Western News: 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 Fendalton- Waimairi- Harewood Community Board deputy chairman 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 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 work that’S worth it! WESTERN NEWS democratic participation. As a young representative, 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? HAVE YOUR SAY: What is your view on Sam MacDonald’s Soap Box? Email andrew.king@ starmedia.kiwi Your plumbing & gas fitting specialists CJ’s Plumbing For the complete service in your new home, or renovation CJ's Plumbing can install all of your plumbing and also sort your gas fitting needs. 24h emergenCy serviCe EthiCal work | QualitY work Call now 03 347 4475 www.cjsplumbing.co.nz WE SPECIALISE IN THE CARE AND PRESERVATION OF TREES • Pruning • Expert Tree Felling • Fully Insured • Free Quotes • Powerline Clearing • Branch Chipping • Competitive Rates • Orion Approved Contractor FULLY QUALIFIED ARBORISTS 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 Member of NZ Arboriculture Association For quotes and enquiries phone 03 349 7143 | For urgent enquiries phone 027 272-6710 Email: office@arbor-tek.co.nz www.arbor–tek.co.nz
WESTERN NEWS Tuesday January 31 2017 5 News Halswell Domain car fire spooks residents ahead of skate park • By Georgia O’Connor-Harding HALSWELL DOMAIN security has come under scrutiny after a vehicle was driven through unlocked gates and set alight. The vehicle was set on fire beside the playground at about 1.20am on Wednesday near where the new Halswell Skate and Recreation Park is set to be built. The city council is investigating why the domain’s gates were left unlocked and will be talking to the security company tasked with the job. The vehicle was removed on Thursday morning with the owner’s insurance company paying for the removal. It will cost the city council an estimated $200 to remove the destroyed grass. Resident Darryl Clarke said if the city council is not going to lock the gates at night with the new skate park, it is going to cause more issues for residents living nearby. “It is good for the kids; I am not against it in that way. It is a bit different when you live near something like that,” he said. BURNT OUT: A vehicle was set alight in the Halswell Domain on Wednesday night after security forgot to lock the gates. He said the designs for the skate park look good, so long as the city council does not put lights in at night. Designs were released recently showing what the new skate park will look like with consultation remaining open until February 20. Halswell Community Project chairwoman Chrys Horn (above) said people cannot get worried because of one incident. “I just think it is making false connections to be worried suddenly because security forgets to lock up the domain so a car gets burnt. It doesn’t have anything to do with the skate park,” she said. Police said they are investigating into the incident and could not comment at this stage. HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of a new skate park going into Halswell Domain? Email your views to georgia.oconnor@ starmedia.kiwi Ranger will return home to Riccarton Bush cottage • By Georgia O’Connor-Harding PLANS ARE under way for a ranger to be back living at Riccarton Bush over winter. The ranger’s cottage, which was severely damaged in the February 22, 2011, earthquake, will be rebuilt. The Riccarton Bush Trust now has a building consent to rebuild the cottage on Kauri St, near the south side of the bush. The cottage was occupied by current ranger Gavin Ruckledge before the earthquake. But prior to Christmas, the cottage was demolished. Riccarton Bush Trust deputy chairman and chairman of the Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board, Mike Mora, said having a ranger on site was worth it. “If anybody gets trapped in the bush after the gates are locked at night, then they can go to the emergency exit and get out by the ranger’s house,” he said. A sprinkler system, fire hydrants, pumps and wells are now in place near the new cottage site in case of a fire, Mr Mora said. In December last year, the public toilets at Riccarton Bush were set on fire. 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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Western News: January 31, 2017

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