Pinetown Veterinary Hospital

Pinetown Veterinary Hospital AHS Vet is a companion animal veterinary practice belonging to Dr Camilla Thomas (BVSc Honours PTA).

Our veterinary practice in 118 Underwood Road was founded in 1965 by Dr Phillip Bisschop. Our principal veterinary surgeon Dr Camilla Thomas graduated from Onderstepoort, Pretoria in 2003. She has in addition also completed an Honours Degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2010. We strive to offer our patients compassionate quality veterinary care at reasonable prices, without compromise.

03/05/2024

Dear Clients
Great News! Our telephone lines are working again!

12/04/2024

Dear Clients

Our Telkom lines are still down. Telkom has advised us that there is an underground cable fault and are unable to give us a time frame on the repair.

We are opened for business as usual. Please continue to message us on Facebook or email
[email protected] for enquires or come into the practice with your pets should you need veterinary assistance. Our operating hours are from Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturdays from 8:30am to 12:30pm. We will post an update once the situation has been resolved.

We do apologise for any inconvenience

08/04/2024

Dear Clients
Please note our Telkom lines are still down. We are opened for business as usual. If you need to contact us, please message us on Facebook for enquires or come into the practice with your pets should you need veterinary assistance.
We will post an update once the situation has been resolved. We apologise for any inconvenience.

30/03/2024

Dear Clients
Our Telkom lines are down. We are opened today the 30/03/2024 for business as usual. If you need to contact us, please message us on Facebook for enquires or come into the practice with your pets should you need veterinary assistance.
We will post an update once the situation has been resolved. We apologise for any inconvenience.

16/01/2024

Dear Clients

Great News! Our telephone lines are working again!

13/01/2024

Dear Clients
Our Telkom lines are down. We are opened for business as usual. If you need to contact us, please message us on Facebook or email [email protected] for enquires or come into the practice with your pets should you need veterinary assistance. Our operating hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm. We will post an update once the situation has been resolved. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for heatwave conditions over the country for the next few days. P...
22/11/2023

The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for heatwave conditions over the country for the next few days. Please make adequate provision for your pets’ health and safety during this time!

All pets must have access to cool sheltered areas. Remember that tar or concrete surfaces can heat up to the point of burning animals’ paw pads, so ensure that your pets can move onto grass or indoors if necessary.

Provide plenty of fresh cool drinking water at all times

Brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds eg Bulldogs, Persian cats are extremely susceptible to heat stroke and should be kept indoors as well as having fans or air conditioning running at all times.

For dogs in particular, liquidizing tinned food with water and freezing it in ice cube trays will provide a tempting cool-down treat.

SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE: excessive panting with the tongue turning purple or blue, increased noisiness during breathing, weakness or disorientation, sudden onset vomiting and/or diarrhea. If your pet shows any of these signs, please contact us immediately. If you are unable to get your pet to the vet immediately then showering with cold water followed by sitting in front of a fan can help slow down the progression of heat stroke.

F10 HOME HYGIENE PACKSAt Pinetown Veterinary Hospital we rely exclusively on F10 products for our disinfection of our pr...
17/11/2023

F10 HOME HYGIENE PACKS

At Pinetown Veterinary Hospital we rely exclusively on F10 products for our disinfection of our premises. These products contain QAC’s which are vastly superior to more traditional disinfectants like bleach and alcohol for killing micro-organisms, as well as being generally less damaging to body tissues.

As summer approaches we are already seeing an increase in transmissible diseases like parvo (dogs) and snuffles (cats). Canine parvovirus is highly resistant and can survive on average 3 years in the environment, in some cases up to nine years.
Only extremely tiny amounts of the virus are needed to infect a susceptible dog. Shoes or car tyres that have been in contact with infected ground can carry enough particulate matter (eg contaminated sand) onto your property to infect a puppy.
Snuffles is usually directly transmitted between cats when interacting, however some viruses can remain viable in the environment for some time and then infect further cats. Feline leukaemia virus is also known to survive in eg food bowls and be transmitted to other cats using the same bowls.

