• The principal concern is that raw diets may expose your pet and your family to pathogenic organisms that are normally killed during the cooking process. This is not only from the handling of the raw food or having the pet licking a family member, but viable pathogens have also been proven to be shed in the pet’s faeces for several days after. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, TB, the list of potential pathogens is extensive. Many of these are able to survive being frozen.
• Raw diets (and additionally home-cooked diets) may not be adequately balanced for your pet’s needs. Several studies have been done to evaluate variation between diets where a recipe was followed, and extreme variation in nutrient levels was found. Both excesses and deficiencies were present. Even samples assessed from companies providing ‘complete raw diets’ in the UK were shown to have a wide variation between portions.
• Meat only diets have excesses of protein and concerning mineral imbalances. Diets high in liver put pets at risk of Hypovitaminosis A. Home-cooked diets do not have the extensive research and routine testing that commercial diets undergo.

Home-cooked diets are useful where a pet has skin trouble linked to a commercial diet (although there are very good commercial diets that counter this and still produce a well-balanced diet); or where the pet has several health problems that aren’t catered for with normal commercial diets. In this scenario, it is best to get a nutritionist on board to help develop a diet that will meet all the pet’s needs. A lot of time, preparation and commitment are required; and even with precise measurements there is still found to be a wide variation in nutrient content between portions. The choice remains with the pet owner to decide on a nutritional plan to suit their lifestyle and pets; but please bear in mind that our pets are not humans (a cat is an obligate carnivore..it is never meant to be ‘vegan’!), and our pets have a significantly longer lifespan than their wild ‘cousins’.

Environmental modification: 

• Avoid exposure (relocate the pet in the case of planned fireworks).
• Create a safe den (somewhere quiet and dark).
• Soft furnishings help to absorb sound, a thick pile of blankets is ideal to hide under.
• Play classical music.
• Pheromones sprayed into the environment /on a scarf are extremely beneficial (they signal safety and security).

Physical modification:

Using a ‘thunder shirt’ may help calm your pet, the pressure on the torso can provide comfort similar to swaddling a baby or hugging a distressed person. It does not work for every pet but is definitely worth a trial. They can be bought online or you can try a DIY version.

Behavioural modification:

Punishment is totally inappropriate. Counter-conditioning can be used early on (training techniques to allow the pet to associate noise with pleasant stimuli e.g. games and toys). Desensitisation involves training where the pet is gradually exposed to sounds of increasing intensity (e.g. using the ‘Sounds Scary’ training package available for free online at the dogstrust.org.uk).

Medication:

There are three broad categories for medicating noise aversions.

1. Nutraceuticals – these are natural products that are helpful for mild anxiety (e.g. L-tryptophan in the products Calm-Eeze and Nutricalm). These medications are available over the counter. 
2. Short term anxiolytics (e.g. alprazolam); these act rapidly but cannot be used long-term. They can be given for a few days before and after the event.
3. Long term treatment that aims to normalise neurotransmitter levels in the brain. A veterinary consult is required for the latter two categories. Giving a sedative is not advised as your pet will still be anxious, but won’t be able to do anything about it, thus making the condition worse in the long term. 

Contact your veterinarian to discuss the best management plan for your pet if you suspect your pet suffers from Noise Phobia.

Trauma

TRAUMA should never be underestimated; small bite wounds are ‘icebergs’ with a large amount of tissue trauma that is not visible. Pets can quickly go into shock, necessitating intensive treatment. All cases of a road traffic accident or dog attack require a veterinary consult; minor cases can be postponed until opening hours, but a consult is recommended even if the pet appears unaffected to assess the tissue damage and to start prompt treatment. Trauma to an animal’s eyes always require immediate action. If your pet has been in an accident or been bitten you can cover the wounds with a towel and apply mild pressure. Keep your pet calm, offer a small amount of water. 

