Occasionally when you take your pet to vitalvet you will need to medicate your pet at home. This can be tricky - speak to your vet about what your options are. More and more we can get hold of liquids instead of tablets or even transdermal ointments which you can rub into the pet’s skin. However, tablets are an inevitability - monthly flea and worming tablets are often flavoured and palatable. These should all be given with food/on a full stomach to promote good drug absorption.
Giving a cat a tablet is often a two-man job. Number one to hold onto your cat’s elbows to avoid number 2 being swatted. Hold the cats head like a cricket ball with finger and thumb on cheekbones. Make the cat look up and see, with the lower jaw loose, if you can get your tablet down the centre of their tongue. That is where the swallow reflex is - hold onto their head but relax your grip until you see their tongue come out - then you know you have success.
Dogs are generally easier, and medications are easier to disguise with strong smelling/favourite foods. However, the same principle applies - sometimes you must push the meds down.
There is a large range of tick and flea products available these days and this can be a little overwhelming. We have lots of staff to help you decide what is the best option for your pet. There are top spots usually applied to the back of the neck every 4 - 12 weeks or tablets by mouth for dogs which can also last 4- 12 weeks.
Popular products include Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, Frontline, Revolution.
Annual vaccinations are recommended although actual ingredients will vary. Our vets have the most up to date vaccination protocols but realise it’s not always a one size fits all situation, and we are happy to discuss vaccinations on a case-by-case basis. Rabies is a legal requirement in this country, and we are constantly dealing with contagious disease outbreaks like parvo and canine & feline infectious respiratory diseases, so vaccination remains the single most preventative action you can take to keep your pets healthy all year through.
Deciding when to spay or neuter your pet can seem really complicated so let’s break it down for you. Cats should really be spayed at 6 months old, male and female, unless they are specific breeding animals. This prevents adding to the large numbers of kittens in our world already looking for homes. It is particularly important for outdoor cats to be sterilised as searching for a mate also leads them far from home and they are more likely to be injured or worse.
With dogs it’s a bit more complicated and advice will vary. Males are advised to be castrated at maturity (6 months for small breeds / 12-18 months for larger breeds) if necessary. The reasons for male castration are often behavioural and if there is a specific hormone driven behaviour that you would like to stop, the sooner we castrate the better. However, if there are no intact females in the home and your male dog is easy to handle there may not be any need for castration.
The female dog, however, should be spayed unless she is a breeding animal. We do this to prevent two very serious and life-threatening health conditions. The first is pyometra which is a uterine infection which often requires surgery and days in the ICU and can result in death. The second is mammary gland tumours (breast cancer in pets) which often leads to large ulcerating masses that require repeat wide margin surgery to remove. Recurrence is common and this condition can be a reason for euthanasia.
We are happy to spay your small breed female dog from 6 months - even before being in season. Larger breeds should ideally wait until 12-18 months or 3 months after their first or second season, to allow hormones enough time for normal bone growth. This should really be discussed on a case-by-case basis depending on owner circumstance, other pets in the home etc.
Even though breeding and whelping should be a natural process for animals and breeding your female dog or cat can be an awarding experience, there can be several problems and complications which can result in it being a stressful and expensive event. We would encourage owners who want to breed their female pet to do the necessary research before embarking on this journey that will normally take about 4-5 months from mating the female to rehoming the puppies.
First to consider is if your female pet is a good candidate for breeding e.g. healthy, vaccinated, good temperament and being a young adult (2-4 years old). Certain breeds are more at risk of having problems with mating and whelping like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas and smaller breeds. You will need to set aside time and money to properly care for the mother and puppies during the pregnancy and afterwards e.g. preparing a dedicated area for the mother to give birth and raise the puppies, assist in whelping or even a Caesarean section if she struggles to give birth, feeding the puppies if the mother struggles to do it herself, good nutrition for the mother.
Once your female is pregnant, it takes typically 9 weeks (57-63 days) for her to go into labour. It is critical to know the mating date(s) to be able to calculate and prepare for the whelping and to know if she is going over her due date without showing signs of labour so that the necessary steps can be taken to ensure the puppies are born alive. From about day 58 post mating, a temperature drop of 1 degree can happen within 24-48 hours before labour and this can be monitored at home by taking her rectal temperature three times a day.
The two main stages of labour are:
Stage 1 - where the female becomes restless and uncomfortable, shows nesting behaviour, eats less or stop eating and can have a clear discharge. This can last up to a day or two.