We highly recommend pet owners to invest in an F10 home hygiene pack as it contains a variety of products that can be used to eliminate these and other infectious agents from the home environment, keeping pets and humans safer!

OCTOBER VACCINE DRIVE!!!We at Pinetown Veterinary Hospital are passionate about preventative health care for our furry f...
11/10/2023

OCTOBER VACCINE DRIVE!!!

We at Pinetown Veterinary Hospital are passionate about preventative health care for our furry friends! We are therefore thrilled to be able to offer our clients a REDUCED price on dog and cat primary, annual and rabies vaccinations for the remainder of October.

Please call us on 0317017870 for pricing.

APPOINTMENTS ESSENTIAL

Protect your dog with Nexgard Spectra and Save a Life !With every NexGard Spectra purchased  in August, we will vaccinat...
08/08/2023

Protect your dog with Nexgard Spectra and Save a Life !
With every NexGard Spectra purchased in August, we will vaccinate one dog against rabies.
Your support matters, and by choosing NexGard Spectra, means Saving a Life!

Great news, our telephone lines are working again!
05/07/2023

Great news, our telephone lines are working again!

30/06/2023

Dear Clients

Despite the severe weather this week, we remain open for business as usual. However, we regret to inform you that our Telkom lines are currently down. If you need to reach us, please feel free to message us on Facebook for any inquiries, or visit our practice in person with your pets if you require veterinary assistance. Our operating hours are from 8:30am to 5:30pm on weekdays and 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays. We will provide an update as soon as the situation is resolved. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.

VIRBACK BACHOME MICROCHIP SPECIAL!!! JUNE ONLY!!! WHAT IS A MICROCHIP?A microchip is a permanent form of identification ...
15/06/2023

VIRBACK BACHOME MICROCHIP SPECIAL!!! JUNE ONLY!!!

WHAT IS A MICROCHIP?
A microchip is a permanent form of identification for your pet and can help you be reunited with them if they get lost. The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and can be inserted by the vet during a consultation (Please note: it is not a tracking device). A yearly health check and vaccinations are essential to detecting health problems early and protecting your pet against diseases.

Is your pet already microchipped? Why not take the opportunity to have the chip scanned to check it is working and to check that your contact information is up to date?

So have your Fur baby chipped this month 😊
Please do not hesitate to contact us and find out about this wonderful Special!!

SUPER SMILE SPECIAL!OUR DENTAL SPECIAL IS CONTINUING! 35% OFF ALL PET DENTALS FROM 01/05/2023 TO 31/05/2023SLOTS ARE LIM...
05/05/2023

SUPER SMILE SPECIAL!

OUR DENTAL SPECIAL IS CONTINUING!
35% OFF ALL PET DENTALS FROM 01/05/2023 TO 31/05/2023
SLOTS ARE LIMITED SO BOOK YOUR PET IN SOON!
CONTACT US ON 031 701 7870 FOR BOOKINGS AND PRICES

T’s AND C’s APPLY

SUPER SMILE SPECIAL!!!PINETOWN VETERINARY HOSPITAL IS THRILLED TO OFFER OUR CLIENTS A MASSIVE 35% OFF ALL PET DENTALS FR...
20/02/2023

SUPER SMILE SPECIAL!!!

PINETOWN VETERINARY HOSPITAL IS THRILLED TO OFFER OUR CLIENTS A MASSIVE 35% OFF ALL PET DENTALS FROM 20/2/2023 TO 20/3/2023.

SLOTS ARE LIMITED SO BOOK YOUR PET IN SOON!
CONTACT US ON (031) 701 7870 FOR BOOKINGS AND PRICES.

T’s AND C’s APPLY

MONTH OF LOVE February is widely regarded as the “Month of Love”. While romantic love is not something we associate with...
09/02/2023

MONTH OF LOVE
February is widely regarded as the “Month of Love”. While romantic love is not something we associate with our pets there are many other ways we can show love for them besides the obvious cuddles, kisses, toys and treats.

