Pet Health Information
At Kloof Road Vet, we believe that informed pet owners make the best decisions for their furry companions. To help you understand common health issues affecting cats and dogs, we’ve put together useful information and downloadable resources on various pet conditions. Click on the links below to download detailed PDFs for each topic.
Feline Aids (FIV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), commonly referred to as Feline AIDS, weakens a cat’s immune system, making it more susceptible to infections. FIV is transmitted primarily through bite wounds from infected cats.
- Symptoms: Weight loss, fever, inflamed gums, and persistent diarrhea.
- Prevention: Keep your cat indoors to reduce exposure to FIV-positive cats.
Hairballs
Hairballs form when cats groom themselves and ingest loose hair. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent vomiting of hairballs can indicate digestive issues.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, gagging, constipation, or loss of appetite.
- Prevention: Regular grooming and specialized cat foods designed to reduce hairball formation.
Parvo
Canine parvovirus is a contagious virus mainly affecting dogs and wolves. CPV is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. Vaccines can prevent this infection, but mortality can reach 91% in untreated cases. Treatment often involves veterinary hospitalization.
The first signs of parvo, or canine parvovirus, usually appear within a week after your dog contracts the infection. Some of the telltale signs of parvo include diarrhea, with blood or mucus in the stool, loss of appetite, severe vomiting, and lethargy
- Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge, and loss of appetite.
- Prevention: Vaccinations are essential to protect your animal
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus weakens a cat’s immune system and can lead to serious illnesses such as cancer, anemia, and infections.
- Symptoms: Weight loss, pale gums, recurring infections, and lethargy.
- Prevention: Regular vaccinations and keeping your cat indoors can help prevent FeLV.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are areas of inflamed, infected skin that appear suddenly. They are caused by anything that irritates a dog’s skin, such as fleas, allergies, or excessive licking.
- Symptoms: Red, oozing, and painful areas on the skin, typically around the head, hips, or chest.
- Treatment: Clean the area and apply topical treatments as prescribed by a vet.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly viral infection affecting the brain and nervous system, and it can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals.
- Symptoms: Behavioral changes, aggression, drooling, paralysis.
- Prevention: Rabies vaccinations are required by law for both dogs and cats in South Africa.
Biliary (Tick Fever)
Biliary, also known as Tick Fever, is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite transmitted through tick bites. It affects the red blood cells in dogs.
- Symptoms: Lethargy, pale gums, fever, and dark urine.
- Prevention: Regular tick control treatments and avoiding tick-infested areas.
Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
Otitis Externa is an inflammation of the outer ear canal, often caused by allergies, ear mites, or bacteria.
- Symptoms: Itching, ear odor, head shaking, and discharge.
- Treatment: Cleaning the ears and administering prescribed ear drops or medication.
Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily in places where dogs are in close contact, such as kennels.
- Symptoms: A dry, hacking cough, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite.
- Prevention: Regular vaccinations help reduce the risk of Kennel Cough.
Spirocerca Lupi
Spirocerca Lupi is a parasitic worm that affects dogs, causing nodules in the esophagus and other organs.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and weight loss.
- Prevention: Regular deworming and avoiding raw diets can help protect your dog.