Cornerstone Veterinary Services

22/12/2024

😂

20/12/2024

19/12/2024

Fleas can pull 160,000 times their own weight, which is the same as you pulling 2,679 double-decker buses.
A flea can jump 30,000 times without stopping.
Fleas don't have ears and are virtually blind.
The average flea is between2mm and 3mm long and weighs about 0.03g.
The world's biggest flea is the beaver flea, which is about 11mm.
Fleas reverse direction with every jump.
Flea larvae don't like the light so they move away from it, deep into carpets, cracks in flooring or any nook or cranny.
When a flea jumps, it accelerates 50 times faster than a space shuttle.
Fleas can lay up to 1,500 eggs in their lifetime.
Flea pupae can live for up to one year in homes.
Fleas can jump over 150 times their own size (approximately 30cm high) - which is like you jumping the length of a football field.
A fleas lifecycle can be as short as 14 days or up to 12 months.
95% of flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in beds, rugs, carpets and sofas – not on your pet.
Just one flea can become 1,000 on your pet and in your home in only 21 days.
Flea circuses originated in England in the 16th century.
One of Britain's oldest games can trace its origins to the flea. In approximately 15 different European languages, the word 'tiddlywinks' translates as 'the game of the flea'.
In nearly all species, the female is larger than the male.
The collective name for a group of fleas is a swarm.
Sand fleas are only active at dawn and dusk.
Fleas can be frozen for up to a year and then revive themselves.
Itchy yet? 😂
Yes - we can help with all your pets flea and de-worming treatments !!!

18/12/2024

Did you know that foals are born with slippers!
The hoof is covered in a gelatinous layer that is called the eponychium or the deciduous hoof capsule. Sometimes we simply refer to them as foal slippers! This structure ensures the safety of the dam during the birthing process.

17/12/2024

Christmas is approaching and it's almost holiday time! 🥳
Consider your pets when planning your holidays - we are here to help you!
🔸 Stock up on food
🔸 Make sure their annual vaccinations are up to date.
🔸 Are your pets microchipped?
🔸 Brief your pet sitters correctly and put the after hours ( vet on call) number on the fridge for them: 0764525852

16/12/2024

Christmas is a wonderful time to relax with family and friends, both two and four legged friends. It can however be a scary and dangerous time for our pets.
Did you know that vets typically report the festive season as being one of their busiest times of year!
The top reasons pets visit a Veterinarian on Christmas Day:
- Foreign body ingestion (Christmas decorations, tinsel)
- Gastritis / Enteritis (eating rich Christmas foods)
- Chocolate poisoning
- Lacerations
Knowing the dangers is key!
1. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, a bit like caffeine, which, while tasty, is severely poisonous to cats and dogs.
2. Mince Pies and Christmas Puddings all contain grapes, raisins, currants, and sultanas which are toxic to dogs as are foods that contain them – which means no mince pies for your pooch.
3.Tinsel, while it might look like a lot of fun to play with, tinsel can cause dangerous blockages in an animal's stomach.
4. Fairy Lights, cats and dogs are curious and will try to chew on anything, including fairy lights – which can burn and even electrocute them.
5. Alcohol can cause severe liver and brain damage in animals. As little as a tablespoon can lead to problems for your cat or dogs.
6. Wrapping paper, eating a large amount of paper could cause an obstruction in the stomach.
Christmas is a time of year to celebrate and be with family, the last thing anyone would want is to be stuck in a Veterinary Clinic on Christmas day. Taking precautions with pets during these festive times can help ensure that you and your family will enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!

The holiday season has arrived, a time for comfort and joy!
We want to ensure your pets stay happy and healthy during the most wonderful time of the year, by avoiding holiday hazards...
🌲 Glittery tinsel and ribbons can cause intestinal obstruction and are particularly enticing to cats.
🌲 Lights and wires should be organized and protected to prevent electrical shock and burns.
🌲 Table food. Keep the human food away from your pets & ask your guests not to feed your pets.
🌲1 ounce of alcohol can kill a small cat or dog. Please keep all alcohol away from the fur companions.
Know what decorations toxic for pets are before decking the halls this holiday season