Vomiting and diarrhoea

VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA are commonly seen in pets; and most recover without much ado, but when is it an emergency? If the vomiting and diarrhoea is severe and protracted for more than 24hours in a normally healthy dog it is an emergency, this time period is shorter if the pet is a juvenile (under 6 months), geriatric (over 10 years), has other health problems (e.g. Diabetes, Addison’s) or further symptoms (high volumes of bloody stool, collapse etc.). If in doubt, phone your vet for advice. Treatment for routine vomiting and diarrhoea is supportive (oral fluids, probiotic paste, bland diet) and should result in recovery in 3 days. Treatment for severe vomiting and diarrhoea usually depends on the results of further diagnostics (x-ray, blood tests, abdominal ultrasound) and often requires hospitalisation.

Difficulty breathing (dyspnoea)

DIFFICULTY BREATHING (DYSPNOEA) is an emergency. There are many things that can cause sudden difficulty in breathing: Heatstroke, heart problems, severe anaemia, pneumonia etc. A good history, examination and diagnostic tests are paramount to determining the cause and necessary treatment. Keeping the pet calm and cool helps to lessen the oxygen requirement pending a vet exam. The vet will place the pet on oxygen until or while further tests like x-rays, ultrasound or blood tests are done to determine the cause. 

Poisonings and envenomation

POISONINGS AND ENVENOMATION: A pet is poisoned by ingesting a toxic/poisonous substance (e.g. 2-step or antifreeze in dogs, lilies in cats). A bee sting or snake bite result in envenomation. One or two bee stings do not normally result in danger to pets, but an attack by a swarm is life-threatening. In snake bite cases it is extremely helpful if the snake can be identified (take a photo or bring the dead snake in). In all cases of poisonings and envenomation a timeline can be very helpful when it comes to treatment (e.g. it is not helpful inducing vomiting if the poison was ingested hours ago, if a pet is bitten by a snake but remains asymptomatic it may not be necessary for antivenom depending on the time frame). As in most things, prevention is better than cure: see our list of things poisonous to pets that should be avoided (separate article), and keep your yard clear of garden debris and rodents (both are attractive to snakes).

Seizures

SEIZURES are terrible for a pet parent to witness, but there are two key points that are extremely helpful.

1) TIME the seizure. A seizure may seem to go on forever but is often only a few seconds to a few minutes. If a seizure is going on longer than 5minutes then it warrants emergency veterinary attention. A seizure may have a “pre” and “post” ictal phase; where the dog may seem disorientated, salivate or seem restless.

2) Avoid getting bitten, it is extremely uncommon for a pet to choke on their tongue during a seizure, but many people try reaching into their mouths to grasp the tongue…this is a no-no. Do ensure the pet is somewhere safe where no harm can be done (on a floor, and away from objects).

When do seizures need emergency treatment?

• If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• If the pet is having cluster seizures  (multiple seizures in a short period of time)
• If the pet is severely affected after the seizures.

We generally advise a veterinary consultation in all cases of suspected seizures; as there are other conditions that can be confused with true seizures.

Urination problems

DIFFICULTY URINATING can be hard to spot in an outdoors pet, but it is an emergency if the pet is not able to urinate. We most commonly see urinary obstructions in male cats; usually due to a plug of inflammatory debris or a spasm. Urinary obstruction can quickly become life-threatening. What to look for: inappetence, pain, vocalising, restlessness, stiff hind legs, frequently trying to urinate, distended abdomen. If you see these symptoms take your cat to the vet immediately.  Most cases require an anaesthetic to allow for the obstruction to be displaced, and hospitalisation with fluid therapy. 

Always contact your vet before giving your pet ANY medication in an emergency. This will ensure that your pet receives the correct medication at the correct dose. Always let your vet know if you have given your pet medication before bringing it in to the practice.