VACCINATION
Vaccination is still one of the most important preventative treatments available for our dog and cat pets. The series of vaccines given to puppies and kittens are done on a schedule designed to stimulate the pet’s immune system to resist serious and potentially fatal disease if they are exposed later on. Diseases such as distemper, kennel cough and snuffles can still be contracted by vaccinated adult animals, therefore annual vaccine boosters are necessary to minimise this risk, as well as reducing the severity of the disease should they become infected. Rabies remains a constant threat in KZN, and it is mandatory for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. The physical examination done by your vet at the time of vaccination is also important for possible early detection of health issues in pets.

PARASITE CONTROL
The hot and humid subtropical climate of Durban enables many parasites to proliferate easily. Worm eggs survive well in damper grass and soil and are easily ingested by pets when sniffing around outside. Prey items (insects, birds etc) can also carry eggs of certain worm species, as can the faeces of some wildlife common to our gardens. Dogs and cats should be dewormed every three months to protect against these parasites.

Tick and flea control is also vital. Ticks can carry diseases that may be fatal to dogs and cats, these diseases cannot be prevented by vaccination. Fleas carry tapeworm which will be transmitted to dogs and cats chewing on their skins, and fleas are also one of the primary causes of allergic skin problems in our pets. Your vet can help with appropriate deworming and tick/flea treatments for your pets.

STERILISATION
There are more factors in favour of sterilising pet dogs and cats than there are against. Sterilised pets are protected from unwanted encounters with possibly unknown animals wanting to mate with them, and who may start fights and/or carry diseases. Pregnancy carries a number of risks for dogs and cats and requires specialised nutrition and health care, as well as ultimately adding to the pet population when there are already hundreds of thousands of animals desperately needing homes. Unspayed female dogs and cats can develop a condition called pyometra which is a life threatening infection in the uterus that requires emergency surgery, and are also at much greater risk of developing mammary cancers. Unneutered males frequently develop prostate issues later in life which are painful and cause secondary complications including cancers.

MICROCHIPPING
Despite our best efforts as pet owners there are sometimes situations where a pet may get out of your property or car and get lost, or in some sad cases stolen. Collars with ID tags are great for some animals, but some pets will manage to get out of them, and they can be removed easily if a pet is stolen. Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification that is almost impossible to remove, and carries no personal details of the owners, only a number that will link to the owner’s details at the call centre/registry. Microchips are also required for pets travelling overseas and for most pet medical aids.

MEDICAL AID
Good quality medical care for animals is expensive, just as it is for humans, but while human medical aid schemes have existed for about 100 years those for animals have only been available for around 3 decades now. Day to day health care for your pet (vaccinations/deworming/sterilisation etc) may be affordable for you but when there is a serious emergency that requires after hours vet visits, major surgery and a lengthy hospital stay the bills can easily run into tens of thousands, so at the very least consider accident cover for your pets to ensure that they can get the necessary care should such events arise.

CHRONIC TREATMENT
Older pets in particular are prone to chronic medical conditions. Owners often think that their pet is just “slowing down” when they start moving around less, eating less, getting tired easily etc, but in most cases these are signs of pain or discomfort from chronic conditions. Your vet can perform tests and prescribe medication for most chronic illnesses, enabling your furry friends to live their best possible lives.

This February let’s devote some extra love to our furry friends!

FESTIVE SEASON – PET PREPARATIONS!Year end is an exciting time in the home. Between summer school holidays, school leave...
07/12/2022