Stage 2 - labour is when the female starts having contractions, panting and shivering. If the contractions continue for longer than 20 minutes continuously without a puppy being born, there is a problem. Any dark green or black discharges being produced during stage 1 or 2 of labour will indicate a foetus in distress and a reason to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
We recommend the following veterinary consultations before and after whelping:
1) a health examination and advice consultation before breeding your female,
2) an abdominal ultrasound to examine for pregnancy 4 weeks after mating,
3) an abdominal radiograph at 8 weeks after mating to determine the number of foetuses and examine the health of the mother and foetuses (checking their heart beats with the ultrasound),
4) during labour if there are any indications of abnormal discharges or weakness of the mother,
and
5) a day or 2 after labour to examine the puppies for defects like cleft palates and the mother for any retained foetuses/placentas.
The mother will normally clean and care for the puppies once born and ingest the placentas. She will have a bloody, dark green to black discharge for up to 6 weeks after whelping. The puppies must be drinking by 6 – 8 hours (normally sooner) after being born. We always have a veterinarian on call for any advice or assistance you may need during the process.
An emergency is a situation where your pet is in distress due an immediate risk to his/her health and requires urgent medical attention.
Veterinary emergencies can be very scary and its often a time when owners will panic. It is very difficult to guide owners over the phone as some signs, like a cat just lying down and looking lethargic, while subtle, can indicate severe disease.
Examples of veterinary emergencies include:
The signs of a pet in distress/experiencing an emergency condition are:
We will always try and get more information over the phone, but it is ALWAYS BEST to try and get your pet to a vet to be sure. Especially if there are any vulnerabilities like very old or very young; not treated for ticks and fleas or worms; unvaccinated; underlying chronic disease or chronic medication etc.
It is ALWAYS best to stay calm, secure your pet in a confined, safe area (so that they cannot escape and hide away) and phone a vet immediately when you perceive an emergency condition in your pet. Most of these conditions can be treated with a positive outcome if done so speedily and where it is not possible to save your pet, his/her suffering can be shortened by electing for a humane euthanasia.
Our vet is on call 24hrs a day and you are welcome to call even if just for advice.
If your pet has been discharged with a bandage it is a vital component to their treatment and care must be taken to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Do’s:
Don’ts:
If your pet has been booked in for a sedation or general anaesthetic the following day, you will need to make sure that your pet arrives at the hospital starved. This means they can’t eat after 10pm the night before surgery. We starve growing animals for shorter periods of time to avoid complications.
Canine babesiosis (Tick Bite Fever) is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The disease is caused by parasites that infect red blood cells in dogs.
Key points about canine babesiosis include:
Canine babesiosis is a significant concern in our area where ticks are prevalent, and prompt veterinary attention is crucial for successful treatment and recovery.
Pancreatitis in dogs is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ located near the stomach and small intestine. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and regulates blood sugar levels by producing digestive enzymes and insulin.
When pancreatitis occurs, the digestive enzymes that are normally inactive until they reach the small intestine become activated within the pancreas itself. This leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially severe complications.
Causes of pancreatitis in dogs can include:
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs may include:
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check pancreatic enzyme levels, imaging such as ultrasound to assess the pancreas, and sometimes a biopsy to confirm inflammation.
Treatment usually includes supportive care such as fluid therapy, pain management, and medications to control vomiting and inflammation. Severe cases can be fatal and will require hospitalization, and other cases can become chronic and the pet may be reliant on special diets and supplements their whole lives.
Prevention involves feeding a balanced diet, avoiding high-fat foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and promptly treating any underlying conditions that could predispose a dog to pancreatitis. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.
Canine Infectious Respiratory Complex (CIRC) also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) or Canine Infectious Respiratory Tract Disease (CIRTD), refers to a group of infectious diseases in dogs that affect the respiratory system. It's like the common cold or flu in humans and can involve multiple infections simultaneously.
The main agents involved in CIRC/CIRD include:
CIRC/CIRD is often seen in places where dogs congregate closely, such as kennels, grooming rooms, shelters, dog parks, the beach and boarding facilities. However, due to the high level of aerosol contagion, all dogs that live near other dogs are at risk.
Clinical signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and sometimes fever. Vaccination against some of these agents (like CPIV, CAV-2, and Bordetella) can help reduce the severity and spread of the disease.
