utilisation of our parks and recreational areas. Secondly, I’ve been working to raise awareness of the importance of democratic participation. As a young representative, 2 ADULTS ACCOMPANIED BY UP TO 4 CHILDREN Adults $20 | Students/Seniors $15 | Children U15 $5 Garden City 30 Lap Classic SOUTHERN VIEW passionate about getting youth involved in not only our community, but the democratic process, more can be done. I challenge you to talk to someone under the age of 30 and discuss the importance and impact of their vote. While rubbish collection and traffic issues may not be the most appealing conversations, the point remains – will the ongoing controversy surrounding the Trump presidency, in the very least, raise awareness around the importance and impact of your democratic right to vote? •Sam MacDonald is Fendalton-Waimairi- Harewood Community Board deputy chairman HAVE YOUR SAY: What is your view on Mr MacDonald’s Soap Box? Email andrew.king@ starmedia.kiwi K & T DRAINAGE MIDGET GARDEN CITY NEW ZEALAND 30 LAP CLASSIC GRAND PRIX SPEEDWEEK WEDNESDAY 1 & SATURDAY 4 FEB 2017 THE GATES OPEN AT 5.30Pm | THE DIRT STARTS FLYING AT 6.30Pm EFTPOS AVAILABLE STARRING TYLER THOMAS (USA) BRAD MOSEN (AUCK) 2014-15 NZ CHAMPION PETER HUNNIBELL (AUCK) 2015-16 NZ CHAMPION DUANE HICKMAN (STRATFORD) DEFENDING NZ MIDGET GP CHAMPION TAKING ON THE PRIDE OF THE SOUTH Open 7 days Cnr Hoon Hay & Coppell place phone 338 2534, Fax 339 8624 e. mcmasterandheap@yahoo.co.nz www.mcmasterheap.co.nz McMaster & Heap If wet check the Speedway Infoline 03 349 7727 or www.ruapunaspeedway.co.nz or FACEBOOK Ruapuna Speedway
SOUTHERN VIEW Tuesday January 31 2017 5 News Urban forest for Linwood likely In Brief • By Caitlin Miles AN URBAN forest may be developed in Linwood Lower Fields as part of flooding protection plans. The land will be developed into a new water storage basin, it’s planned to store flood water in heavy rainfall and release it slowly back into Bells Creek to reduce the flood risk to houses in Linwood. The area surrounding the ponds is proposed to be made into an urban forest and park area. The landscaping plan has gone out for public consultation. The city council is in discussions with the Ministry of Education over purchasing 2.75ha of the 3.2ha Linwood College Lower Fields on Ferry Rd from the Ministry of Education. The college used to use the site for sports purposes but since the 2011 earthquakes it has only used a portion of the grounds for its satellite unit, the Kimihia Parents’ College. The city council wants to use the land as part of a series of works, between Antigua St in the central city and Hargood St in Woolston, designed to improve flood protection and water quality in the Bells Creek catchment. PROTECTION: The plans include native trees surrounding the ponds and a path through the forest. The plan includes planting 2500 native trees and having concrete footpaths and boardwalks to go around the two ponds. City councillor Yani Johanson said having the community’s feedback on the project is important. “We’re looking at having an urban forest in Linwood . . . it’s going to start making Linwood great again,” Cr Johanson said. The Linwood Lower Fields project is part of the wider Land Drainage Recovery Programme which seeks to restore the flooding risk in the city to ‘pre-earthquake levels’. The Bells Creek catchment has experienced a greater flood risk since the earthquakes due to subsidence of the ground. The consultation period will close on February 15. The plans will go to the Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board in March. SKATE PARK PLANS DRAWN Concept plans for the two skate parks planned for Halswell have been released. The designs aimed to incorporate many of the wish-list items that young people and locals asked for. The plans for the Halswell Domain Skate and Recreation Park and Knights Stream skate park include a skate bowl, quarter pipes, rails along with seating and shaded areas. If the plans are approved it is expected to take three months to complete each skate park. Consultation is open until February 20. To find out more about the plans or to make a consultation go to https:// ccc.govt.nz/the-council/haveyour-say/whats-happening-now/ consultations/ SPEED REDUCTIONS LIKELY THe city council will decide on Thursday whether or not to approve six speed reductions in Halswell following a recommendation from the Halswell-Hornby-Riccaton Community Board. Roads to have speed limits lowered include Halswell Junction, Halswell, Wigram, Marshs, Quaifes, Milns, Sutherlands and Sparks. The concept was put out for public consultation last year. Pack a it ’ s Picnic, Island Time! Discover walking tracks, native birds, penguins, the swimming beach and shipwrecks, all on the island that’s only 15 minutes from Christchurch! Start Exploring Otamahua/Quail Island today! 0800 436 574 www.blackcat.co.nz DEPARTS: LYTTELTON QUAIL ISLAND Oct – Apr 10.20am 3.30pm Dec – Feb 10.20am & 12.20pm 12.30pm & 3.30pm FARE: adult $30 child $15 return CRUISES LYTTELTON & AKAROA SKILL STANDS OUT N0.1 CONSULTANT FOR HARCOURTS CANTERBURY SINCE 2012 RECENT SALES
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Southern View: January 31, 2017

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