15/12/2024

It’s tick season again!
Heat ☀️ + Humidity 🌧️ = Perfect environment for ticks 🌾
What’s more, these little parasites are masters of stealth and survival. They can live comfortably for quite some time just about anywhere, including indoor and outdoor areas, without being seen.
Unfortunately, ticks can carry a variety of diseases which could be passed on to their host. Most commonly in South Africa, ticks can cause tick-bite fever (babesiosis).
The best way to protect your pet is by administering a vet-approved preventative parasite treatment. These treatments come in oral and spot-on application types, and are readily available from our practice. So get some today! Your pet will thank you 🐶🐱🧡
Bravecto South Africa
NexGard South Africa

Cornerstone Veterinary Services

15/12/2024

Ten Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
Hot weather can be uncomfortable and dangerous for dogs. Here our top tips for keeping your dog cool in hot weather.
1. Adjust your walking routine
It may be tempting to head out for a nice long walk on a hot, sunny day, but this can carry risks for your dog. Walk your dog early in the morning or in the evening when the ground is cooler. This will not only protect their paws but be more comfortable for them.
Hot pavements, asphalt and artificial grass can burn their paws and cause severe pain, even on short walks. Even on a pleasant, breezy day, the temperature of asphalt and tarmac can rise to 52°C when the sun is at its hottest.
Top tip: If you’re not sure if the pavements are too hot, place the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If you struggle to hold it down, it’s too hot to walk your dog.
2. Know how to spot heatstroke
Heatstroke is one of the most common illnesses in dogs during warm weather and happens when your dog is no longer able to regulate their body temperature.
Symptoms include excessive panting and drooling, very red gums, vomiting or diarrhoea and weakness. If left unchecked, heatstroke can be fatal.
It’s important to keep an eye on your dog during hot weather to ensure they don’t overheat. Never leave them alone in a car, even with the windows open, and make sure they have plenty of shady spots in the garden and in the house to retreat to when things get too hot.
If you suspect that your dog may be suffering with heatstroke, please take them to the vet immediately.
3. Apply dog-friendly sun cream
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from sunburn if they’re not properly protected. Breeds with short or white hair with pink ears are more at risk, so you need to be extra careful to shield them from the sun’s rays.
Applying dog-specific sun cream to the sensitive areas of your dog (nose, lips, tips of the ears and belly) and keeping them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day is essential.
Speak to your local vet for advice on dog-friendly sun cream and your pet’s needs.
4. Circulate cool air
Keep your home cool and comfortable by setting up a few fans in various rooms or, if you have it, air conditioning.
This will help prevent your dog from becoming too hot and give them a refreshing place to retreat to when they get too warm. Keeping curtains or blinds drawn will also minimise the amount of heat that comes through windows. If you have tiled floor, be aware that these too can get very hot if they’re in direct sunlight.
Remember to keep oscillating fans and exposed cables out of paws reach to keep your dog safe.
5. Keep them hydrated
Dogs need to drink plenty of water during warm weather to prevent dehydration. Providing lots of fresh, clean water is essential, whether at home, in the garden or out on walks.
There are lots of ways you can encourage your dog to drink more, including playing with garden sprinklers, making pet ice lollies, and flavouring their drinking water. You may also want to invest in a travel water bowl or portable bottle to ensure they have something to drink while out and about.
6. Damp towels
Dogs cool themselves down from the bottom up, so it’s important that their paws and stomach don’t get too hot. Laying out damp towels or blankets for them to lie on is a simple, effective way to keep your dog cool in the heat.
Simply run the towel under a cold tap and wring out the excess water to create a portable cooling mat anywhere in your house or garden. Remember to refresh it regularly to maintain the effect.
You could also invest in a cool mat; these are a great way for keeping your dog cool and are readily available online.
7. Provide shady spots
If your dog loves to play out in the garden, it’s important to ensure they have lots of shaded areas where they can relax away from the sun.
Shade created by trees is better than a doghouse as it allows air to circulate freely. Be aware of how the sun moves throughout the day to ensure your dog always has a shady spot to sit in.
You could even set up a shaded, makeshift den with their water bowl, a damp towel or cool mat to sit on and their favourite toys, to encourage them to keep out of the hot sun.
8. Less exercise
While it’s always important to ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise, you will need to reduce this slightly during warm weather. Too much physical exertion can cause your dog to quickly overheat and become dehydrated.
Instead of running, walk with your dog and avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day. Don’t forget to remind children to keep energetic games to a minimum during hot weather.
9. Regular grooming
Grooming your dog can help them regulate their temperature, particularly if they have long or thick fur.
As well as regular brushing to get rid of shedding fur, consider safely clipping it shorter to allow more air to cool the skin’s surface.
Never shave your DOUBLE-COATED dog, as doing so can make them susceptible to sunburn. Instead, speak to your vet or dog groomer for their advice about your dog’s summer coat.
10. Get wet
Playing with water is a great way to keep your dog cool in hot weather and it’s a lot of fun.
Try setting up a sprinkler or a shallow paddling pool in the garden to refresh them while they play. Always watch your pet when they’re playing around water and never let them swim unsupervised.