FESTIVE SEASON – PET PREPARATIONS!
Year end is an exciting time in the home. Between summer school holidays, school leavers preparing to start tertiary education, parents on leave and at home, Christmas decorations in the house and maybe even going away on holidays there is a lot of activity. This can be a fun time for pets as well with increased time spent with their families, but can also be a stressful time for them if there are drastic changes in the usual routines. Below is a list of do’s and don’ts to help make this season enjoyable for everybody.
DO’s:
Vaccinations - if you are going away and putting your pets in kennels make sure that their vaccinations are up to date in advance to avoid last minute rushes.
Chronic medication – if your pet is on chronic medication please contact your vet BEFORE your next repeat is due to make sure they have the medication on hand for you. Many drug suppliers close during December and your vet may not be able to get your pet’s medication at the last minute.
Parasite control – summer heat and humidity brings with it an increase in ticks, fleas, flies and worms. Make sure your pet’s preventative treatments are up to date, especially if they are going to kennels as there is an increased risk of contacting parasites in close quarters with other animals.
Snacks – buy some healthy pet appropriate snacks. The holiday spirit and more time at home increases snacking for everyone, but protect your pet’s health by only feeding treats made specifically for them.
Anxiety medication – this time of year can mean significant anxiety for certain pets, whether it be from the noise of thunder or fireworks, disruptions in routines and/or lots of visitors in the home. Make sure you stock up on anxiety meds for your pets if they are likely to need them.
Pet food – while it may seem obvious, remember that some suppliers for veterinary foods close for part of December, so make sure you have enough to last the month. This is particularly important if your pet is on a specific prescription diet.
Contact information – if you are going away during the holidays it is vital to let your vet know who will be looking after your pets, whether you will be reachable in case of emergency, and also to make arrangements for any unexpected bills to be paid at the time.

DON’Ts:
Bones – between Christmas dinner and summer braais the chances of dogs being fed bones increases significantly at this time of year. Bones are NOT recommended for domestic dogs as they can cause a number of health issues and can result in emergency after hours vet visits.
Human food – while there are some foods that are acceptable for pets it is far safer to stick to pet treats. Many foods such as chocolate, raisins/grapes, avocado and alcohol are actually toxic to dogs and cats, while rich foods like gammon and cheese can result in severe gastroenteritis and pancreatitis in our pets.
Strangers – do NOT allow visitors to your home to stress your pets as this may result in the pets becoming aggressive if they feel crowded or overwhelmed in their own space. Children in particular are at risk of being bitten by a stressed pet as they are far closer to the animal’s eye level. Depending on your pet’s nature either isolate them from the visitors during a particular event and/or give them anxiety medication and treats to help them cope with the situation.
Heat - South African summers are very hot. Don’t take your dogs running on the beach or let them spend hours playing around the pool when it is very hot, they are sure to end up with heat stroke. Certain breeds of pets are also more prone to heat stroke even when not active, so make sure you provide cold water, fans and/or air conditioning for these pets when necessary.
Christmas decorations – be vigilant regarding your pet’s behaviour with these! Chewing on or being caught up in electrical cables, tinsel, gift ribbons and similar items that are novel and attractive to pets can be disastrous and even life threatening. In most cases a little planning can avoid most of these unpleasant consequences.

The festive season should be exactly that – festive! Plan ahead for your pets’ needs as well as yours to make this an enjoyable time for everybody. The staff at Pinetown Veterinary Hospital wish all our clients and patients a relaxing and fun-filled year end and a Happy 2023!

A big thank you to Moocat Roberts and her owners for letting us take care of her.Thank you for the gorgeous flowers and ...
10/10/2022

A big thank you to Moocat Roberts and her owners for letting us take care of her.
Thank you for the gorgeous flowers and yummy treats!
Much Appreciated.
Pinetown Veterinary Hospital

EARSIt is well known that our domestic pets have far better hearing than we humans do. This is thanks to their ear struc...
08/09/2022

EARS

It is well known that our domestic pets have far better hearing than we humans do. This is thanks to their ear structure that differs dramatically from ours – not only the much larger ear flaps (pinnae) but also the structure of the ear canals is very different. The disadvantage of this is that the complex structures provide an increased opportunity for problems to arise.

Head shaking and/or ear scratching is the first thing most owners notice when their pet has an ear problem. An increase in dark brown discharge may also be noted – many people assume this is due to ear mites, however this is rarely the case, the discharge is simply ear wax being produced in excess due to some form of irritation. Causes may include allergic reactions, yeast infections, foreign bodies, wounds in or around the ear, and bites from insects such as flies, mosquitoes or the aforementioned ear mites. Discharges that are green/yellow and very wet indicate bacterial infections, which are usually secondary to primary infections or inflammations.

