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Understanding Chronic Medication for Your Pet
Introduction
Is your pet on chronic medication? It’s crucial to renew your pet’s prescription regularly. This short guide explains why and how we are bound by specific laws and regulations to ensure the well-being of your furry friend.
Legal Regulations
We adhere to standards set by:
- South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)
- South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA)
These organizations have Acts in place to regulate the prescription of veterinary medicines.
Why Regular Appointments are Important
According to the law, we can’t prescribe chronic medication unless we’ve examined your pet within the last 6 months. Regular appointments help us make accurate diagnoses and prescriptions.
Reduced Consultation Fees
To make this easier on your pocket, we offer a reduced consultation fee for these regular check-ups.
How to Book an Appointment
We operate by appointment only. To schedule a consultation, please call us at 013 744 1836.
Key Takeaways
- We’re regulated by SAVC and SAHPRA.
- Pets on chronic medication must be examined every 6 months.
- Reduced fees for regular check-ups.
- Appointments are essential.
Pitbull Survives Snare after 9 Days
This is the story of the remarkable Bullet, a 2-year-old pitbull that fought to the bone to escape from a snare. The snare caught onto Bullet’s right hind leg, trapping him in the bush without food or water.
Bullet is no stranger to nine days away from home due to snares. In 2021, the pitbull found his way home after being trapped in the bush with a snare around his neck for nine days. Once he returned, he received immediate medical attention. His wounds healed well, and he fully recovered, with the only signs of his trauma being a few white hairs where the scar had formed.
Bullet’s owners reached out in desperate need of help after Bullet had disappeared again for nine days but finally returned with a shocking snare injury.
To escape the snare – Bullet chewed off his lower leg and then returned home to his owners.
This incredible determination to survive brought Bullet back to our practice at Van Wijk Street Vet, where we were met with tail wags, soft licks, and exhausted gratitude. The tenderness of this dog’s nature only amplified the awe and respect all staff felt towards him. His spirit fought tooth and nail to return to his family regardless of what it would cost him.
Bullet was stabilised, and once he was strong enough for the anaesthetic, he underwent surgery to remove the remaining infected bone and tissue.
Bullet is already fully mobile and at home recovering with his family. Thanks to the vets at Van Wijk Street Vet, Bullet can take another shot at life.
Bladder stones in dogs
Bladder stones (uroliths or cystic calculi), are rock-like collections or formations of minerals that form in the urinary bladder, and are more common than kidney stones in dogs. They may occur as a few large stones or as collections of multiple small stones. Bladder stones start out small but over time can grow in number and/or size.
Bladder stones in dogs can develop from a very young age, and are caused by metabolic abnormalities (such as liver disease or high blood calcium), nutrient imbalances from diet or supplements, or genetic conditions that the dog or cat inherited from their parents.
Symptoms of bladder stones in dogs
Some patients with bladder stones show no signs of any kind and the stones, but there are some changes that might promote a search for stones.
- Blood in the urine
- Straining to urinate
- Increased frequency to urinate (the dog will urinate small amounts on a regular basis)
If we suspect bladder stones, we will recommend an X-Ray (radiograph) or Ultrasound to be done, depending on the type of bladder stone.
How are bladder stones in dogs treated?
The most effective treatment solution is to remove the stones surgically, by opening the bladder through an incision in the abdomen.
In some cases, bladder stones can be dissolved by feeding your dog a special diet that is formulated to dissolve bladder stone(s).
Can bladder stones be prevented?
We will first examine the dog and investigate the bladder stones to figure out why the bladder stones have formed.
Usually, the dog’s diet can be adapted to prevent a recurrence of bladder stones. Talk to us about different diet options for your dog.
It is very important for your pet to have regular vet checkups (we recommend a minimum of once a year). Bladder stones are just one of the things that an owner won’t necessarly notice, but a vet will pick up on during these consultations.