Pyometra is the accumulation of pus in the uterus of a bitch (female dog) due to infection. It forms part of a very complex disease known as CEHMEP (Cystic endometrial hyperplasia, mucometra, endometritis, pyometra complex) which is life-threatening and can lead to...
Winter can be unexpectedly dangerous for pets, primarily because their human owners are so busy cocooning they sometimes neglect their pets' needs. Winter must-dos Exercise. Ooh this is a tough one. When it's wet or icy, leaving the warmth of your home is a real...
Pitbulls are a highly controversial breed because so many have been bred for fighting but we believe that it is human intervention that has turned many of these animals vicious which sadly has now led to widespread calls for their euthanasia. We believe the better way...
Cones 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...
Blood 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...
Behaviour 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...
Mange, 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...
Food 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...
Anxiety in dogs is more common than we think. Though there has been a huge upsurge in mental health awareness in humans (especially because of Covid), as vets we see many cases of anxiety and other mental health conditions in dogs that owners haven’t detected. Few...
Rabies kills more than 60 000 people a year worldwide with more than 95% of deaths occurring in Africa, and is endemic to South Africa. It is 100% fatal but also 100% preventable through vaccination. It has the highest case-fatality rate of any infectious disease...
Milk fever in dogs that are nursing puppies is a potentially fatal illness but it can be successfully treated by a veterinarian if caught on time and it is easily prevented
Noise phobias, especially of storms or fireworks, are common in dogs. These dogs will act out by hiding, pacing, panting, trembling, peeing, pooping, drooling, and destroying things. Some dogs will even take it to the extreme of hurting themselves jumping through...