Eczema on the skin of the face and around the ears may also form due to scratching, and if fly bites are involved there will usually be sores or crusts on the ear tips. Vigorous head shaking may rupture blood vessels in the ear flaps leading to the formation of othaematomas – swollen ear flaps filled with blood.

Untreated infections of the external ear canal can eventually result in perforation of the eardrum and infections of the middle ear. Symptoms usually include the head tilting to one side, imbalances while walking (appearing “drunk”), vomiting, and sometimes flickering of the eyes from side to side. These infections need to be treated urgently and can result in permanent defects in balance.

Some breeds of dogs are very prone to wax buildup and subsequently ear infections due to their ears being long and floppy (Basset hound, Cocker Spaniel) which creates a poorly ventilated and overly hot environment which stimulates increased wax production. Such dogs should have their ears cleaned at home using a veterinary ear at least once a week to try and maintain ear health.

Simple wax buildup can be treated with over the counter ear washes from your vet, but any pet with very red ears, flaky skin in the ear flaps, wet discharge or painful ears needs to be seen by a vet in order to diagnose the cause of the problem and provide appropriate treatment both for the infection and for any underlying causes. DO NOT use home remedies such as peroxide or apple cider vinegar in dog or cat ears, not only are these usually very painful when administered but they can also cause further damage to the delicate tissues of the ears, and if there is a perforation of the ear drum these liquids can get into the middle ear and cause serious complications.

When your pet is undergoing ear treatment it is vital to follow your vet’s instructions. Most pets will seem happier after only a few days of treatment BUT that does not mean that the infection has cleared!! In most cases the infection is still lurking deep in the ear canals and will simply resurface if the treatment is stopped too soon, therefore the follow up vet visits are necessary to confirm that the infection has in fact been eliminated completely.

Looking after your pet’s ear health is just as important as any other part of their bodies. Happy pets have healthy ears!

THE COUGHING PETWinter usually brings with it coughing, both in humans and animals. Many pet owners will notice that the...
04/08/2022

THE COUGHING PET

Winter usually brings with it coughing, both in humans and animals. Many pet owners will notice that their dog or cat starts or has an increase in coughing at this time.

Coughing is usually regarded as a symptom, not a disease in itself. The causes of coughing are varied, and while treating the cough itself as a symptom it is vital to determine the underlying cause and treat that at the same time.

One of the most common causes of sudden onset coughing in dogs is called kennel cough. This is an infection of the upper respiratory tract (larynx and trachea) which causes a typical dry “goose honk” cough that sometimes ends in the dog retching or in some cases even vomiting. It is usually caused by a virus (there is a rare bacterial form) and is easily spread by airborne particles, ie dogs sniffing or barking at each other. The name kennel cough is derived from the fact that an infected dog in kennels will usually spread the virus to most or all dogs in the surrounding housing. Vaccination against kennel cough is included in most annual vaccines, however due to the nature of the virus it is unfortunately a relatively weak vaccine, so it is advisable for dogs to have a kennel cough specific booster before going into kennels. Treatment for kennel cough is symptomatic – anti inflammatories, antihistamines and possibly cough suppressants if the cough is very bad, but in most cases an antibiotic will also be given in case the bacteria mentioned above is involved. The virus usually runs it’s course in five to seven days.

Another common cause of coughing in dogs and cats is of course bronchitis or pneumonia. In most of these cases the pet will also be unwell, showing symptoms like lethargy, fever, not eating etc. If an animal is coughing and not eating for 24 hours or more it should be taken to your vet immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Older pets will often start coughing as a result of heart disease. The effect here is twofold – the ageing heart will usually enlarge and place pressure on the trachea, and the decrease in effective circulation causes fluid to build up in the lungs. Many pet owners notice a slow onset of occasional coughing (especially when the pet is excited or stressed) that will increase both in severity and frequency over time. Cold weather can exacerbate these symptoms. Your pet will need to be evaluated for heart failure, then chronic medication will be prescribed to support the heart function and reduce the coughing. A relapse in or increase in coughing in a pet that is already on heart medication warrants a check up as most heart failure patients need to have their medications adjusted as the condition progresses.

