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Mast cell tumours are the most common skin tumours in dogs. Almost 21% of all dog skin tumours are mast cell tumours. Any dog can develop mast cell tumours but certain breeds like the boxer, ridgeback,pug, boston terrier, pitbull, shar-pei and weimaraner are 4-8 times more likely to develop them compared to the general population. A mast cell tumour is diagnosed on a fine needle aspirate of the skin lump which is then evaluated under the microscope. They have distinct staining characteristics as can be seen in the picture. These tumours are very invasive and need wide surgical excision that may lead to tricky surgery if they are very large or in a difficult location like the face or extremities. After surgery the lump needs to be sent to a pathologist who will then grade the mast cell tumour as low or high grade and comment on the tumour free margins of the skin surrounding the mass. It is crucial to grade the tumour to determine a prognosis and indicate if further surgery, radiation or chemotherapy is necessary. It is important to seek veterinary advice when you notice any lumps or bumps on your pet’s skin. The earlier you can catch a mast cell tumour the easier they are to remove and the better the outcome.

Johnny presented with a complaint of intermittent painful episodes, initial X-rays revealed no osteoarthritis. An MRI was performed and a prolapsed intervertebral disc was seen between lumbar vertebrae number 7 and his sacrum. This condition is called cauda equina and is the reason for his painful episodes. A dorsal laminectomy was performed over the prolapsed disc space to relieve the pressure off the spinal cord, thus reducing the amount of pain Johnny was experiencing. Johnny is recovering well after his spinal surgery and has a long road of recovery ahead.

Little Noah “The Lion”  going home after his Neuter yesterday. What a Cutie

Pyometra is a very serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus that causes it to fill with bacteria and puss. It can happen in any intact female dog but is more common in older intact females A pyometra can be either open or closed. With an open pyometra, you will see a purulent discharge from the vagina. A closed pyometra may go unnoticed because the cervix is closed and the discharge can’t drain to the outside so it collects in the uterus. The bacteria in the uterus gets absorbed systemically and can lead to rapid and severe illness. The most common signs are decreased appetite, listlessness, depression, vomiting, and/or diarrhoea. A lot of dogs also start drinking more than usual. Pyometra is diagnosed with a physical examination, an increased white cell count on a blood smear, and an ultrasound examination of the abdomen. The treatment of choice is ovariohysterectomy (spay) If a pyometra is left untreated, the toxic effects of the bacteria will be fatal in many cases. It is a serious condition and requires prompt treatment. The best way to prevent this is to spay your female dog at a young age. If you would like to know more or book your dog in for a spay please contact us.

A dog's skin is a good indicator of their overall health. As dogs age, they may develop lumps, bumps, and cysts, which can be normal. However, these can also be signs of an underlying problem. It's important to keep an eye on your dog skin and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes or abnormalities. How we diagnose lumps​ ​ When it comes diagnosing lumps in dogs, a sample of cells may need to be taken. This can be done by performing a fine needle aspirate or surgically removing a small tissue sample. These procedures can help determine the nature of the lump and guide further treatment options. What is a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) ​ A fine needle aspirate is a biopsy procedure commonly used to investigate lumps and masses. During the procedure, a hollow needle is inserted into the mass for sampling of cells, which are then placed on a slide for examination under a microscope. A FNA is a minimally invasive and safe procedure that can provide valuable diagnostic information. why is a fna necessary ​ There are two major types of lumps and bumps on dogs: malignant (cancerous) and benign (not cancerous). However, you can’t tell the type or severity of a growth just by looking at it. A FNA allows your veterinarian to look at cells to determine if your pet has an inflammation, an infection, a cyst or a tumour. A FNA is the first step in determining if your pet may need further diagnostics or surgery to remove the lump. Not all tumours can be diagnosed on FNA alone but it guides your veterinarian on the next best steps to treat a lump or bump. What to Do If You Find a Lump on Your Dog It is advisable to seek veterinary attention for any growths observed on your dog to ensure optimal care. It is recommended that you take note of the lesion location, duration, any changes, and your dog's reaction to it. This information will aid your veterinarian in determining the most appropriate course of action for your pet. Treatment for Lumps​ Monitoring for changes Laser treatment Surgical removal Chemotherapy

Is your dog battling a skin or subcutaneous tumor? Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment now offered at our clinic to help fight cancer more effectively. What is Electrochemotherapy? Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a cutting-edge treatment that combines chemotherapy with electrical pulses to enhance drug uptake directly into tumor cells, offering a targeted approach to cancer therapy. Indications: Mast cell tumours Soft tissue sarcomas Melanomas Perianal tumours Recurring or non-surgically accessible tumours Benefits: Targeted tumour destruction Preserves surrounding healthy tissue Less invasive than surgery Fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy Often done as an outpatient procedure How It Works: A low dose of chemotherapy is injected into or around the tumor A series of short electrical pulses is applied These pulses temporarily open cell membranes, allowing the drug to penetrate more effectively Tumor cells are destroyed while healthy tissue remains largely unaffected Your pet deserves the best care. If your dog has been diagnosed with a tumor, ask us if electrochemotherapy is an option. https://www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za/oncology https://www.leroybiotech.com/electrochemotherapy/what-is-electrochemotherapy/

Tick-bite fever (Babesiosis) is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs, especially during the hot summer months. This is a life-threatening disease, but luckily, it is also very easy to prevent. This is Oreo. A 12-week-old pup got the worst end of the disease and required a blood transfusion. Lucky for him, his treatment was successful, and he is now enjoying his puppyhood disease-free. The good news is that tick fever is almost 100% preventable by making sure your dog’s tick and flea control is up to date. There are many products on the market but your vet can advise you best on which product will work for your pet.

Ava is reading up on proper protocols for postoperative care. Ava had a luxating patella and it was corrected by doing a RidgeStop surgery. This is a surgical technique that uses a prosthetic implant to form a "Ridge " to prevent the patella from luxating.