Southern View: March 28, 2024

2
Thursday March 28 2024
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what’s on
this week
Your local community newspaper connects
neighbours in the following suburbs
Spreydon • Hoon Hay • Hillmorton • Cracroft
Cashmere • St Martins • Somerfield
Sydenham • Addington • Waltham • Opawa
Beckenham • Huntsbury • Woolston
22,300 readers every week
REPORTER
Sasha Watson
Ph: 021 913 566
sasha.watson@starmedia.kiwi
ADVERTISING
Annabel Judd
Ph: 021 457 469
annabel.judd@starmedia.kiwi
GENERAL INQUIRIES Ph 379 7100
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www.starmedia.kiwi
Chess Group
Wednesdays, 1.30-3pm
South Library
Come and have a game of chess and
meet up with other chess players.
There will be some chess sets available-
but bring your own just in case
there are more players than boards.
JP Clinic
Tuesday, 10am-1pm
South Library
A justice of the peace will be available
to members of the community to
witness signatures and documents,
certify document copies, hear
oaths, declarations, affidavits
or affirmations as well as sign
citizenship, sponsorship or rates
rebates applications. This service is
free.
Afterschool Activity Zone
Tuesdays, 3.30-4.30pm
South Library
Come and have fun every Tuesday.
Join in for a variety of activities including
technology, crafts and games
in a fun learning environment. All
whānau welcome. Free, no bookings
required. Suited to ages 5-12 years.
Christchurch Easter Show, Friday to Monday, 10am-4pm,
Canterbury Agricultural Park. Free entry, free parking, and free activities
including an Easter egg hunt. Some of the things to do include a huge
castle zone with some new inflatables, new amusement rides, food and
drinks vendors, market stalls, live music and more.
Wā Kōrero: Storytimes
Tuesdays, 11-11.30am
South Library
Meet others in the community when
you and your preschooler join in
for a fun variety of stories, songs
and rhymes which foster children’s
literacy. Perfect for 2-5 years. All
whānau and caregivers welcome.
Knit ‘n’ Yarn
Thursdays, 1.30-3.30pm
South Library
Come along on Thursdays with your
knitting, crochet or anything you
like that’s portable and crafty and
enjoy time with other crafters. Share
skills and be inspired in a friendly,
relaxing environment. Have a look at
a range of craft books and magazines
to get ideas for your next project. All
welcome.
Book Discussion Group
Thursdays, 6-7pm
South Library
For those who love reading and want
to share in discussion with other
friendly book lovers, subscribe to
the Book Discussion Scheme - there
is a cost involved. Held on the last
Thursday of the month. Places are
limited so please phone 9417923 or
email library@ccc.govt.nz to enquire
about availability and cost.
WANT YOUR COMMUNITY
EVENT FEATURED HERE?
Email all info to
sasha.watson@starmedia.kiwi
by 5pm each Monday
Understanding Pain in Pets
ow do we know when our pets are in pain? They’re
H still eating their food, they’re running around and
playing with their toys, surely they feel fine? Don’t they?
In the animal kingdom, the primary goal is simple: keep
the species going. Nature, as it turns out, isn’t too fussed
about our happiness or how good our hair (or coat) looks
or whether we have the latest toys. It cares about survival
– eat, stay out of danger and survive long enough to keep
producing offspring to carry on the cycle. Pain plays
a crucial role in survival. It’s the body’s way of saying,
“That’s hot, get away from that fire!” or “Ouch, that’s
sharp, it’ll cut me!” or “Look out! That other animal wants
to eat me. Run!”
As humans, we have the luxury of interpreting pain with
a touch of modern convenience: If we have a sore tooth
we can just call the dentist, if we’ve injured ourselves we
know we can take it easy for a few days. Our furry friends
have a more primal understanding.
For them, pain isn’t just a signal, it’s a survival tool deeply
rooted in their biology. They’re not going to come and
tell us “Hey, I’m hurting”, they’re wired to tough it out
and keep going, no matter what, so they are masters at
disguising signs of injury or illness.
Pain can manifest in different ways. Acute pain comes on
suddenly and can look more obvious or severe. It acts as
a protective reflex at first but can become harmful if left
untreated. Chronic pain tends to be more insidious in
onset and the signs can be much more subtle, it has little
protective value and can become quite debilitating having
significant impacts on overall quality of life.
So, how do we tell if our furry companions are in pain? It’s
all about paying attention to the signs. It can really help to
think about how your pet behaves normally (or if they’re
older, how they used to behave when they were young),
how they move, what activities they like, how they play,
do they look for attention? Knowing what is normal for
them can help you detect early changes more quickly. Our
pets won’t always show their discomfort in obvious ways,
so it’s essential to be vigilant and proactive in seeking
veterinary care when needed.
At Kowhai Veterinary Clinic, we’re committed to helping
our furry friends live their best lives. From chronic pain
management to proactive preventive care, we’re here to
support you every step of the way. Because when it comes
to our pets’ well-being, there’s no goal more important
than ensuring their comfort and happiness.
Remember, old age is not a disease. While our pets may
slow down a bit as they age, it’sessential to address any
signs of discomfort or pain promptly. With the right care
and attention, we can help our furry companions exceed
nature’s survival goals and live a life filled with comfort
and joy.
So, here’s to keeping our pets happy, healthy, and
pain-free – because when they thrive, we thrive too.
Signs of Pain in Animals
• loss of appetite or difficulty eating
• decreased activity
• restlessness
• decreased engagement with human and animal friends
• panting
• salivation
• posture changes – may be rigid, hunched, or drooping
• wide eyes
• limping/change in gait
• change in behavior – aggression/irritability
• whining/moaning/ other vocalization
• Inappropriate toileting - soiling in house
• squinting, blinking, tears, eye redness or discharge
Common Causes of Pain
• Musculoskeletal – bones, joints, muscles, tendons
– fractures, strains, bruises, arthritis, etc.
• Visceral – coming from internal organs such as
stomach, intestines, urinary tract, even eyes
– think UTI, stomach ulcers, pneumonia, cancer, etc.
• Neurologic – neurologic pain can come from
damaged nerves, neuropathies, and some autoimmune
diseases
• Dental/oral – oral pain can come from fractured
damaged teeth, gum disease, oral ulcers, or oral
foreign bodies
• Dermal – the skin is the body’s first alert system and
it’s full of pain receptors – scrapes, burns, cuts, and
rashes can all cause pain
Consultations • Surgery & Diagnostics • Locally Owned & Operated
122 Opawa Road, Opawa, Christchurch. Ph: 03 337 5445
Visit our website: www.kowhaivet.co.nz
WE ARE OPEN:
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:30pm,
Saturday, 9:00am - 12:00pm