Grand Central Veterinary Clinic

31/12/2023

28/10/2023

Go Bokke!!!! 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

28/09/2023

Do you know how (and why) to feel your horse’s digital pulse?

Thanks to the horse doctors at Elite Equine Veterinarians for illustrating this useful skill, which is especially important for horse owners to master as we head into abscess and fall laminitis season.

Practice feeling your horse’s digital pulse to learn what is normal for your equine friend and what, on the other hand, is an increased pulse—which is a common indicator of inflammation/soreness within the hoof.

As always, remember that your horse doctor remains your best source of information and that they’ll be happy to show you how to correctly feel your horse’s digital pulse. If your horse presents with hoof soreness and/or has an increased digital pulse, be sure to contact your veterinarian promptly to discuss the best course of action!

24/09/2023

Sadly, this mirrors what is happing in South Africa.

22/09/2023

Dr Sarah Wilkinson doing a procedure called mesotherapy 🦾🐴
Mesotherapy is a technique used in equine medicine predominantly to treat neck, back and pelvic problems. It is widely used in human medicine to treat a variety of conditions including musculoskeletal pain.
Mesotherapy involves injecting small amounts of medication into the ‘mesoderm’ (deeper layers) of the skin via small needles. The nerves responsible for pain perception in deeper structures are inhibited by a non-painful stimulus of the mesoderm. The purpose of mesotherapy is to stop the vicious cycle of pain and restricted mobility in a certain area (e.g. back stiffness), which in isolation or in combination with other treatments can help restore normal function and movement.
A multi-injector is used and the injections are performed at the level of the lesion and caudal to it, taking into account the caudal orientation of the segmental nerves. Three to four rows of injections are made on each side of the affected area. Following mesotherapy, the horse is restricted to light work on the lunge for 3 days and normal training can be progressively resumed thereafter. A substantial improvement is anticipated within 14 days; but if an incomplete response is seen, the mesotherapy can be repeated 3-4 weeks after the initial treatment. The expected duration of action varies between 6-12 months and in horses with chronic pain, no more than two treatments should be performed each year.

07/11/2022

This adorable puppy was hit by a car a year ago and Dr Evans put him back together beautifully. He is now looking for a loving home with his best friend Snoopy, a mixed breed female of about 7 years old. They are extremely well socialized as they have lived at the clinic and played / stayed with hundreds of patients and other dogs. They are both excellent around horses and all people. Both are neutered and up to date with vaccinations. Please help us find a home for Snoopy and puppy. Home checks will apply and regular visits from Dr Evans come with the deal 🥰🥰

03/09/2022

Smiley is a handsome, happy and perfectly healthy small black staffie in urgent need of a home. He is estimated to be around 2.5 years old and has lived at the veterinary clinic since he was picked starving on the roadside. He is excellent with ALL other dogs of any size or gender, all people and even horses and livestock. He currently runs with a pack of about 8 dogs with no trouble. Please contact Dr Evans if you can offer Smiley his forever home. 0832886804

03/09/2022

Smiley is the HAPPIEST little black staffie in the whole world. Estimated to be 2.5 years old, he is neutered, excellent with ALL other dogs, all people, horses and other livestock. He has been living at Grand Central Vet Vlinic since he was picked up on the road but now urgently needs to find his forever home. He is a very special soul and needs a special family to adopt him. Please contact Dr Evans if you are that family. 0832886804

29/06/2022

Pet Teezer Deshedding Grooming Brush

These Grooming Brushes are now back in stock, after selling out all stock last week. Available in both Small and Large sizes.

The Pet Teezer range includes a detangling brush and a puppy brush also.

Please go online to https://grandcentralvet.co.za/product/pet-teezer-de-shedding-brush-small/ to view this amazing new product.

17/06/2022

Treat and Train Remote Trainers - the must have for every serious dog trainer. The wait is finally over, as new stock is arriving today.