Treatment typically involves supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and sometimes antibiotics if there's a bacterial component. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Babesiosis in cats is a relatively common and potentially serious tick-borne disease in certain areas of South Africa. It is better known as tick bite fever.
Here’s a summary of key points about babesiosis in cats:
Overall, babesiosis in cats is a serious condition that requires veterinary attention for diagnosis and treatment. We often find that cats who are potentially underlying carriers, can develop clinical signs of babesiosis when stressed or when other disease is present. This often means we are treating tick bite fever as well as looking for underlying disease in your cat when you come in to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two important viral infections that affect cats:
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV):
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV):
In both cases, early detection through regular veterinary check-ups, vaccination for FeLV, and responsible management of infected cats are crucial in minimizing the impact of these diseases on your pet.
"Snuffles" in cats typically refers to a common respiratory syndrome caused by viruses (Herpesvirus and Calicivirus) and bacterial (Bordetella and Chlamydophila) infections.
Common symptoms include:
Snuffles is not usually life-threatening but you can become carriers of these viruses and struggle with intermittent or chronic symptoms for many years.
Occasionally when you take your pet to vitalvet you will need to medicate your pet at home. This can be tricky - speak to your vet about what your options are. More and more we can get hold of liquids instead of tablets or even transdermal ointments which you can rub into the pet’s skin. However, tablets are an inevitability - monthly flea and worming tablets are often flavoured and palatable. These should all be given with food/on a full stomach to promote good drug absorption.
Giving a cat a tablet is often a two-man job. Number one to hold onto your cat’s elbows to avoid number 2 being swatted. Hold the cats head like a cricket ball with finger and thumb on cheekbones. Make the cat look up and see, with the lower jaw loose, if you can get your tablet down the centre of their tongue. That is where the swallow reflex is - hold onto their head but relax your grip until you see their tongue come out - then you know you have success.
Dogs are generally easier, and medications are easier to disguise with strong smelling/favourite foods. However, the same principle applies - sometimes you must push the meds down.
There is a large range of tick and flea products available these days and this can be a little overwhelming. We have lots of staff to help you decide what is the best option for your pet. There are top spots usually applied to the back of the neck every 4 - 12 weeks or tablets by mouth for dogs which can also last 4- 12 weeks.
Popular products include Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, Frontline, Revolution.
Annual vaccinations are recommended although actual ingredients will vary. Our vets have the most up to date vaccination protocols but realise it’s not always a one size fits all situation, and we are happy to discuss vaccinations on a case-by-case basis. Rabies is a legal requirement in this country, and we are constantly dealing with contagious disease outbreaks like parvo and canine & feline infectious respiratory diseases, so vaccination remains the single most preventative action you can take to keep your pets healthy all year through.
Deciding when to spay or neuter your pet can seem really complicated so let’s break it down for you. Cats should really be spayed at 6 months old, male and female, unless they are specific breeding animals. This prevents adding to the large numbers of kittens in our world already looking for homes. It is particularly important for outdoor cats to be sterilised as searching for a mate also leads them far from home and they are more likely to be injured or worse.
With dogs it’s a bit more complicated and advice will vary. Males are advised to be castrated at maturity (6 months for small breeds / 12-18 months for larger breeds) if necessary. The reasons for male castration are often behavioural and if there is a specific hormone driven behaviour that you would like to stop, the sooner we castrate the better. However, if there are no intact females in the home and your male dog is easy to handle there may not be any need for castration.
The female dog, however, should be spayed unless she is a breeding animal. We do this to prevent two very serious and life-threatening health conditions. The first is pyometra which is a uterine infection which often requires surgery and days in the ICU and can result in death. The second is mammary gland tumours (breast cancer in pets) which often leads to large ulcerating masses that require repeat wide margin surgery to remove. Recurrence is common and this condition can be a reason for euthanasia.
We are happy to spay your small breed female dog from 6 months - even before being in season. Larger breeds should ideally wait until 12-18 months or 3 months after their first or second season, to allow hormones enough time for normal bone growth. This should really be discussed on a case-by-case basis depending on owner circumstance, other pets in the home etc.
Even though breeding and whelping should be a natural process for animals and breeding your female dog or cat can be an awarding experience, there can be several problems and complications which can result in it being a stressful and expensive event. We would encourage owners who want to breed their female pet to do the necessary research before embarking on this journey that will normally take about 4-5 months from mating the female to rehoming the puppies.
