Bryanston Avian, Exotic and Small Animal Clinic

22/11/2024

Our very own 💚

20/11/2024

For November ONLY!! Hurry and save before the festive season starts 💉

19/11/2024

FOUND STAY COCKATIEL in Morningside Village area 18/04/2024
Proof of ownership required
*disclaimer not our cage

18/11/2024

OWNER COLLECTED. Went missing on 14/11/2024.
FOUND neglected Blue-winged MaCaw with deformed bottom beak. Dehydrated and in hospital under treatment. Found in Bryanston corner Lyn Close and Maple Avenue. Proof of ownership required

09/11/2024

LIVING IN THE AGE OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE🧫💊

There are plenty of things in this world to be concerned about, but something that has vets (and human doctors) particularly concerned these days is worsening resistance to antibiotics. So what does this mean, and what can you do as an owner to help prevent this?🤔

Antibiotics are medications that are prescribed to treat BACTERIAL infections. There are different classes of antibiotics, that work in different ways to either kill the bacteria or stop the bacteria from multiplying. Decades of research has gone into establishing effective doses in numerous species, and which antibiotics work best against which bacteria. Unfortunately, bacteria are smart little things...

Bacteria are single celled organisms that are literally everywhere. Their replication and functioning is determined by DNA, just like us. They are exceptionally good at mutating their DNA, and even exchanging it with other bacteria in certain cases. This is how they are able to develop resistance to medications so effectively. Bacteria are constantly replicating and mutating, developing better ways to survive. Everytime a bacterium comes into contact with an antibiotic, it could potentially develop resistance to that drug.

So what can YOU do to help prevent this from happening? We all have a responsibility to ourselves, our beloved pets and future generations to use antibiotics responsibly. If we do this, we can hopefully preserve the efficacy of these vital medications. Here are some guidelines for using antibiotics responsibly:
1. TAKE OR GIVE ANTIBIOTICS AS PRESCRIBED. One of the biggest causes of antibiotic resistance, is patients - or their owners - terminating an antibiotic course early because they or their animal feel better, or perhaps because giving the medication was too stressful. Just because clinical signs are gone, doesn't mean the infection is! And if only 95% of the bacteria are eradicated, the chances are high that those 5% are going to come back bigger and nastier than before🫣
2. DON'T GIVE OR TAKE ANTIBIOTICS UNLESS PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR. We cringe everytime an owner tells us that they gave their pet antibiotics that were left over from a post-op course in 2018, or that the breeder recommended this drug for that condition and they have a contact at a pharmacy... Please don't ever do this!😫 not only are you contributing to antibiotic resistance, but you could potentially do more harm than good if there is an allergic reaction, or a negative interaction with another medication, or you accidentally overdose your pet. If you have any leftover medication for whatever reason, please speak to your vet first before giving it to your pet🙏
3. FOLLOW UP WITH YOUR VET AS REQUESTED. We often ask owners to come back for a follow up once a course of medication is completed. This is because we need to make 110% sure that the infection is truly gone. Sometimes, especially in today's day and age, we need to extend or modify treatment courses depending on how a patient is doing. This is done specifically to ensure that we don't end up leaving behind some resistant bugs lurking somewhere. Please keep to your follow up appointments, especially if your pet is not 100% better. It will ultimately mean less time spent at the vet in the long run😜

If we all follow these basic rules, we will be doing our part to preserve the efficacy of our limited pool of antibiotics🙏 and then hopefully we won't be seeing so many multidrug resistant infections🧫

The attached culture reports are from a range of patients seen at our clinic this year alone. Every R stands for resistant, and it is frightening to see so many of them💔

07/11/2024

This post goes out to Tobi and his inspiring journey of love and resilience. 🐾🧡 After a traumatic event, Tobi fought through the pain of recovery with the dedicated care of the vets at Bryanston Avian, Exotic and Small Animal Clinic.

We’re honoured to have lent a helping paw towards his healing. Although he sadly passed on 14th September, his endless purring and sweet meows remind us why we’re committed to supporting vets and the pets they care for. 🧡 🩺

06/11/2024

December is right around the corner!! 📢
Take advantage of our end of year vaccination special. This includes a consultation and vaccines 🐶🐱💉
Please call or WhatsApp our clinic number +27 61 533 9950 or (011) 706 1381. *Monday to Friday only*

04/11/2024

31/10/2024

Another one of our patients for the day.
The little girl lives with her family on a residential golf estate and got smacked on the pip with a golf ball. She doesn't know who, what or where she is at the moment, but with the good meds Dr Georgie at Bryanston Avian, Exotic and Small Animal Clinic gave her a few hours ago, we think she'll start remembering that she's a monkey by tomorrow😉
Thanks to Margie and Leanne from South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for your help with this little lady.