To order, following the link below or go to our online shop and search for Treat & Train.

https://grandcentralvet.co.za/product/treat-train-remote-trainer/

15/06/2022

Brand New in South Africa - Pet Teezer range of dog grooming brushes.

Just arrived this week from the UK. Launch range includes;
Pet Teezer De-Shedding Brush Small
Pet Teezer De-Shedding Brush Large
Pet Teezer Puppy Brush

To order go to our online shop www.grandcentralvet.co.za/product-category/dog-category/dog-grooming/

19/04/2022

TIP FOR THE WEEK!

With a few of our patients coming in with dog bite wounds we thought we would focus on how to prevent and how to stop a dog fight should you find yourself in the middle of one!

Dog fights are intense, dangerous, and scary. And when your beloved pet is involved, your instinct will be to step into the line of fire to rescue them. It’s essential for your own safety and that of your dog that you know how to correctly recognize and break up a dog fight.

Why Do Dogs Fight?
Dogs fight for many reasons including resource guarding of territory, toys, or food. Or they might react out of fear. Some dogs go on the offensive when they feel threatened hoping to scare the other dog away. This can be the case with a reactive dog who is overwhelmed by certain triggers, or a dog who is in pain and therefore lacks patience.

How to Tell a Dog Fight From Rough Play:
Dogs play to rehearse more serious behaviors, and many of their games can look aggressive with body slams and throat bites. Plus, many dogs play growl which can make the activity seem even more vicious. So, how do you know the difference between playful wrestling and a dog fight? A close look at the dogs’ body language and behavior should help you decide. Here are some things to look for:

* Are they relaxed and floppy or tense and stiff? Dogs at play will have a looseness about them.
* Are their mouths hanging open or are their lips tight or snarling? Dogs use a wide-open play face to show the other dog they mean no harm.
* Does the action start with a play bow (the dog’s front end goes down to the ground while the rear end stays up)? This gesture signals that everything to follow is all in good fun.
* Are the dogs taking turns doing the chasing, slamming, and biting? During play, dogs will alternate being the mock aggressor.
* Do they bounce around with big movements? Dog fights are efficient with fast movements, not the exaggerated gestures of play.

Prevention is the Best Policy:
Because there are so many causes and because the consequences of a dog fight can be so severe, the best approach is prevention. Learn how to read dog body language and understand your dog’s signs of stress. Anytime you see that your dog is approaching the edge of their comfort zone, intervene and remove them from the situation. You want to predict a fight before it occurs rather than waiting until it’s too late.

The following list of possible signals will help you recognize when your dog is stressed:
* Vocalizing. Your dog might growl, whine, or bark.
* Tucking the tail.
* Flattening the ears back against the head.
* Showing whale eye. This is when you can see the whites of your dog’s eyes.
* Lip licking and/or panting.
* Yawning.
* Excessive sniffing. This can be a displacement behavior to avoid confronting the source of the stress.
* Pacing.

Also be aware of signs of aggressive intent, both in your dog and in those you encounter. For example, a hard stare is a threat in dog language. A dog who is guarding something will often lower their head below their shoulders and stretch their neck forward. Raised hackles are another common sign where the hair on the dog’s back will stand up. Freezing or sudden stillness often precedes an attack. And don’t be fooled by a wagging tail. Although an aggressive dog will often have a stiff or straight tail, wagging just the tip, or short, sharp wags can be a threat gesture as well.

How to Break up a Dog Fight:
Even with the best prevention strategy, your dog could still be involved in a dog fight. And intervening can literally be a matter of life and death for your dog. But how can you safely break up a dog fight? First, never put yourself at risk. It’s instinct to jump into the fray, grabbing the other dog or sticking your hands near their mouth. But even your own dog won’t recognize friend versus foe in the heat of the moment. You could suffer serious injuries as a result and still not break up the fight.