First to consider is if your female pet is a good candidate for breeding e.g. healthy, vaccinated, good temperament and being a young adult (2-4 years old). Certain breeds are more at risk of having problems with mating and whelping like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas and smaller breeds. You will need to set aside time and money to properly care for the mother and puppies during the pregnancy and afterwards e.g. preparing a dedicated area for the mother to give birth and raise the puppies, assist in whelping or even a Caesarean section if she struggles to give birth, feeding the puppies if the mother struggles to do it herself, good nutrition for the mother.
Once your female is pregnant, it takes typically 9 weeks (57-63 days) for her to go into labour. It is critical to know the mating date(s) to be able to calculate and prepare for the whelping and to know if she is going over her due date without showing signs of labour so that the necessary steps can be taken to ensure the puppies are born alive. From about day 58 post mating, a temperature drop of 1 degree can happen within 24-48 hours before labour and this can be monitored at home by taking her rectal temperature three times a day.
The two main stages of labour are:
Stage 1 - where the female becomes restless and uncomfortable, shows nesting behaviour, eats less or stop eating and can have a clear discharge. This can last up to a day or two.
Stage 2 - labour is when the female starts having contractions, panting and shivering. If the contractions continue for longer than 20 minutes continuously without a puppy being born, there is a problem. Any dark green or black discharges being produced during stage 1 or 2 of labour will indicate a foetus in distress and a reason to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
We recommend the following veterinary consultations before and after whelping:
1) a health examination and advice consultation before breeding your female,
2) an abdominal ultrasound to examine for pregnancy 4 weeks after mating,
3) an abdominal radiograph at 8 weeks after mating to determine the number of foetuses and examine the health of the mother and foetuses (checking their heart beats with the ultrasound),
4) during labour if there are any indications of abnormal discharges or weakness of the mother,
and
5) a day or 2 after labour to examine the puppies for defects like cleft palates and the mother for any retained foetuses/placentas.
The mother will normally clean and care for the puppies once born and ingest the placentas. She will have a bloody, dark green to black discharge for up to 6 weeks after whelping. The puppies must be drinking by 6 – 8 hours (normally sooner) after being born. We always have a veterinarian on call for any advice or assistance you may need during the process.
An emergency is a situation where your pet is in distress due an immediate risk to his/her health and requires urgent medical attention.
Veterinary emergencies can be very scary and its often a time when owners will panic. It is very difficult to guide owners over the phone as some signs, like a cat just lying down and looking lethargic, while subtle, can indicate severe disease.
Examples of veterinary emergencies include:
The signs of a pet in distress/experiencing an emergency condition are:
We will always try and get more information over the phone, but it is ALWAYS BEST to try and get your pet to a vet to be sure. Especially if there are any vulnerabilities like very old or very young; not treated for ticks and fleas or worms; unvaccinated; underlying chronic disease or chronic medication etc.
It is ALWAYS best to stay calm, secure your pet in a confined, safe area (so that they cannot escape and hide away) and phone a vet immediately when you perceive an emergency condition in your pet. Most of these conditions can be treated with a positive outcome if done so speedily and where it is not possible to save your pet, his/her suffering can be shortened by electing for a humane euthanasia.
Our vet is on call 24hrs a day and you are welcome to call even if just for advice.
If your pet has been discharged with a bandage it is a vital component to their treatment and care must be taken to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Do’s:
Don’ts:
If your pet has been booked in for a sedation or general anaesthetic the following day, you will need to make sure that your pet arrives at the hospital starved. This means they can’t eat after 10pm the night before surgery. We starve growing animals for shorter periods of time to avoid complications.
Canine babesiosis (Tick Bite Fever) is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The disease is caused by parasites that infect red blood cells in dogs.
Key points about canine babesiosis include:
Canine babesiosis is a significant concern in our area where ticks are prevalent, and prompt veterinary attention is crucial for successful treatment and recovery.
Pancreatitis in dogs is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ located near the stomach and small intestine. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and regulates blood sugar levels by producing digestive enzymes and insulin.
When pancreatitis occurs, the digestive enzymes that are normally inactive until they reach the small intestine become activated within the pancreas itself. This leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially severe complications.
Causes of pancreatitis in dogs can include:
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs may include:
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check pancreatic enzyme levels, imaging such as ultrasound to assess the pancreas, and sometimes a biopsy to confirm inflammation.