Dogs infected with the worm Spirocerca lupi may have coughing as one of their symptoms. This worm does not live in the stomach but rather in the oesophagus where it forms large nodules (masses) that prevent the dog from swallowing it’s food properly, resulting in repeated regurgitation (not actual vomiting) of food that has just been eaten. The coughing is usually caused by pressure from the nodule on the airway and/or secondary infections in the respiratory system. Dogs pick up this worm from eating dung beetles or other hosts that carry the worm. Over time the nodules usually turn cancerous and result in the death of the dog, but if caught early enough can be cured with antiparasitic drugs and supportive treatment. Prevention is obviously the preferred option, deworming your dogs at least every three months with a product that is effective against S. lupi is vital.

Allergies are another possible cause of coughing. Dogs and cats that develop a cough at the same time every year may well be suffering from an allergy rather than repeated infections. Pets that already suffer from skin and/or food allergies often develop respiratory allergies as well. In dogs an allergic cough usually sounds similar to kennel cough which is why many owners think the pet keeps picking up infections. Cats can develop a severe form of asthma which usually requires chronic medication. In these cases the coughing is quieter but accompanied by persistent wheezing. In most cases pets with allergic coughing are otherwise eating well and happy, but secondary infections can occur which will usually make the animal unwell – in such cases they should be seen and treated as soon as possible.

There are many other causes of coughing including cancers, poisonings and other respiratory irritants your pet may have been exposed to. Any pet that is coughing for more than two days should be seen by your vet in order to make a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.

ARTHRITISAnother common cause of or contributing factor to arthritis is nutrition. Improperly balanced puppy diets can c...
21/06/2022

ARTHRITIS
Another common cause of or contributing factor to arthritis is nutrition. Improperly balanced puppy diets can cause abnormal bone formation or worsen underlying genetic issues. Overfeeding is another major factor – a tubby large breed puppy is carrying too much weight on bones that are not yet fully formed and this can result in abnormal bone growth.

Other causes of arthritis can include old injuries, immune diseases and certain types of infections, but these are relatively rare in overall context.

It is important to remember that while some dogs and cats will show crying/whining and limping most will hide the pain of arthritis as it is a sign of weakness and vulnerability. Signs to look for include reluctance to get up/staying in bed longer (especially at this time of year when it is cold), battling to rise from a sitting or lying position, excessive panting especially during mild or moderate exercise, licking at certain joints areas, and increased aggression when handled or when played with.

A diagnosis of arthritis is made primarily by clinical examination by your vet, and X-rays. Once the diagnosis is made the management of your pet’s condition is usually multi modal and catered to the individual. In very young dogs with developmental arthritis there are some surgical options available, but in the majority of adult dogs the focus is on pain control and improving the joint function as much as possible. Treatment will usually consist of some combination of anti-inflammatory and pain medications, joint supplementation, and dietary modification (including weight loss where appropriate).

At home your arthritic pet will benefit from comfortable bedding (if necessary raised off the floor to assist with getting up), a warm sleeping environment especially in winter, ramps or blocks for smaller pets to get up and down stairs or furniture, and mild to moderate exercise to maintain muscle fitness.

If you suspect your pet has arthritis please contact us so that we can help you and your pet!

JUNE SPECIAL!!! 🐶🐶Ticks, fleas and worms are waiting for you to stop treating your Pets this winter!!DON’T give them a c...
01/06/2022

JUNE SPECIAL!!! 🐶🐶

Ticks, fleas and worms are waiting for you to stop treating your Pets this winter!!
DON’T give them a chance to affect your pet.
Benefit from our Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra Special!!
Get 20% OFF any Nexgard for the month of June while stock lasts!!!

31/05/2022

PARASITE CONTROL

Controlling internal and external parasites is vital for your pet’s health. Ticks and fleas are endemic to our Durban environment and are easily spread, making constant control a must. There is also a common notion that fleas die off in winter – in Durban this is simply not true. Adult fleas must be exposed to temperatures below freezing for up to five days to be killed, obviously this will not happen on the KZN coast. Flea pupae can survive for up to 30 weeks at 10 degrees Celsius. The flea life cycle will certainly slow down in winter making it appear as if the fleas are “gone” but in actual fact they will continue to lay eggs, all of which will hatch when the weather warms up!