Instead, here are several methods for breaking up a dog fight that will help keep you safe while hopefully diffusing the situation between the combatants:
1. Distract the dogs. Anything that diverts their attention can potentially allow your dog to escape or you to safely pull your dog away. Try a loud noise like blowing an air horn or banging metal pot lids together.
2. Soak the dogs. Either spray them with a powerful hose or dump a bucket of water on their heads. Throw a blanket or jacket over each dog so they can no longer see each other.
3. Use an object to separate the dogs. Be certain to keep your hands and face as far from the dogs’ mouths as possible. Options include a metal garbage can lid, a piece of plywood, a chair, or a large push broom. Depending on their size, you can also try to get each dog in a laundry basket or other enclosure you can drop from above.
4. Physically separate the dogs. This should be your last resort as it puts you at the most risk. If there are other people to help you, you can use the wheelbarrow technique. One person is assigned to each dog involved and approaches that dog from behind. Then grab each dog by the hind legs and lift them so they are balancing on their front legs like a wheelbarrow. Then walk the dogs backwards, away from each other and into separate areas. Keep moving until the dogs are apart to prevent your dog from turning back and biting you.

Hopefully, you and your dog will never find yourselves in this situation. But if you do, get your dog to a veterinarian immediately for assessment and a consult!

15/03/2022

Thundershirts are back in stock. This is a great product for the anxious or sound-sensitive dogs.

Click on the link below to order yours online.

https://grandcentralvet.co.za/product/thundershirt-for-dogs/

14/03/2022

EXCITING NEWS!!! We have 2 Saddle Fit Courses up for grabs in a raffle. Tickets are R200 each and only 200 tickets in total will be sold. Payments to be made to Animal Academy. Banking details are:

Animal Academy

The banking details are:
Animal Academy
Nedbank Northmead Square
Branch code 194842
Cheque acc 1201262518
Ref your name and raffle.

Names will be selected randomly. For further info on the saddle fit course please contact [email protected].

All proceeds with be going to an equine family in need to assist with vet bills.

03/03/2022

FARMING ALERT: “This year’s above-average rainfall has led to an increased risk of insect-transmitted diseases,” says UP’s Prof Jannie Crafford as the cattle industry faces an outbreak of lumpy skin disease that could have a severe economic impact. More: http://ow.ly/MjFG50I7ZH6

14/02/2022

FYI! 🤣🤣🤣

09/02/2022

Amazing what a community can do when everyone steps in!
Incredible result 🤩

02/02/2022

TIP FOR THE WEEK

We are seeing many horses as of late present with sweet itch symptoms so this week's tip is all to do with prevention and treatment of sweet itch!

Summer seasonal recurrent dermatitis (SSRD), commonly called sweet itch or summer itch, is caused by a horse’s allergic reaction to the saliva of a biting gnat known as the Culicoides midge. They live and breed in ponds, dams and areas where water is standing and stagnant. They tend to be most active during the hours around dawn and dusk.

It takes about 48 to 72 hours after the first gnat bite for your horse to start showing symptoms. The severity of the reaction increases from year to year, as your horse becomes increasingly more sensitive to the insect’s saliva. Dorsal feeders are the most common gnat; they feed on the skin around the ears, poll, mane, withers, rump, and tail head. Less common are the ventral feeders, who cause problems on the face, chest, and belly.

->Symptoms:
The symptoms of sweet itch are hard to miss. Horses will constantly rub affected areas as a response to the intense itching. In the early phase the skin will become red and inflamed, and loss of hair will show. Crusting and weeping sores may be present. In the later phase the skin will thicken, blacken and become wrinkled. Sparse, course hair may be present. Once winter comes, the area completely heals up.

->There are several measures you can take to limit your horse’s exposure to these annoying insects:
-Install fine mesh screen in your stables to keep the gnats out. (This is not always practical, however.)
-Circulate the air with ceiling and stall fans to discourage the gnats from hanging around.
-Keep horses in their stables an hour prior to and after dawn and dusk to reduce exposure to the bugs when they are most actively feeding.
-Ensure paddocks are well-drained to reduce stagnant water from collecting.
-Keep water buckets clean and filled with fresh water.
-Use repellents to kill gnats and keep them off your horse.
-Use a fly sheet with tail flap and hood to cover vulnerable areas.

