Entries by Bronwyn Hayes

Cryptococcosis in Cats – A Feline Fungal Infection

September 1, 2020 in , , /by

Cryptococcosis – What is it? Cryptococcus species are found worldwide. This fungus can survive in the environment for years. Two species – C. neoformans and C. gatii – are most commonly cause disease in cats. To date, we don’t know the exact mode of infection. Many believe cats initially inhale the organisms. This infection is not spread from animal to animal. Interestingly, pigeons appear to play a role in disseminating the fungal organism in the environment as infection is often associated with their feces. Cryptococcosis – What does it look like? In cats, the nose is the primary site of infection. As such, affected […]

To adopt or not to adopt? Are you prepared? These are the questions!

August 24, 2020 in , , , , /by

The decision to adopt a pet should never be taken lightly. Whether it’s your first, your second, or perhaps even your third pet, the questions you need to ask yourself and the preparations you should have in place remain the same. “With animal shelters open for adoptions [adoptions weren’t allowed on levels 4 and 5 of lockdown] and many people staying at home for the foreseeable future, if you’ve been thinking about adopting a pet, now is as good a time as any. However, there is a lot that needs to be considered before making the decision to adopt,” explains […]

Who run the world? Cats!

August 19, 2020 in , , , /by

Ask any cat parent who rules the roost in their home and the answer will always be the same, the cat. Cats pride themselves on having their pet parents wrapped around their adorable fluffy paws. However, you are more than just a source of food to your cat. A study published late last year, Attachment bonds between domestic cats and humans, found that cats see their pet parents as a source of comfort and security, too. In other words, they do love you, even if they don’t show it. The research revealed that cats form attachments to their pet parents […]

South African Veterinary (SAVA) Statement on the Welfare of Livestock Transported by Sea

August 11, 2020 in , , , /by

South Africa, Johannesburg, 06 August 2020: The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) is a voluntary organisation representing veterinarians in South Africa. Our approximately 2100 members come from all fields within the veterinary profession and represent both clinical as well as government regulatory aspects. SAVA notes with concern the on-board welfare of live animals transported by sea for the exclusive purpose of slaughter at destination from South Africa to the Middle East. SAVA supports sustainable and profitable livestock farming, but this must happen in conjunction with positive animal welfare. The OIE is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving global animal health […]

Helping with Hairballs

September 10, 2020 in , , , , /by

Having a bad hair day? There’s no doubt about it, there is nothing pleasant about hairballs in cats. Whether it’s the angst of watching your favourite feline hacking one up, the looming dread of getting out of bed to step on a mass of wet cat hair or being the one nominated in your household to clean them up, they are definitely something we would prefer to live without. If this is you, you are not alone. In fact, a Hill’s  study showed the top condition–reported by 35 percent of cat parents–was hairballs. What exactly are hairballs? Cats are very […]

Fight the effects of ageing in cats and dogs

September 3, 2020 in , , /by

Signs that your pet is ageing As a ‘pet parent’ you may not like to think about the fact that your pet is getting older, perhaps because of the risks that come with age, such as cancer, arthritis, brain ageing and kidney disease. But even if your pet is ageing, he or she can now live a longer, healthier life thanks to better care and nutrition. It’s not always easy to spot the signs that your pet is ageing. In fact in many cases pet parents often miss valuable “nutrition” years because there is little evidence of ageing at the […]

How to support active mobility with healthy joints in dogs

August 31, 2020 in , , /by

Showing signs of joint stiffness? As we get a little older we all start to feel a few more aches. pains and stiffness, even if we are still very active. This is usually more noticeable in the winter months when the weather is colder. The same can be true for our dogs. In fact, up to 40% of dogs show signs of joint sensitivity1 and mobility is on of pet parents top three health concerns, even more so than their pets weight.1 Mobility issues and (osteo)arthritis “Arthritis” is a general term for changes in the joint caused by normal or […]

Helping cats and dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin

August 24, 2020 in , , , , /by

Sensitive Pets Many pets experience sensitivities and some of the most common areas of concern for pet parents include tummy upsets and a dull coat with dry, itchy, flaky skin. Up to one third of pet parents report seeing skin flare ups once in a month in both cats and dogs1 and “skin issues” is a commonly internet searched pet topic. Digestive issues are unpleasant and can be very worrying when you see them in your pet. What can cause these sensitivities Your pet’s itchy, flaky skin may be caused by a number of factors including parasites & fleas, environmental […]

Why keeping your pets at a perfect weight is important

August 17, 2020 in , , , , , /by

Chubby is not cute! You may think your dog has a little ‘puppy fat’ or that your cuddly cat is just the cutest thing, but for pets, even carrying a little extra weight can have huge health implications. Keeping your pet at the right weight will prevent many disease conditions associated with obesity, extend their lives, make them happier and most certainly result in long term savings on veterinary bills. Worldwide, obesity is a massive health problem for humans According to the World Health Organisation, 39% of adults are overweight. In South Africa some studies indicate that almost 70% of […]

Telemedicine – A New Frontier for Veterinary Clinics

August 7, 2020 in , , /by

As the use of technology and communication continues to grow at a rapid rate in South Africa, which has been escalated by lockdown, the incorporation of telehealth and telemedicine has become a topic of interest within the veterinary fraternity. As a modern solution to unprecedented circumstances, telehealth is described as the virtual veterinary services and telemedicine is a term used for the digital interaction between a veterinarian and their client/patient. The appropriate application of telemedicine, according to telehealth app Medici can enhance an animal’s care by facilitating text, voice and video communications, diagnostics, treatments, client education, scheduling and other operational […]