Rabbit owners are urged to keep a close eye on their pets for signs of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), a highly contagious disease that has appeared in the Western Cape and other parts of South Africa for the first time. This is a deadly disease that is usually transmitted by direct contact with another rabbit. […]
Read MoreBy Johan Marais of the African Snakebite Institute Snakes in your garden or home are a very real possibility as temperatures rise. Temperature increases at the start of Spring are a cue for snakes to start moving and feeding. Many species will also start the mating season in Spring so that their eggs can hatch […]
Read MoreGrieving is something every one of us will experience in our lifetime, whether through the loss of a family member, friend or pet. Yet many of us are surprised by the depth of our grief when a pet dies. We knew it was coming (we generally outlive our pets) but now that the day has […]
Read MoreThe tiny Karoo town of Nieu Bethesda, 50km from Graaff Reinet, is a sought-after tourist destination for its iconic Owl House. Tourism is the town’s lifeblood but there is not enough of it, especially post-Covid, to sustain the more than 1600 residents and unemployment rates are projected at more than 75%, with the majority of […]
Read MoreCones of shame are an inevitable part of your pet’s life. At some point they’ll come home from a vet visit wearing one. Most pets don’t like them or are afraid of them. Some will try anything to remove them. The quicker you get your pet used to wearing one, the less stressful his/her next […]
Read MoreBlood donor dogs are the heroes in our clinics. Like humans, some dogs are able to donate blood and those that do save dozens of lives each year. But, as with humans too, not every dog can donate. We’re looking for blood donors for our clinics. If you’re interested in putting your pet forward, here […]
Read MoreRescue kitten Snoopy was a tiny, helpless, 10-day-old bundle found in the middle of a busy road but a decade later when this defenceless little creature crossed the rainbow bridge, she left an important legacy for her adoptive parents. Somerset West resident and Snoopy’s adoring Dad, Ian Laxton, takes up the story: “Back in 2009 […]
Read MoreBehaviour changes in senior dogs are usually as a result of age-related diseases. These diseases include arthritis, dental disease, cancer, diabetes, and other endocrine diseases. Additionally, dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction, a syndrome that is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Pain is more likely to occur in senior dogs with age-related diseases, leading […]
Read MoreMange, a parasitic skin disease in dogs, is one of the itchiest skin conditions in animals. There are two main parasites responsible – Demodex and Sarcops – and there are slight differences in the way they are diagnosed and treated. Mange: how to identify it The two main signs that a dog may have mange […]
Read MoreFood allergies in pets account for about 10% of cases seen by veterinary practices yet allergies overall make up a significant percentage of the patients we see. Food allergies are often misunderstood. Here are some the myths we encounter as vets: Food allergies in pets: the myths Myth no 1: Dogs are allergic to brands […]
Read MoreDepartment of Health COVID-19 updates available at www.sacoronavirus.co.za