->Treatment and prevention:
The sooner you notice sweet itch and start on a program of treatment and prevention the better off your horse will be. A horse can do a lot of damage in a short period of time when they start rubbing manes and tails.

When you first notice symptoms, take immediate action to reduce your horse’s exposure to these nasty gnats by following the recommendations above. Contact your vet and ask him or her about corticosteroid and antihistamine treatments.

Coating the itchy area daily with an oily substance, like baby oil is often beneficial. Midges don’t like the oily film and will avoid it. Be sure to reapply the oil often, as it tends to wear off as the day goes on.

Be careful with preparations that contain eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, tea tree oil, or mineral oil, as they may cause additional skin irritation. Try them somewhere else on your horse first. Watch the area for 24 hours, noting the appearance of any heat or swelling. Don’t use any preparation that causes irritation.

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids has been proven to reduce skin inflammation and mitigate allergic response. Fish oils contain the highest level of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. When adding a fish oil supplement to your horse’s diet, do so slowly. Add a small amount at a time. In the beginning pour the oil on their food and let it sit for 30 minutes before mixing it in so the smell is less powerful. Most horses will readily eat fish oil once they become accustomed to the new flavour.

We hope this helps!

22/01/2022

HAPPY WEEKEND TO YOU ALL 🥳

Have a relaxed and safe one!

-Love the GCV team 💫

13/01/2022

Special 💞

If you knew when your last ride would be, would you do it differently?

Would you have found the energy for that ride when you’d had a long day and felt too tired?

Would you have tacked up and gone for a hack in the pouring rain instead of putting it off until better weather?

Would you have forgone that lazy Sunday and entered that competition instead?

Would you have lent a more time to the small things? Groomed them for a bit longer? Spent an extra five minutes watching them graze over the gate?

You never know when that last moment is going to be. You never know when will be the last time you run your fingers through that mane or kiss that muzzle.

You never know when the last time will be, the last ride, the last picture, the last groom, the last hug...

So treasure each and every moment.

Enjoy every ride, forget mistakes quickly, ride in the rain, be late for work because you just wanted five more minutes of grooming, riding, or even just sitting in the stable.

The truth is that we never know how much time is left and for that very reason you have to make the very best of every moment.

Take your time, remember it. One day you’ll be so grateful you did.

12/01/2022

TIP FOR THE WEEK

-Is my dog overweight?

Similar to their human counterparts, packing on the winter pounds is an issue for our canine companions as well. With limited activity due to winter weather, it becomes easier for dogs to gain weight that can put their health at risk. You can see a great chart below to see how you dog compares and then understand where you dog falls on the chart and have an idea of a plan of action going further.

-What do I do if my dog is overweight?

Well, that’s a great question. In the warmer months, it’s a lot easier to go for a hike, play with a ball, or take a stroll around the neighborhood to get your dog’s metabolism going but in the winter that can be a bit of a challenge. Things such as indoor dog parks, agility and dog training classes, and play dates with doggie friends can all be a good way to help your dog on their path to a healthier weight.

Feeding is also another way to control your dog’s weight. From reduced food amounts, as well as reduced calorie food options, you can really help your dog’s weight issues through diet as well. Some dog owners switch to a lower calorie food in the colder months when they know they won’t be able to go hiking or on walks. Making the switch before the dog puts on weight makes it easier to adjust. If you’re not sure what you should be feeding or if this is the right plan of action for you, talk to your veterinarian.

Hope this helps! 🐶💥

10/01/2022

Have a great week everybody! ✨🐶

06/01/2022

Tip for the week!

With all this rain happening our tip is very relevant:

Hoof Abscesses- how to spot them and what to do next!