Treatment usually includes supportive care such as fluid therapy, pain management, and medications to control vomiting and inflammation. Severe cases can be fatal and will require hospitalization, and other cases can become chronic and the pet may be reliant on special diets and supplements their whole lives.
Prevention involves feeding a balanced diet, avoiding high-fat foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and promptly treating any underlying conditions that could predispose a dog to pancreatitis. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.
Canine Infectious Respiratory Complex (CIRC) also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) or Canine Infectious Respiratory Tract Disease (CIRTD), refers to a group of infectious diseases in dogs that affect the respiratory system. It's like the common cold or flu in humans and can involve multiple infections simultaneously.
The main agents involved in CIRC/CIRD include:
CIRC/CIRD is often seen in places where dogs congregate closely, such as kennels, grooming rooms, shelters, dog parks, the beach and boarding facilities. However, due to the high level of aerosol contagion, all dogs that live near other dogs are at risk.
Clinical signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and sometimes fever. Vaccination against some of these agents (like CPIV, CAV-2, and Bordetella) can help reduce the severity and spread of the disease.
Treatment typically involves supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and sometimes antibiotics if there's a bacterial component. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Babesiosis in cats is a relatively common and potentially serious tick-borne disease in certain areas of South Africa. It is better known as tick bite fever.
Here’s a summary of key points about babesiosis in cats:
Overall, babesiosis in cats is a serious condition that requires veterinary attention for diagnosis and treatment. We often find that cats who are potentially underlying carriers, can develop clinical signs of babesiosis when stressed or when other disease is present. This often means we are treating tick bite fever as well as looking for underlying disease in your cat when you come in to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two important viral infections that affect cats:
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV):
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV):
In both cases, early detection through regular veterinary check-ups, vaccination for FeLV, and responsible management of infected cats are crucial in minimizing the impact of these diseases on your pet.
"Snuffles" in cats typically refers to a common respiratory syndrome caused by viruses (Herpesvirus and Calicivirus) and bacterial (Bordetella and Chlamydophila) infections.
Common symptoms include:
Snuffles is not usually life-threatening but you can become carriers of these viruses and struggle with intermittent or chronic symptoms for many years.
Occasionally when you take your pet to vitalvet you will need to medicate your pet at home. This can be tricky - speak to your vet about what your options are. More and more we can get hold of liquids instead of tablets or even transdermal ointments which you can rub into the pet’s skin. However, tablets are an inevitability - monthly flea and worming tablets are often flavoured and palatable. These should all be given with food/on a full stomach to promote good drug absorption.
Giving a cat a tablet is often a two-man job. Number one to hold onto your cat’s elbows to avoid number 2 being swatted. Hold the cats head like a cricket ball with finger and thumb on cheekbones. Make the cat look up and see, with the lower jaw loose, if you can get your tablet down the centre of their tongue. That is where the swallow reflex is - hold onto their head but relax your grip until you see their tongue come out - then you know you have success.
Dogs are generally easier, and medications are easier to disguise with strong smelling/favourite foods. However, the same principle applies - sometimes you must push the meds down.
There is a large range of tick and flea products available these days and this can be a little overwhelming. We have lots of staff to help you decide what is the best option for your pet. There are top spots usually applied to the back of the neck every 4 - 12 weeks or tablets by mouth for dogs which can also last 4- 12 weeks.
Popular products include Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, Frontline, Revolution.
Annual vaccinations are recommended although actual ingredients will vary. Our vets have the most up to date vaccination protocols but realise it’s not always a one size fits all situation, and we are happy to discuss vaccinations on a case-by-case basis. Rabies is a legal requirement in this country, and we are constantly dealing with contagious disease outbreaks like parvo and canine & feline infectious respiratory diseases, so vaccination remains the single most preventative action you can take to keep your pets healthy all year through.
Deciding when to spay or neuter your pet can seem really complicated so let’s break it down for you. Cats should really be spayed at 6 months old, male and female, unless they are specific breeding animals. This prevents adding to the large numbers of kittens in our world already looking for homes. It is particularly important for outdoor cats to be sterilised as searching for a mate also leads them far from home and they are more likely to be injured or worse.
With dogs it’s a bit more complicated and advice will vary. Males are advised to be castrated at maturity (6 months for small breeds / 12-18 months for larger breeds) if necessary. The reasons for male castration are often behavioural and if there is a specific hormone driven behaviour that you would like to stop, the sooner we castrate the better. However, if there are no intact females in the home and your male dog is easy to handle there may not be any need for castration.