13/12/2024

FESTIVE SEASON CHECKLIST FOR PET OWNERS🐾💜🐾
If you are going away and taking pets with you:
-have your home vet's contact no and any relevant history with you, and find the nearest vet and their contact no as soon as you arrive, and put some of your spending money aside for an emergency.
- ask about local parasites, diseases etc so you are not caught out by conditions you and your pet haven't met before.
-Make sure your animals have both visible and microchip identification and put on an extra tag with your temporary holiday number on it if necessary.
If you are going away and leaving pets at home:
-They must all be sterilized so none wander/ fight/ mate/ fall pregnant while you are away. This applies to all dogs of both sexes that will be six months or more at the END of your holiday.
- They must all be vaccinated up to date and have antiparasitics that will last the WHOLE time you are away so none fall ill with preventable conditions while you are away
-Make sure they have both visible and microchip identification and put on an extra tag with their caretakers number on it.
-Make sure caretakers who are supposed to care for the pets are actually THERE, not pouring out a whole bag of food and having a holiday that starts a day later and ends a day earlier than yours! Get a third party to check up or phone them on a landline.
- A caretaker is NOT just someone who can put down food for a healthy and present animal. A caretaker is someone who will NOTICE if the animal is missing or unwell or doesn't eat normally, will REACT and seek help if anything is wrong and has, or has contacts to get, both MONEY and TRANSPORT to the vet.
- Leave caretakers with veterinary history, vets contact details and hours and alternative vets to contact after hours or if yours is closed for any of the holidays.
- Make sure your property is escape proof, not only for happy animals that don't want to leave because you are there, but for distressed animals that do want to break out because you are gone or through fear of fireworks.
Happy holidays, take good care of your animals and spare a thought for the vets and animal welfare workers who will be working through the festive season🐾💜🙏🏻

13/12/2024

Yesterday we had a big scare at our practice when Rianne, our Animal Health Technician's, dog was diagnosed with a ruptured splenic tumor.
Dr. Mari and Dr. Keri, along with Alex and Thabang, quickly performed surgery to remove the ruptured spleen. We are happy to say that he is recovering well at home. Not only did the whole team jump in to help, but we would also like to thank Ronel de Jongh for bringing Azuri so quickly to give lifesaving blood. We are very grateful!
We wish Rex a speedy recovery!

Some facts on splenic tumors:
The spleen plays an important role in the immune system – it helps fight infections and also produces certain types of white blood cells. It is furthermore a storage organ for red blood cells and platelets. The spleen will also remove old red blood cells.
Tumours on the spleen are relatively common in older, large breed dogs. They can either be malignant or benign. However, both can rupture and cause life threatening illness in dogs. For both, surgical removal of the spleen is necessary. Blood transfusions are important – for red blood cells as well as clotting factors.
Symptoms of a splenic tumour / rupture:
Lethargy and/or weakness
Pale gums
Fast heart rate / arrythmia
Abdominal enlargement

13/12/2024

🐎 Happy National Day of Horses! 🐴

Today, we celebrate these majestic creatures that have galloped into our hearts and history with their grace, strength, and beauty. Whether they're racing through fields, carrying us on their backs, or simply grazing in peaceful pastures, horses hold a special place in our lives. 💙

Let's take a moment to appreciate these incredible animals that have been our companions, helpers, and friends for centuries. Their loyalty, intelligence, and gentle nature remind us of the importance of cherishing and respecting all living beings.