28/10/2024

FOUND young Budgie. Near Weltervreden Park.
Proof of ownership required ie: ring details, photos

24/10/2024

17/10/2024

As the weather heats up across South Africa, it's important to remain aware of how the heat affects your pet. Heat exhaustion in dogs, cats and other pets can lead to serious and potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke and cardiac arrest.

Tips:
1. Please don't walk your dogs in the middle of the day. Try for early mornings or evenings.
2. Ensure that your pet has cool water and access to shade at all times.
3. Use wet towels on the floor so they can lay down on it to cool off.
4. Use a children's clam shell with water as a makeshift swimming pool for them. Some breeds love water so this will help them stay cool.
5. Give them access to your pool this week if you have one.
6. Give them frozen lickimats with their favourite treats on it or doggy ice-cream to cool them down.
7. Focus on mental stimulation as opposed to physical activities during very warm weather.
8. Extremely active dogs and working or hunting breeds (such as shepherds, retrievers, and spaniels) are also at a higher risk, especially during warm days. You should be careful to not push these dogs too hard, so make sure they get plenty of breaks to rest in the shade and that they are well-hydrated at all times.
9. Delay training at dog training schools and classes if you can. A cooler time of day is ok but it's already blistering hot by 9am and only starts to cool down after 5pm. Rather delay if possible. Your dog's health should be top priority. Good trainers and schools will understand this and accommodate you accordingly.
10. Turn on your sprinkler system to manual if you have no pool...they can play in some water while your garden gets water.
11. DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN A HOT CAR, EVEN FOR A FEW MINUTES!

Watch for signs of dehydration in cats and dogs. Some signs are:
1. Lethargy
2. Panting
3. Changes in behaviour
4. Dark coloured gums that are sticky to the touch
5. Vomiting
6. Diarrhoea
7. Lack of coordination
8. Rapid heart rate
9. Drooling
10. Lack of focus
11. Lack of response when you can their name
12. Sleeping too much
13. Loss of appetite and the urge to drink water
14. Inelastic skin

If you notice any of these signs, please rush them to an emergency vet. Do not wait for an appointment for later in the day. Wrap them in a wet towel asap while getting them medical attention. Syringe some water into their mouths if you can as you make a plan to get to your vet.

Brachiocephalic breeds (short nose dog) are especially vulnerable so please take care.

Dehydration is a serious condition. Heatwaves can be fatal to our pets!

16/10/2024

PLEASE NOTE that the clinic will be closing early on Tuesday the 22nd of October as we are having our year end function😁

BAESAC will be open from 8am to 10am for scheduled check ups and emergencies on the 22nd, thereafter please contact the following vets in the event of an exotic emergency:
- Valley Farm Animal Hospital in Pretoria
- Craig View Veterinary Clinic in the East
- Fourways Vet Hospital

Thank you for all the support during 2024, we know we have the best clients😉❤️

14/09/2024

Update on SIR TOBI THE BRAVE...

We are sure that some of you having been wondering what happened with Tobi's specialist treatment; unfortunately we do not have the good news we were holding out for😭

Last week, Tobi went under anaesthetic for his very last procedure to stretch the stricture in his oesophagus. The procedure went very well, and the doctors at JSVC were happy with his progress and anticipating moving him onto solid foods this week. But tragedy struck... while recovering from his anaesthetic, Tobi crashed very suddenly. The doctors and nurses at JSVC jumped into action and started CPR, but Tobi did not respond, and passed away last Friday night💔 we know without a doubt that the team at JSVC gave Tobi their all throughout his stay there, but his little body had clearly been through too much💔

This was the most unexpected tragedy for everyone, and we still can't quite believe that after fighting so hard and doing so well, we lost Tobi mere steps before the finish line😭 our hearts go out to Tobi's family; they may not have had him for long, but he was so loved by everyone in the family.

Losing patients is the hardest part of veterinary medicine. We care deeply for all the patients under our care, and when we work everyday for months or even years to heal an animal, that animal becomes like family to us and we love them like they were our own. When we lose them, it is devastating. We grieve silently with the owners, but still have to carry on. So please remember to be kind to your vets, we might just be grieving internally.

Tobi truly was a special soul, who loved and trusted everyone he met, and forgave us quickly whenever we had to change his bandages or give him medicine. He will never be forgotten by everyone who had the privilege to meet him❤️

Rest in peace Sir Tobi the Brave🐾❤️