Eosinophilic granuloma complex in dogs and cats
My cat has a strange sore - almost like a fever blister - on her upper lip
What is eosinophilic granuloma complex?
Eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC) is a disease complex that presents in three main forms, namely an eosinophilic ulcer (also known as a rodent or indolent ulcer), an eosinophilic plaque or an eosinophilic granuloma. These conditions are more commonly found in cats and horses, and only occasionally in dogs.
Urolithiasis
My pet has begun to pee a lot more frequently, but in smaller amounts. Even though she's house-trained, she still pees in the house and sometimes there is blood in her urine.
What is urolithiasis?
Common Rabies Questions
I've heard on the news that there's a new outbreak of rabies in dogs. What are the symptoms and what should I do?
Towards the end of June 2021, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) informed the public of an outbreak of Rabies in the Cradle of Humankind area. Near the end of August 2021, the Western Cape government issued a warning of a new rabies outbreak and encouraged pet owners to ensure their pets' rabies shots are up to date. In early August, three women were attacked by a honey badger and tested positive for rabies, while earlier in September, a young boy in the Eastern Cape died from rabies as the result of a dog bite. Traditionally, rabies was considered to be restricted to Kwa-Zulu Natal and KZN was declared an endemic area for rabies. Unfortunately, it is no longer the case and the whole of South Africa is now considered endemic.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and cats
My pet tires quickly when playing or exercising and sometimes has a soft cough like trying to clear their throat
What is dilated cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a disease condition of the heart muscle that inhibits its ability to function properly. In the case of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the heart muscle is stretched and the muscle is thin and flabby, affecting its pumping ability. Dilated cardiomyopathy can affect both pets and people.
COVID-19 and Your Pets: Update
The SARS-CoV-2 Virus
It has been more than a year since COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has been declared a worldwide pandemic. Much research has been done regarding many aspects of the virus, the disease process it causes as well as the spread of the virus. In the wake of the anticipation of South Africa’s ‘third wave’ of COVID-19 infections, this article serves as a follow-up discussion regarding information that has come to light in the past year.