• There are several stages to wound healing, the aim of wound treatment is to help the wound progress through the stages without delays. Delays can be caused by:
  • Excessive movement
  • Contamination and infection
  • Inappropriate topical treatment
  • Patient factors (e.g. immunosuppression, age, illness) etc.
• Minor wounds and scrapes will heal in most healthy pets without the need for antibiotics if appropriate wound care is given. Veterinary attention is necessary for all deep, or extensive wounds, and additionally in cases where the pet has other health concerns (e.g. diabetic patients). If in doubt; seek veterinary attention! A dog bite wound can seem minor (tiny puncture) but have extensive damage underneath—‘iceberg effect’. Bite wounds in cats often leave very small wounds, barely visible underneath the fur, but can become very large abscesses due to infection in the wound if not cleaned properly. 
• Do not leave dressings on for more than 2 days (unless instructed differently by your vet.) It is ideal to clean wounds daily. 

Contact your vet if you are not sure what to do and before giving any medication.

FACT: Untreated periodontal disease can lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing disease in the kidneys, heart and liver. The earlier dental disease is addressed, the better.

FICTION: “My pet is too old for dental procedures under anaesthetic” All anaesthetic carries risk, even in a young healthy patient; however, the benefits seen with dental treatment are enormous. A veterinarian is trained to evaluate each case individually and will discuss what extra precautions can be taken to mitigate risk (e.g. pre-anaesthetic blood tests, intra-operative fluids).

FACT: Small breed dogs tend to have more severe periodontal disease than large breed dogs (teeth overcrowding, poor diet). Large breed dogs often present with tooth fractures.

FICTION: “I had a dental done on my dog last year, so he’s fine now”. A dental alone is insufficient; homecare (tooth brushing) is essential to maintain oral health. Some pets are more prone to dental disease requiring more frequent treatments (6monthly). If your pet does not tolerate tooth brushing there are alternatives (wiping with gauze, dental diets, dental chews, water additives) although these are not as efficient as brushing.

Key points:

• Dental disease is easily missed
• The later dental disease is addressed, the greater the chance for irreversible damage
• Home treatment (tooth brushing) is extremely important 

Tips on toys:

• X Bones are a no-no in our opinion (break teeth, get stuck, cause constipation) (animals in the wild generally do not have the lifespan of our pets).
• X Tennis balls collect sand in the fibres…and this can act as sandpaper to the enamel.
• X Hooves can break teeth and cut gums.
• X Balls on a rope are very tempting for owner and pet to pull extensively…not ideal
• Rubber balls and rubber bones are generally suitable. ‘Kong’ consist of a wide range, and treats like peanut butter can be smeared in some toys keeping the pet busy for a good while.
• Choose an appropriately sized chew toy for the pet (too small and they might choke on it)

Vaccination

1 June-31 October is the recommended time to vaccinate as the midges are low in number during this time. The virus has 9 serotypes, thus two separate vaccines are needed; all adult horses should be vaccinated each year with both. A vet is required to do the vaccination for competition horses, or those that are to be moved to another zone (speak to your vet regarding movement requirements and permits). The Western Cape Province has various zones of control where horses may not be vaccinated, but the rest of the country is the ‘infected zone’ where vaccination is required.

No vaccine is 100% fail-proof, especially regarding AHS and the multiple serotypes and variance; thus, in addition, we strongly recommend applying midge repellent daily, keeping horses away from marshy areas and stabling during high-risk periods for midges (dawn and dusk are high activity periods for midges, thus stable horses from late afternoon through the night until mid-morning).

Symptoms

Fever, swollen head, difficulty breathing, frothy nasal discharge, sudden death. AHS is a controlled disease; any suspicious cases should be reported.

Treatment

Treatment is supportive only, since the disease is caused by a virus. A vet will be able to format the best treatment; there is a fair amount of ‘boereraad’ out there with some harmful products being advised that do no good. There is no scientific evidence that these remedies work and can be harmful to your horse. 

Key points:

• Vaccinate your horse yearly before 31 October with a registered vaccine
• Report all cases with symptoms suspicious of AHS
• The movement of horses to the Western Cape zones requires a permit

Treatment of Canine Distemper

There is no cure for canine distemper. Veterinarians diagnose distemper through a combination of clinical signs and diagnostic tests. Once diagnosed, care is purely supportive. Treatment focuses on minimizing diarrhoea, vomiting, neurological symptoms and dehydration, and to prevent secondary infections. Most vets recommend that dogs be hospitalized and separated from other dogs to prevent the spread of infection.