A hoof abscess can look terrifying to a horse owner, because it can cause severe lameness that appears to come on suddenly. To a worried owner who finds a horse or pony three-legged lame in his paddock-that can look extremely serious.
(If the horse has any decreased range of motion or pain associated with manipulation of the upper joints, from the fetlock up through the shoulder, you may well have a lameness that is not caused by the foot- you must call your vet immediately)

So if the horse is showing the lameness to be more lower down in the foot then you could be dealing with an abscess.
Abscesses are quite often associated with changes in the moisture content in the soil or environment! So with all this rain it is s good idea to clean the horses’ feet out even more regularly and to keep a good eye on all the horses’ hooves!

If your horse presents lame and you suspect it’s an abscess, there are telltale signs to look for:

Feel for heat and/or a pulse in the hoof.
Even if you don’t have hoof testers available, there are signs you can look for, including heat and/or a pulse in the foot. Your veterinarian can teach you how to assess the foot for digital pulses and increased heat in the hoof wall.

A set of hoof testers can help you pinpoint the location of an abscess.
Your farrier or veterinarian can show you how to apply hoof testers, and anybody who has a number of horses should have a set of hoof testers and know how to use them!
Clean the hoof completely and examine it thoroughly.
If the horse is reacting to the hoof testers you know the lameness is in the hoof!

The best thing to do is to get plain old cotton wool with Epsom salts and wrap that foot as well as possible, then put Vet wrap around the whole hoof, this will protect the foot while you wait for your vet to come and see the horse!
Your vet can the advise on what treatment to take from there depending on how bad the abscess may be!

Once you know you are dealing with an abscess the job becomes a whole lot easier! Your vet can easily advise you on what to do next and with careful care your horse should heal up perfectly!

Remember to be cleaning your horses’ feet out even more with the damp weather conditions!

05/01/2022

GREAT IDEA!

Go get recycling!

Hey Joburg!

Spot our Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) at Kyalami Corner!

We've partnered with Imagined Earth to donate up to 10 000kg of pet food to animal shelters in need, all while contributing to a greener planet 🥰

FOR EVERY ITEM YOU RECYCLE AT A ROYAL CANIN RVM, WE'LL DONATE 1KG OF FOOD TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER!

02/01/2022

WE ARE HIRING! Grand Central Vet Clinic has a half day open for a highly organised, energetic and competent office manager to support our team of animal loving veterinarians who work on both large and small animals. Only apply if you have the following skills and qualities: Excellent administrative skills, experience with databases and pastel accounting software, strong interpersonal skills, impeccable spelling and communication skills, are an ardent animal lover and have experience working with a diversity of animals, knowledge of basic animal care, if you live within a 20-minute drive of Midrand and are reliable, professional and honest. In return we offer flexible working hours, the opportunity to learn and grow and a friendly, positive work environment. Please send your letter of motivation as to you fit this bill, along with your CV with at least 3 contactable references, to [email protected]. Applications close 10 January 2022. GCVC reserves the right to not appoint. If you have not heard from us by the end of January, please consider your application unsuccessful.

31/12/2021

2022 is around the corner ✨✨

As we enter the last day of 2021 we would like to say a huge thank you to our lovely clients who have supported us through a turbulent year for everyone!
We are so excited for what 2022 has to bring and we wish you all many blessings, growth and joy 💫

Keep safe this evening and most importantly keep your pets safe too! 🐶🐱🐴

30/12/2021

TIPS TO HELP WITH THE FIREWORKS TOMORROW NIGHT!

Tomorrow night is New Years and that brings with it fireworks, many pets become very nervous with fireworks so here are some pointers to try out:

1) Play some light classical or calm music on the TV or radio.
2) Play the TV to try and drown out any noise from the fireworks.
3) Any calming medication that has been prescribed to your pet by your vet.
4) Half wrap as seen below in the infographic.
5) Most important, to bring your pets inside and be with them.

We hope everyone has a safe and peaceful evening!
Happy new year to all our wonderful clients!💫

28/12/2021

We would like to say a huge congratulations to Kirsten Williams and Kyle Baxter on their engagement! 💍 🎉

We miss you Kirsty but so happy to see all the new adventures you are taking in your stride! What an awesome way to see 2021 out!🥳