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Atopic dermatitis (atopy) is an inherited allergic skin disease of dogs. The condition is characterised by inflammation, itchiness, repeated skin and ear infections. The face, ear flaps, abdomen and underarms areas are affected. Advanced cases have skin changes caused by self-inflicted damage, including red-brown saliva staining of light coloured hair, hair loss and black mottled…

The most common poison cases we see here in City Vet are as a result of exposure to household items. These could include: common foods (e.g. chocolate, coffee, grapes/raisins, nuts, yeast dough), human/animal medicines garden plants e.g. lilies and cats (very toxic and can cause kidney damage) garden pesticides, animal insecticides, rotting rubbish or compost…

Worms are internal parasites that can affect cats and dogs. They occur in a variety of organs, including lungs, heart, kidney and eye but mainly in the bowel. The most common worms are roundworms and tapeworms which live in the bowel. Although quite common, worms rarely cause serious disease. However, infected pets are a source…

Penny Penny is a 1 year old, female spayed cat who came to City Vet as she had been coughing for some time. On examination, she was found to have inflammation at the back of her throat and a slight increase in respiration sounds. Antibiotic treatment was prescribed. When she returned for a recheck examination,…

Cats and dogs have two anal sacs: one being located on either side of the anus. These glands are connected to the anus by a small duct each. The anal sacs have a lining which produces a dark, foul-smelling fluid which is stored by the sacs. The function of this fluid is as a scent…

Harvest mites are mites that are commonly found in forests and grasslands. They can also be known as red bugs, berry bugs or in their larval stage as chiggers. Harvest mites are relatives of spiders. They are nearly microscopic and have an orange hue. They most frequently infect humans and animals in their larval stage…

Canine Cough is a contagious respiratory tract disease of dogs. Affected dogs have a dry, hacking cough or may retch or gag and appear to choke. Canine Cough is also called kennel cough or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. What is Canine Cough? The main cause is usually a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica and a mix of…

In October 2015, Jordan Walker from Coops and Cages wrote a guest blog for Pete Wedderburn about what to consider when choosing a new pet to join your family. You can view the original post by visiting here. Choosing a pet for your family is indeed very exciting. Not only will you be having a…

Terrible Ticks Ticks are external parasites that can attach themselves to your pet and gorge on their blood. They are mostly found in woodlands and long grassy areas but they can also be found in gardens and parks. An empty tick is often the size of a sesame seed but they become more obvious to…

Lungworm – is your dog at risk? The life-threatening lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum is carried by slugs and snails. If your dog swallows one of these common garden visitors there is a risk it could become infected. Lungworm is a life threatening disease which appears to be on the increase. For dogs to become infected they…