The survival rate and length of infection depend on the strain of the virus and on the strength of the dog’s immune system. Some cases resolve as quickly as 10 days. Other cases may exhibit neurological symptoms for weeks and even months afterward.

Preventing Canine Distemper

• Make sure your puppy gets the full series of distemper vaccinations and that distemper vaccinations are kept up-to-date throughout your dog’s life.
• Immediate isolation of infected animals.
• Be careful socializing your puppy or unvaccinated dog, especially in areas where dogs congregate, like dog parks, classes, and doggy daycare.
• By following these steps, you can keep your dog safe from distemper. If you have more questions about distemper in dogs, talk to your veterinarian, and call your vet immediately if you suspect your dog might be showing symptoms of distemper.

Is Parvovirus Treatable?

Since the disease is a viral infection, there is no real cure. Parvovirus treatment is focused on supporting the animal, curing the symptoms and preventing secondary bacterial infections, preferably in a hospital environment. Intensive therapy has the best outcome, but even with intensive therapy the survival rate is only about 70%.

Prognosis is lower for puppies, since their immune systems are not as strong. It is common for a puppy who is infected with CPV to suffer shock and sudden death.

It is possible to treat Parvo in your home under the direction of your veterinarian. It is a very labour-intensive process but can mean the difference between life and death when funds or circumstances do not permit in-hospital treatment. Your veterinarian will teach you to give fluids and to monitor vital signs.

Prevention of Parvo in Dogs

The best prevention against CPV infection is to follow the correct protocol for vaccination. Young puppies should be vaccinated at 6, 9 and 12 weeks of age, and should not be socialized with unknown dogs until at least two weeks after their third vaccination. Thereafter dogs should be vaccinated every 3 years or annually if there is a high prevalence of the disease. 

Always pick up faeces immediately. This is a good habit to start immediately, as it reduces environmental contamination and reduces the spread of intestinal parasites.

Parvovirus is a disease with serious consequences. Fast action by you and your veterinarian gives your dog the best prognosis for a full recovery.

How will the vet confirm IVDD?

The vet will do a physical and neurological exam – feeling the back, testing the front and hind legs for reflexes, etc. This will determine the degree of spinal column damage. The vet might also need to take an x-ray of the back and possibly do a myelogram (contrast medium is put into the space between the vertebral column and the spinal cord). This will determine the exact location of the lesion for surgical repair as well as the extent of the damage to the spinal cord.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment can range from conservative to surgical. Conservative care includes very strict confinement for 2-6 weeks and medicinal treatments such as steroids or anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and nutraceuticals such as Chondrofocus to reduce pain and the swelling of the spinal cord. After a period of resting, your pet is allowed to gradually return to normal activity

If the damage is too severe, emergency surgery is needed to open up the space. This is done by removing a portion of the bony vertebrae over the spinal cord and the disc material. Dogs that undergo surgery soon after diagnosis have a better chance of recovery. Even after surgery, however, the dog may not recover fully.

Management

Dogs will be treated with anti-inflammatories, nutraceuticals and muscle relaxants and will receive physiotherapy. Owners might need to assist with the toilet routine for a while. In dogs that lose sensation in the limbs, recovery can occur up to two months after the incident. Dogs that do not regain the function of their hind legs can maintain a high quality of life using a cart and the owners assisting with emptying the bladder.

Prevention

• It is recommended to keep your dog at a lower weight; this will reduce stress on the neck and back.
• Using a harness when walking will also reduce stress on the neck
• Prevent your dog from jumping on and off furniture by building ramps
• Give prophylactic nutraceuticals such as Chondrofocus containing Resveratrol, Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, MSM and Vit E and C.
• Do not give supplements containing Chondroitin Sulphate and Glucosamine as this might have a negative effect on the disc composition.