The female dog, however, should be spayed unless she is a breeding animal. We do this to prevent two very serious and life-threatening health conditions. The first is pyometra which is a uterine infection which often requires surgery and days in the ICU and can result in death. The second is mammary gland tumours (breast cancer in pets) which often leads to large ulcerating masses that require repeat wide margin surgery to remove. Recurrence is common and this condition can be a reason for euthanasia.
We are happy to spay your small breed female dog from 6 months - even before being in season. Larger breeds should ideally wait until 12-18 months or 3 months after their first or second season, to allow hormones enough time for normal bone growth. This should really be discussed on a case-by-case basis depending on owner circumstance, other pets in the home etc.
Even though breeding and whelping should be a natural process for animals and breeding your female dog or cat can be an awarding experience, there can be several problems and complications which can result in it being a stressful and expensive event. We would encourage owners who want to breed their female pet to do the necessary research before embarking on this journey that will normally take about 4-5 months from mating the female to rehoming the puppies.
First to consider is if your female pet is a good candidate for breeding e.g. healthy, vaccinated, good temperament and being a young adult (2-4 years old). Certain breeds are more at risk of having problems with mating and whelping like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas and smaller breeds. You will need to set aside time and money to properly care for the mother and puppies during the pregnancy and afterwards e.g. preparing a dedicated area for the mother to give birth and raise the puppies, assist in whelping or even a Caesarean section if she struggles to give birth, feeding the puppies if the mother struggles to do it herself, good nutrition for the mother.
Once your female is pregnant, it takes typically 9 weeks (57-63 days) for her to go into labour. It is critical to know the mating date(s) to be able to calculate and prepare for the whelping and to know if she is going over her due date without showing signs of labour so that the necessary steps can be taken to ensure the puppies are born alive. From about day 58 post mating, a temperature drop of 1 degree can happen within 24-48 hours before labour and this can be monitored at home by taking her rectal temperature three times a day.
The two main stages of labour are:
Stage 1 - where the female becomes restless and uncomfortable, shows nesting behaviour, eats less or stop eating and can have a clear discharge. This can last up to a day or two.
Stage 2 - labour is when the female starts having contractions, panting and shivering. If the contractions continue for longer than 20 minutes continuously without a puppy being born, there is a problem. Any dark green or black discharges being produced during stage 1 or 2 of labour will indicate a foetus in distress and a reason to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
We recommend the following veterinary consultations before and after whelping:
1) a health examination and advice consultation before breeding your female,
2) an abdominal ultrasound to examine for pregnancy 4 weeks after mating,
3) an abdominal radiograph at 8 weeks after mating to determine the number of foetuses and examine the health of the mother and foetuses (checking their heart beats with the ultrasound),
4) during labour if there are any indications of abnormal discharges or weakness of the mother,
and
5) a day or 2 after labour to examine the puppies for defects like cleft palates and the mother for any retained foetuses/placentas.
The mother will normally clean and care for the puppies once born and ingest the placentas. She will have a bloody, dark green to black discharge for up to 6 weeks after whelping. The puppies must be drinking by 6 – 8 hours (normally sooner) after being born. We always have a veterinarian on call for any advice or assistance you may need during the process.
An emergency is a situation where your pet is in distress due an immediate risk to his/her health and requires urgent medical attention.
Veterinary emergencies can be very scary and its often a time when owners will panic. It is very difficult to guide owners over the phone as some signs, like a cat just lying down and looking lethargic, while subtle, can indicate severe disease.
Examples of veterinary emergencies include:
The signs of a pet in distress/experiencing an emergency condition are:
We will always try and get more information over the phone, but it is ALWAYS BEST to try and get your pet to a vet to be sure. Especially if there are any vulnerabilities like very old or very young; not treated for ticks and fleas or worms; unvaccinated; underlying chronic disease or chronic medication etc.
It is ALWAYS best to stay calm, secure your pet in a confined, safe area (so that they cannot escape and hide away) and phone a vet immediately when you perceive an emergency condition in your pet. Most of these conditions can be treated with a positive outcome if done so speedily and where it is not possible to save your pet, his/her suffering can be shortened by electing for a humane euthanasia.
Our vet is on call 24hrs a day and you are welcome to call even if just for advice.