13/12/2024

😂

12/12/2024

Your Holiday Pet Checklist 🌞🏖️

December holiday is around the corner and we all know what that means, sun, sand and sea🌞🏖️. Don’t forget to plan for your furry friends! Here’s a quick checklist to ensure they’re happy, healthy and safe.

🌴 BONUS TIP: If you’re taking your pet with you, ensure you have a secure carrier or car safety harness, travel-friendly food and water bowl, and stops planned for breaks.

Enjoy your summer knowing your pets are in safe hands! 🐶🐱🐾

12/12/2024

We all struggle with the soaring high temperatures 🌡

Your animals, too. All of them! Please supply continuous cool water and shade for your dog!

Even cats struggle and may start panting like dogs when comprised.

Look after your pets. They are your best and most loyal friends and companions.

11/12/2024

Its officially Summer. Here is a quick reminder to keep your pets cool during the heat of the day.
Overheated dogs can suffer heat exhaustion, heat stroke or sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias. Panting, followed by disorientation and fast, noisy breathing could signal overheating. Other possible signs: Collapsing or convulsing, bright red or blue gums, vomiting and diarrhoea. Walk them early in the morning or later in the day.
Always provide lots of water and shade.
If your pet is overheating, immediately take your dog to a cooler area.
Wet your pet with cool water, but not cold water since rapid cooling can be dangerous.
Place your pet in front of a fan to dry off. ...
As your pet continues to cool give them cool (not cold or ice) water to drink.

10/12/2024

The vets, nurses and staff at Cornerstone had a feel of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the needle for a change…

All staff members received their 5-yearly rabies booster today, and there was a mixed response to the needle as is evident in the photos!

It is recommended that staff members at veterinary practices in South Africa are vaccinated against rabies as they are at higher risk than the general public of coming into contact with rabid animals.

Even though rabies is still quite uncommon in the Western Cape, there is always a chance that one of us has to deal with an animal affected by this deadly disease.

Remember to check your pet’s vaccination booklet to ensure their vaccines are also up to date!

Thanks Dr Ali for treating us as nicely as we treat our patients 😉

10/12/2024

CATS AND TINSEL

Many of us will be putting up our decorations soon. We all know that cats have a thing for Christmas trees, some dogs do too. Flashing lights, interesting baubles, new things to explore… such as tinsel.
Shiny and enticing, but tinsel can be incredibly dangerous when swallowed.
Tinsel strands and “Angel hair” are difficult to chew and do not break down during digestion. They can become stuck under the tongue or within the stomach or intestine, where they can cause an obstruction.
For some pets, tinsel can head down the “wrong pipe,” causing them to choke and cough. With luck, they are able to actually cough it up, but if it stays in the respiratory tract, it leads to continued coughing and breathing problems.
Signs of tinsel ingestion can include:
* Vomiting
* Poor appetite
* Abdominal pain
* Diarrhoea
* Straining to p**p or not p**ping at all
* Lethargy or other changes in behaviour
If you think your pet has swallowed tinsel, please contact your vet for advice.
If you have pets, rather avoid the risk, and avoid putting up tinsel decorations altogether.

(source: Feral cat project)

09/12/2024

The DEADLY CORN COB!!

Although you might think this is a delicious treat for your four-legged buddy, corn cobs could be the cause of you losing your best friend.
Corn cobs are one of the most common yet dangerous foods you can give your pet.
The corn cob does not break down in the acid of your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, instead they swell up and block the entire path, resulting in complete mayhem within your dog's intestinal system.
Once in and blocked up there is only one way out, an emergency exploratory laparotomy done by your veterinarian. This Is a high-risk procedure as the corn cob can cause severe internal damage.
You might think to yourself "its fine, I’ll just cut it up into smaller pieces" NO! Regardless of if the corn is large or small, it will still swell internally and still block your pets intestinal system. So, let's protect our loved ones and put that corn cob in the bin, make sure during your festive braai none of your friends or family sneak a corn cob treat to your pet, it could mean
life or death to your beloved buddy.