Fleas are one of the leading causes of skin irritations and eczemas in our pet animals, and also transmit tapeworm to our pets when ingested. Ticks are even more of a threat as they can transmit diseases such as biliary directly into the bloodstream of dogs and cats while feeding. In both dogs and cats biliary (babesiosis) is fatal if not treated, and some cases require intensive hospital treatment, including blood transfusions, to recover.

Worms in pet animals is also a major concern for pet owners. Some worms such as hookworm and whipworm are easily contracted from contaminated ground, especially in wet or humid areas. Intestinal worms can cause diarrheas and malnutrition and can even cause chronic immune related disorders. The spirocerca worm, which is contracted by animals eating certain insects or lizards, causes growths in the oesophagus of dogs which results in chronic vomiting and weight loss. These growths can turn cancerous over time. In addition these worms can cause aneurysms in the main blood vessels which eventually rupture and cause acute death.

Skin and ear mites are also commonly seen particularly in dogs in Durban. Some mites are a normal part of the skin ecosystem, but ear mites and mites such as Sarcops are contracted from contact with infected animals. Sarcops is transmissible to humans where it causes scabies.

Prevention is better (and cheaper!) than cure. All pet dogs and cats should be on tick and flea control year round, and we recommend deworming at least once every three months.

FOCUS ON CHRONIC MEDICATIONMany of our pets suffer from chronic medical conditions. These can include genetic issues lik...
25/05/2022

FOCUS ON CHRONIC MEDICATION

Many of our pets suffer from chronic medical conditions. These can include genetic issues like allergies and hip dysplasia, acquired conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis, as well as geriatric conditions such as heart failure, kidney failure and liver conditions. The improvements in lifestyle and care of our domestic pets in recent decades has also resulted in them living significantly longer lives, therefore chronic geriatric medical issues have become far more common.

Diagnosis of chronic disease can be complicated. The veterinarian will usually do a series of tests focused on the suspected problem area. These can include blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound scans, urine and faecal tests, and sometimes even take biopsies of affected organs to send to the laboratory for diagnostics. A thorough medical and lifestyle history is also important in the diagnostic process so always provide your veterinarian with as much information as possible.

The good news is there are now treatments available for most chronic medical conditions. Management of chronic conditions is usually a combination of medications, supplements and/or specialised prescription diets that support the affected organ or system. It is important to remember that most chronic conditions cannot be cured, the aim is always to manage the condition effectively in order to provide the pet with the best quality (and hopefully quantity) of life possible.

All pets taking chronic medication must be seen by their veterinarian at least once every six months. This is not only a legal requirement for dispensing chronic medication but also medically important – most chronic conditions are dynamic and require periodic changes in treatment to maximise the patient’s health. In almost all cases of chronic disease the veterinarian will recommend blood tests with the check up to monitor organ function, either to monitor the affected organ(s) themselves or to screen or any possible side effects of the chronic medication.

A diagnosis of chronic disease in your pet does NOT have to be a death sentence! With the right medication, nutrition and home care most of these pets can continue to live wonderful lives.

Address

118 Underwood Road
Pinetown
3610

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 17:30
Tuesday 08:30 - 17:30
Wednesday 08:30 - 17:30
Thursday 08:30 - 17:30
Friday 08:30 - 17:30
Saturday 08:30 - 12:30

Telephone

+27317017870

Website

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Our Story

Our veterinary practice in 118 Underwood Road was founded in 1965 by Dr Phillip Bisschop. Our principal veterinary surgeon Dr Camilla Thomas graduated from Onderstepoort, Pretoria in 2003. She has in addition also completed an Honours Degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Dr Lara Brown joined the team in 2019 and graduated from Onderstepoort, Pretoria in 2013. We strive to offer our patients compassionate quality veterinary care at reasonable prices, without compromise.


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