If your pet has been discharged with a bandage it is a vital component to their treatment and care must be taken to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Do’s:
Don’ts:
If your pet has been booked in for a sedation or general anaesthetic the following day, you will need to make sure that your pet arrives at the hospital starved. This means they can’t eat after 10pm the night before surgery. We starve growing animals for shorter periods of time to avoid complications.
Canine babesiosis (Tick Bite Fever) is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The disease is caused by parasites that infect red blood cells in dogs.
Key points about canine babesiosis include:
Canine babesiosis is a significant concern in our area where ticks are prevalent, and prompt veterinary attention is crucial for successful treatment and recovery.
Pancreatitis in dogs is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ located near the stomach and small intestine. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and regulates blood sugar levels by producing digestive enzymes and insulin.
When pancreatitis occurs, the digestive enzymes that are normally inactive until they reach the small intestine become activated within the pancreas itself. This leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially severe complications.
Causes of pancreatitis in dogs can include:
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs may include:
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check pancreatic enzyme levels, imaging such as ultrasound to assess the pancreas, and sometimes a biopsy to confirm inflammation.
Treatment usually includes supportive care such as fluid therapy, pain management, and medications to control vomiting and inflammation. Severe cases can be fatal and will require hospitalization, and other cases can become chronic and the pet may be reliant on special diets and supplements their whole lives.
Prevention involves feeding a balanced diet, avoiding high-fat foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and promptly treating any underlying conditions that could predispose a dog to pancreatitis. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.
Canine Infectious Respiratory Complex (CIRC) also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) or Canine Infectious Respiratory Tract Disease (CIRTD), refers to a group of infectious diseases in dogs that affect the respiratory system. It's like the common cold or flu in humans and can involve multiple infections simultaneously.
The main agents involved in CIRC/CIRD include:
CIRC/CIRD is often seen in places where dogs congregate closely, such as kennels, grooming rooms, shelters, dog parks, the beach and boarding facilities. However, due to the high level of aerosol contagion, all dogs that live near other dogs are at risk.
Clinical signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and sometimes fever. Vaccination against some of these agents (like CPIV, CAV-2, and Bordetella) can help reduce the severity and spread of the disease.
Treatment typically involves supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and sometimes antibiotics if there's a bacterial component. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Babesiosis in cats is a relatively common and potentially serious tick-borne disease in certain areas of South Africa. It is better known as tick bite fever.
Here’s a summary of key points about babesiosis in cats:
Overall, babesiosis in cats is a serious condition that requires veterinary attention for diagnosis and treatment. We often find that cats who are potentially underlying carriers, can develop clinical signs of babesiosis when stressed or when other disease is present. This often means we are treating tick bite fever as well as looking for underlying disease in your cat when you come in to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two important viral infections that affect cats:
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV):
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV):
In both cases, early detection through regular veterinary check-ups, vaccination for FeLV, and responsible management of infected cats are crucial in minimizing the impact of these diseases on your pet.
"Snuffles" in cats typically refers to a common respiratory syndrome caused by viruses (Herpesvirus and Calicivirus) and bacterial (Bordetella and Chlamydophila) infections.
Common symptoms include:
Snuffles is not usually life-threatening but you can become carriers of these viruses and struggle with intermittent or chronic symptoms for many years.
Yes, we are open all-day Saturday from 08:00 – 17:00 and we are on-call 24/7 on 072 088 1957.
Yes, we have qualified veterinary nurses looking after our patients all night with veterinary oversight as needed.
Yes, we can arrange all sorts of advanced imaging here on-site and we also travel with patients to human facilities when required.
Yes, we have a separate ward for cats to minimize their stress in hospital. We also make use of pheromone products to reduce stress in hospital.
We do offer monthly repayments via FLOAT whereby we use existing credit card credit to pay your account off at zero % interest.
Yes, we are open all-day Saturday from 08:00 – 17:00 and we are on-call 24/7 on 072 088 1957.
Yes, we have qualified veterinary nurses looking after our patients all night with veterinary oversight as needed.
Yes, we can arrange all sorts of advanced imaging here on-site and we also travel with patients to human facilities when required.
Yes, we have a separate ward for cats to minimize their stress in hospital. We also make use of pheromone products to reduce stress in hospital.
We do offer monthly repayments via FLOAT whereby we use existing credit card credit to pay your account off at zero % interest.